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Sivaganesan M, Willis JR, Diedrich A, Shanks OC. A fecal score approximation model for analysis of real-time quantitative PCR fecal source identification measurements. Water Res 2024; 255:121482. [PMID: 38598887 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Numerous qPCR-based methods are available to estimate the concentration of fecal pollution sources in surface waters. However, qPCR fecal source identification data sets often include a high proportion of non-detections (reactions failing to attain a prespecified minimal signal intensity for detection) and measurements below the assay lower limit of quantification (minimal signal intensity required to estimate target concentration), making it challenging to interpret results in a quantitative manner while accounting for error. In response, a Bayesian statistic based Fecal Score (FS) approach was developed that estimates the weighted average concentration of a fecal source identification genetic marker across a defined group of samples, mathematically incorporating qPCR measurements from all samples. Yet, implementation is technically demanding and computationally intensive requiring specialized training, the use of expert software, and access to high performance computing. To address these limitations, this study reports a novel approximation model for FS determination based on a frequentist approach. The performance of the Bayesian and Frequentist models are compared using fecal source identification qPCR data representative of different 'censored' data scenarios from a recently published study focusing on the impact of stormwater discharge in urban streams. In addition, data set eligibility recommendations for the responsible use of these models are presented. Findings indicate that the Frequentist model can generate similar average concentrations and uncertainty estimates for FS, compared to the original Bayesian approach. The Frequentist model should make calculations less computationally and technically intensive, allowing for the development of easier to use data analysis tools for fecal source identification applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Jessica R Willis
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Adam Diedrich
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
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2
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Dias AP, Orsel K, De Buck J. Quantifying and mapping digital dermatitis-associated bacteria in lesion and nonlesion body sites and dairy farm environment. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3252-3268. [PMID: 38135044 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The source of infection of digital dermatitis (DD), an infectious lameness condition, is still uncertain. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify potential reservoirs of DD bacteria in dairy cattle body sites with different stages of the disease and farm environments. We collected skin swabs from 85 dairy cows from 5 herds, 3 with and 2 without DD, from foot, hock, and udder cleft skin (with lesions or not), saliva, urine, and feces. We also obtained environmental samples. Real-time quantitative PCR targeted Treponema phagedenis, Treponema medium, Treponema pedis, Porphyromonas levii, Bacteroides pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Fusobacterium mortiferum. Digital dermatitis-associated Treponema spp. were exclusively detected in DD-affected herds in DD-foot and other skin lesions, healthy skin, saliva, and environmental samples. In contrast, the non-Treponema spp. were found in samples from both DD-negative and affected herds. As expected, DD lesions had higher bacterial loads than healthy skin. Interestingly, similar counts were observed in udder cleft lesions, indicating a potential opportunistic behavior on compromised skin. None of the targeted species were detected in fecal samples, but P. levii, B. pyogenes, and F. necrophorum were detected in urine. All 7 species were detected in saliva, although in low quantities. No associations were observed between the presence of each bacterial species in DD lesions and urine; however, there was an association between the presence of DD-Treponema spp. in lesions and saliva, hock, and udder skin. Feces and urine do not seem to be a DD bacteria primary source, but saliva and other skin lesions may play a role. Longitudinal studies would improve our understanding of DD-associated bacteria's transient or persistent presence in these sites. Investigating the sources of DD-associated bacteria will guide future interventions to minimize bacterial shedding and transmission, ultimately more effectively reducing bacterial load, transmission, and sources of infection in dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Dias
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - K Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - J De Buck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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3
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Wilcox TM, Kronenberger JA, Young MK, Mason DH, Franklin TW, Schwartz MK. The unknown unknown: A framework for assessing environmental DNA assay specificity against unsampled taxa. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13932. [PMID: 38263813 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Taxon-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays are commonly used for environmental DNA sampling-based inference of animal presence. These assays require thorough validation to ensure that amplification truly indicates detection of the target taxon, but a thorough validation is difficult when there are potentially many non-target taxa, some of which may have incomplete taxonomies. Here, we use a previously published, quantitative model of cross-amplification risk to describe a framework for assessing qPCR assay specificity when there is missing information and it is not possible to assess assay specificity for each individual non-target confamilial. In this framework, we predict assay specificity against unsampled taxa (non-target taxa without sequence data available) using the sequence information that is available for other confamilials. We demonstrate this framework using four case study assays for: (1) An endemic, freshwater arthropod (meltwater stonefly; Lednia tumana), (2) a globally distributed, marine ascidian (Didemnum perlucidum), (3) a continentally distributed freshwater crustacean (virile crayfish; Faxonius virilis, deanae and nais species complex) and (4) a globally distributed freshwater teleost (common carp; Cyprinus carpio and its close relative C. rubrofuscus). We tested the robustness of our approach to missing information by simulating application of our framework for all possible subsamples of 20-all non-target taxa. Our results suggest that the modelling framework results in estimates which are largely concordant with observed levels of cross-amplification risk using all available sequence data, even when there are high levels of data missingness. We explore potential limitations and extensions of this approach for assessing assay specificity and provide users with an R Markdown template for generating reproducible reports to support their own assay validation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Wilcox
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - John A Kronenberger
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Michael K Young
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Daniel H Mason
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Thomas W Franklin
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Michael K Schwartz
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, USA
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4
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Dias AP, Aguilar XF, De Buck J, Kutz S, Arrazuria R. Digital dermatitis-associated Treponema species detection and quantification in migratory tundra caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105210. [PMID: 38460203 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Treponema spp. are associated with infectious lameness in livestock and wild ruminants. While extensive research has been conducted on cattle, investigations in wild ruminants are scarce. Hoof disease is common in caribou populations (Rangifer tarandus), but investigations are limited due to the remoteness of the Arctic. Our study aimed to assess the presence of Treponema spp. associated with bovine digital dermatitis in caribou. DNA was extracted from coronary band tissues from forty-eight caribou without visible hoof lesions and analyzed using two PCR methods (qPCR and nPCR). Treponema spp. were detected in low copy numbers/mg of tissue (3.6 to 6.6 × 101). T. phagedenis was the most prevalent and abundant species in 58% of samples by qPCR, followed by T. medium (44%), and T. pedis (10%). The qPCR and nPCR agreement ranged between 65% and 75% (Cohen's kappa 0.22-0.51). Sanger sequencing of thirteen nPCR products confirmed that treponemes in caribou are remarkably similar to those found in domestic ruminants and wild elk. Our study highlights the colonization of treponemes in healthy hooves of a wild ruminant in the Arctic, where there is no presence of livestock, and expands knowledge on the host range and distribution of treponemes. These findings also emphasize the need for further research into the multifactorial nature of treponema-associated hoof diseases and the putative role of treponemes in infectious lameness affecting caribou.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica P Dias
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Xavier F Aguilar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Jeroen De Buck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Susan Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Rakel Arrazuria
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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5
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van der Pouw Kraan D, Graham CT, Kavanagh F, Mirimin L. Development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit using a high-throughput qPCR platform: A case study of Irish shellfish species. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13945. [PMID: 38429942 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Biomonitoring of marine life has been enhanced in recent years by the integration of innovative DNA-based approaches, which offer advantages over more laborious techniques (e.g. microscopy). However, trade-offs between throughput, sensitivity and quantitative measurements must be made when choosing between the prevailing molecular methodologies (i.e. metabarcoding or qPCR/dPCR). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the utility of a microfluidic-enabled high-throughput quantitative PCR platform (HTqPCR) for the rapid and cost-effective development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit, using larvae of 23 commercially targeted bivalve and crustacean species as a case study. The workflow was divided into three main phases: definition of (off-) target taxa and establishment of reference databases (PHASE 1); selection/development and assessment of molecular assays (PHASE 2); and protocol optimization and field validation (PHASE 3). 42 assays were eventually chosen and validated. Genetic signal not only showed good correlation with direct visual counts by microscopy but also showed the ability to provide quantitative data at the highest taxonomic resolution (species level) in a time- and cost-effective fashion. This study developed a biomonitoring toolkit, demonstrating the considerable advantages of this state-of-the-art technology in boosting the developmental testing and application of panels of molecular assays for the monitoring and management of natural resources. Once developed, this approach provides a cost and time-effective alternative compared to other multi-species approaches (e.g. metabarcoding). In addition, it is transferable to a wide range of species and will aid future monitoring programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis van der Pouw Kraan
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Conor T Graham
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Fiona Kavanagh
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Luca Mirimin
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
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6
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Guo S, Wan Q, Xu M, Chen M, Chen Z. Transcriptome analysis of host anti-Aeromonas hydrophila infection revealed the pathogenicity of A. hydrophila to American eels (Anguilla rostrata). Fish & Shellfish Immunology 2024; 148:109504. [PMID: 38508539 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila is a commonly pathogenic bacterium in cultivated eels, but its pathogenicity to American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and the molecular mechanism of host anti-A. hydrophila infection remains uncertain. In this study, LD50 of A. hydrophila to American eels was determined and bacterial load in the liver and kidney of eels was assessed post 2.56 doses of LD50 of A. hydrophila infection. The results showed that the LD50 of A. hydrophila to American eels was determined to be 3.9 × 105 cfu/g body weight (7.8 × 106 cfu/fish), and the bacterial load peaked at 36 h post the infection (hpi) in the liver. Then, the histopathology was highlighted by congestion in splenic blood vessels, atrophied glomeruli, and necrotic hepatocytes. Additionally, the results of qRT-PCR revealed that 18 host immune-related genes showed significantly up or downregulated post-infection compare to that of pre-infection. Finally, results of the RNA-seq revealed 10 hub DEGs and 7 encoded proteins play essential role to the anti-A. hydrophila infection in American eels. Pathogenicity of A. hydrophila to American eels and RNA-seq of host anti-A. hydrophila infection were firstly reported in this study, shedding new light on our understanding of the A. hydrophila pathogenesis and the host immune response to the A. hydrophila infection strategies in gene transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Guo
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PR China, Xiamen, 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, China.
| | - Qijuan Wan
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PR China, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, China
| | - Minxia Chen
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PR China, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PR China, Xiamen, 361021, China
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7
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Li S, Jian Y, Zhang K, Li X, Wang R, Zhang L, Jian F. Host specific Eimeria genus diagnosis and qPCR development in Ovis aries and Capra hircus. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 220:106910. [PMID: 38452905 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR (qPCR) technique for the diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in Ovis aries and Capra hircus. The qPCR technique was developed using SYBR Green, resulting in a PCR with high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yichen Jian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kaihui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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8
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Maniego J, Pesko B, Habershon-Butcher J, Hincks P, Taylor P, Stewart G, Proudman C, Ryder E. Detection of adeno-associated viral DNA in equine post-administration frozen blood and plasma samples after long-term storage. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:498-503. [PMID: 37671588 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene doping in horses is a threat to the fairness in sport and has serious implications for animal welfare. To investigate the effect of long-term storage on the detection of AAV in plasma and whole blood, samples from an administration study using an adeno-associated virus serotype 6 expressing green fluorescence protein (AAV6-GFP) were stored at -20°C for 8 months before analysis. The AAV vector was detected in stored plasma samples, following the same detection profile as the fresh plasma samples. The stored blood showed lower overall DNA detection but followed the same detection profile as the plasma samples. This study provides confidence that re-analysing plasma samples and/or analysing a frozen 'B' sample with different matrix such as whole blood after prolonged storage will still result in the detection of gene doping material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bogumila Pesko
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Fordham, UK
| | | | - Pamela Hincks
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Fordham, UK
| | - Polly Taylor
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Fordham, UK
| | - Graham Stewart
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Edward Ryder
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Fordham, UK
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9
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Nabeshima K, Kuriyama T, Takagi S, Sugimoto T, Yokoyama M, Goka K, Onuma M. Novel approach for detecting classical swine fever virus from swabs of wild boar cut tails using nested real-time PCR. J Vet Med Sci 2024:24-0062. [PMID: 38658334 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We devised a method to detect the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in tail-wiped swabs from wild boars. The CSFV gene in swabs was detected with high sensitivity using nested real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is a combination of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. We compared CSFV gene detection from boar tissue using the conventional and our tail-wiped swab method. The tail-wiped swab method showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% (26/26) and 98.8% (172/174), respectively compared to the conventional method. Thus, the swab-based CSFV detection method was considered to have detection sensitivity comparable to that of conventional methods. Additionally, we conducted surveillance for CSFV in wild boars on Awaji Island. CSFV was detected in 10.7% (45/420) of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nabeshima
- Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Takeo Kuriyama
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo
- Wildlife Management Research Center, Hyogo
| | - Shun Takagi
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo
- Wildlife Management Research Center, Hyogo
| | - Taro Sugimoto
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo
| | - Mayumi Yokoyama
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo
- Wildlife Management Research Center, Hyogo
| | - Koichi Goka
- Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Manabu Onuma
- Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem, National Institute for Environmental Studies
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10
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Kampmann ML, Tfelt-Hansen J, Børsting C. Cleaning protocols in forensic genetic laboratories. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03232-0. [PMID: 38649547 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
It is pivotal to avoid cross-sample contamination in forensic genetic laboratories and optimal cleaning protocols for the removal of DNA are essential. A survey was performed, and ten forensic genetic laboratories shared their cleaning protocols in pre-PCR and post-PCR laboratories. The cleaning frequencies on different surface areas were somewhat similar, whereas none of the laboratories used the same cleaning reagents. Therefore, the efficiencies of the cleaning protocol utilised were tested and compared. The results showed that freshly made household bleach and Virkon® removed all amplifiable DNA from the surfaces, whereas DNA AWAY™ and the disinfection reagents ethanol, isopropanol, and ChemGene HLD4L did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louise Kampmann
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Børsting
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Karagülle G, Telli M. Effects of green light supplementation with red and blue combinations of LED light spectrums on the growth and transcriptional response of Haematococcus pluvialis. Biotechnol Prog 2024:e3462. [PMID: 38641974 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Light management strategy is crucial for improving microalgal production in terms of higher biomass and economically valuable bioactive molecules. However, green light has received less attention in developing light managements for algae and higher plant due to its low absorption rate by chlorophyll. In this study, the effects of green light supplementation, in the combination with red and blue light were investigated in Haematococcus pluvialis. 10% and 20% of green light supplementations were applied in 3:2 ratios of red and blue LED light combinations as an expense of red-light. Growth rates, chlorophyll concentration, and dry weight were measured to assess the growth kinetics of H. pluvialis along with the relative transcript accumulations of four mRNAs: Rubisco, PTOX2, PsaB, and PsbS. Growth rates, chlorophyll concentrations and dry weight were found significantly higher in presence of 10% green light supplementation compared to red and blue light combinations. The relative transcript accumulations of Rubisco and PsbS genes showed significant upregulation at the end of the experiments (with the fold change of 42.91 ± 12.08 and 98.57 ± 27.38, respectively, relative to the beginning of the experiments) compared to combinations of red and blue light (fold change of 19.09 ± 3.0 and 47.77 ± 14.21, respectively, relative to beginning of the experiments). PsaB and PTOX2 transcripts did not show significant accumulation differences between treatments. It seems that green light has a dose dependent additive effect on the growth rate of H. pluvialis. The upregulation of Rubisco and PsbS may indicate green light dependent carbon assimilation and light-harvesting response in H. pluvialis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Karagülle
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - M Telli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
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12
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Chowdhury G, Ghosh D, Zhou Y, Deb AK, Mukhopadhyay AK, Dutta S, Chakraborty S. Field evaluation of a simple and rapid diagnostic test, RLDT to detect Shigella and enterotoxigenic E. coli in Indian children. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8816. [PMID: 38627472 PMCID: PMC11021469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59181-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic assays currently used to detect Shigella spp. (Shigella) and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are complex or elaborate which make them difficult to apply in resource poor settings where these diseases are endemic. The simple and rapid nucleic acid amplification-based assay "Rapid LAMP-based Diagnostic Test (RLDT)" was evaluated to detect Shigella spp (Shigella) and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and determine the epidemiology of these pathogens in Kolkata, India. Stool samples (n = 405) from children under five years old with diarrhea seeking care at the hospitals were tested, and 85(21%) and 68(17%) by RLDT, 91(23%) and 58(14%) by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 35(9%) and 15(4%) by culture, were positive for Shigella and ETEC, respectively. The RLDT showed almost perfect agreement with qPCR, Kappa 0.96 and 0.89; sensitivity 93% and 98%; specificity 100% and 97% for Shigella and ETEC, respectively. While RLDT detected additional 12% Shigella and 13% ETEC than culture, all culture positives for Shigella and ETEC except one each were also positive by the RLDT, sensitivity 97% and 93% respectively. RLDT is a simple, sensitive, and rapid assay that could be implemented with minimum training in the endemic regions to strengthen the disease surveillance system and rapid outbreak detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutam Chowdhury
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata, 700010, India
| | - Debjani Ghosh
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata, 700010, India
| | - Yiyi Zhou
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alok K Deb
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata, 700010, India
| | - Asish Kumar Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata, 700010, India.
| | - Shanta Dutta
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata, 700010, India
| | - Subhra Chakraborty
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Moreno Y, Moreno-Mesonero L, Soler P, Zornoza A, Soriano A. Influence of drinking water biofilm microbiome on water quality: Insights from a real-scale distribution system. Sci Total Environ 2024; 921:171086. [PMID: 38382601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms, constituting over 95 % of the biomass in drinking water distribution systems, form an ecosystem impacting both the aesthetic and microbiological quality of water. This study investigates the microbiome of biofilms within a real-scale drinking water distribution system in eastern Spain, utilizing amplicon-based metagenomics. Forty-one biofilm samples underwent processing and sequencing to analyze both bacterial and eukaryotic microbiomes, with an assessment of active biomass. Genus-level analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity, with Desulfovibrio, Ralstonia, Bradyrhizobium, Methylocystis, and Bacillus identified as predominant genera. Notably, bacteria associated with corrosion processes, including Desulfovibrio, Sulfuricella, Hyphomicrobium, and Methylobacterium, were prevalent. Potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter, Pseudomonas, and Legionella were also detected. Among protozoa, Opisthokonta and Archaeplastida were the most abundant groups in biofilm samples, with potential pathogenic eukaryotes (Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Blastocystis) identified. Interestingly, no direct correlation between microbiota composition and pipe materials was observed. The study suggests that the usual concentration of free chlorine in bulk water proved insufficient to prevent the presence of undesirable bacteria and protozoa in biofilms, which exhibited a high concentration of active biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Soler
- Empresa Mixta Valenciana de Aguas, S.A. (EMIVASA), Av. del Regne de València, 28, 46005, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrés Zornoza
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain; H2OCITIES, SL, Arte Mayor de la Seda, 15, 46950 Xirivella, Valencia, Spain
| | - Adela Soriano
- Empresa Mixta Valenciana de Aguas, S.A. (EMIVASA), Av. del Regne de València, 28, 46005, Valencia, Spain
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Ramirez-Calderon G, Saleh A, Hidalgo Castillo TC, Druet V, Almarhoon B, Almulla L, Adamo A, Inal S. Enhancing the Maturation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes with an n-Type Organic Semiconductor Coating. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024. [PMID: 38620064 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) are a promising cell source for cardiac regenerative medicine and in vitro modeling. However, hPSC-CMs exhibit immature structural and functional properties compared with adult cardiomyocytes. Various electrical, mechanical, and biochemical cues have been applied to enhance hPSC-CM maturation but with limited success. In this work, we investigated the potential application of the semiconducting polymer poly{[N,N'-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)} (P(NDI2OD-T2)) as a light-sensitive material to stimulate hPSC-CMs optically. Our results indicated that P(NDI2OD-T2)-mediated photostimulation caused cell damage at irradiances applied long-term above 36 μW/mm2 and did not regulate cardiac monolayer beating (after maturation) at higher intensities applied in a transient fashion. However, we discovered that the cells grown on P(NDI2OD-T2)-coated substrates showed significantly enhanced expression of cardiomyocyte maturation markers in the absence of a light exposure stimulus. A combination of techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, which we applied to investigate the interface of the cell with the n-type coating, revealed that P(NDI2OD-T2) impacted the nanostructure, adsorption, and viscoelasticity of the Matrigel coating used as a cell adhesion promoter matrix. This modified cellular microenvironment promoted the expression of cardiomyocyte maturation markers related to contraction, calcium handling, metabolism, and conduction. Overall, our findings demonstrate that conjugated polymers such as P(NDI2OD-T2) can be used as passive coatings to direct stem cell fate through interfacial engineering of cell growth substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ramirez-Calderon
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Diseases, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Saleh
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tania Cecilia Hidalgo Castillo
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Victor Druet
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Almarhoon
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Latifah Almulla
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Antonio Adamo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Diseases, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahika Inal
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Hernandez M, Kc AN. Determining the Timing of Spore Release by Botryosphaeriaceae Species in Oregon Vineyards. Plant Dis 2024:PDIS07231359RE. [PMID: 37923978 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-07-23-1359-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Botryosphaeria dieback, caused by a group of pathogens in the Botryosphaeriaceae family, is one of the most common grapevine trunk disease complexes (GTDs) found in Oregon vineyards. To understand the period of spores released by Botryosphaeria spp. in Oregon vineyards, four Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore traps were placed in vineyard blocks in northern and southern Oregon. Each trap was placed near a younger (<10 years) and older (>30 years) block in both regions. Spore traps were deployed at the beginning of December 2019 and continued until March 2021. Between these timeframes, 475 and 477 days of samples were collected from each spore trap in northern and southern Oregon, respectively. DNA extraction was performed from individual day samples and followed by qPCR analysis of Botryosphaeria spores trapped in each tape sample. Weather data such as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity (RH), and wind speed were collected from nearby weather stations. Association between these data and number of spores detected were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. In northern Oregon, the detection occurred between December and February, and the first spore detection occurred when cumulative growing degree day (GDD) totaled to 4,357 and 4,351 units (TBase = 0°C, biofix date = January 1) during the first and second seasons, respectively. Similarly, in southern Oregon, the detection occurred between November and January, and the first spore detection occurred when cumulative GDD was 4,405 units during the second season. Hours of continuous RH >86% was significantly associated with number of spores released (P = 0.026; r = 0.42). During the spore detected dates, the RH was >86% for at least 19 consecutive hours. These findings provide an important implication to manage Botryosphaeria dieback by protecting pruning wounds during the most-spore-released periods. Furthermore, the knowledge of weather variables and their possible association with spore detection provides important information towards developing predictive models in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Hernandez
- Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Central Point, OR 97502
| | - Achala N Kc
- Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Central Point, OR 97502
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16
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Ravindran S, Underwood SL, Dorrens J, Seeker LA, Watt K, Wilbourn RV, Sparks AM, Sinclair R, Chen Z, Pilkington JG, McNeilly TN, Harrington L, Pemberton JM, Nussey DH, Froy H. No correlative evidence of costs of infection or immunity on leucocyte telomere length in a wild population of Soay sheep. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232946. [PMID: 38565156 PMCID: PMC10987235 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker hypothesized to capture evolutionarily and ecologically important physiological costs of reproduction, infection and immunity. Few studies have estimated the relationships among infection status, immunity, TL and fitness in natural systems. The hypothesis that short telomeres predict reduced survival because they reflect costly consequences of infection and immune investment remains largely untested. Using longitudinal data from a free-living Soay sheep population, we tested whether leucocyte TL was predicted by infection with nematode parasites and antibody levels against those parasites. Helminth parasite burdens were positively associated with leucocyte TL in both lambs and adults, which is not consistent with TL reflecting infection costs. We found no association between TL and helminth-specific IgG levels in either young or old individuals which suggests TL does not reflect costs of an activated immune response or immunosenescence. Furthermore, we found no support for TL acting as a mediator of trade-offs between infection, immunity and subsequent survival in the wild. Our results suggest that while variation in TL could reflect short-term variation in resource investment or environmental conditions, it does not capture costs of infection and immunity, nor does it behave like a marker of an individual's helminth-specific antibody immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Ravindran
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Sarah L. Underwood
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Jennifer Dorrens
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Luise A. Seeker
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Kathryn Watt
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Rachael V. Wilbourn
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Alexandra M. Sparks
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Rona Sinclair
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Zhulin Chen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Jill G. Pilkington
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Lea Harrington
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Josephine M. Pemberton
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Daniel H. Nussey
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Hannah Froy
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
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17
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Tessin J, Jung A, Silberborth A, Rohn K, Schulz J, Visscher C, Kemper N. Detection of Enterococcus cecorum to identify persistently contaminated locations using faecal and environmental samples in broiler houses of clinically healthy flocks. Avian Pathol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38525653 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2024.2334682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Methodology is suitable to detect EC during production and after C&D.Locations were detected that may serve as a reservoir for EC.Cycles with fewer positive samples were observed.Cleaning and disinfection had a major impact on the detection of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Tessin
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amanda Silberborth
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Schulz
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Visscher
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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18
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Varghese T, Mills JAP, Revathi R, Antoni S, Soeters HM, Emmanuel Njambe TO, Houpt ER, Tate JE, Parashar UD, Kang G. Etiology of diarrheal hospitalizations following rotavirus vaccine implementation and association of enteric pathogens with malnutrition among under-five children in India. Gut Pathog 2024; 16:22. [PMID: 38600552 PMCID: PMC11005126 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-024-00599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Malnourished children are at higher risk of mortality and morbidity following diarrheal illness and certain enteropathogens have been associated with malnutrition in children. Very few studies have comprehensively looked at the etiology of diarrhea in malnourished children and most have used conventional diagnostic methods with suboptimal sensitivity. We used a highly sensitive molecular approach against a broad range of pathogens causing diarrhea and examined their association with malnutrition. In addition, we looked at the pathogen diversity of pediatric diarrhea, three years after the nationwide rotavirus vaccine introduction to understand the evolving landscape of pathogens, which is crucial for planning strategies to further reduce the diarrhea burden. Clinical details and diarrheal stool samples were collected from hospitalized children aged < 5 years from three sentinel sites in India for a period of one year. The samples were tested by qPCR for 16 established causes of diarrhea using TaqMan Array Cards. A total of 772 children were enrolled, from whom 482 (62.4%) stool specimens were tested. No specific pathogen was associated with diarrhea among children with acute or chronic malnutrition compared to those with better nutritional status. Overall, adenovirus was the leading pathogen (attributable fraction (AF) 16.9%; 95% CI 14.1 to 19.2) followed by rotavirus (AF 12.6%; 95% CI 11.8 to 13.1) and Shigella (AF 10.9%; 95% CI 8.4 to 16.4). The majority of diarrhea requiring hospitalization in children aged < 2 years could be attributed to viruses, while Shigella was the most common pathogen among children aged > 2 years. These data on the prevalence and epidemiology of enteropathogens identified potential pathogens for public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tintu Varghese
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
| | - James A Platts Mills
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - R Revathi
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | | | - Eric R Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Tate
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Umesh D Parashar
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gagandeep Kang
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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19
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Paskey AC, Schully KL, Voegtly LJ, Arnold CE, Cer RZ, Frey KG, Blair PW, Clark DV, Ge H, Richards AL, Farris CM, Bishop-Lilly KA. A proof of concept for a targeted enrichment approach to the simultaneous detection and characterization of rickettsial pathogens from clinical specimens. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1387208. [PMID: 38659991 PMCID: PMC11039911 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1387208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with either Rickettsia prowazekii or Orientia tsutsugamushi is common, yet diagnostic capabilities are limited due to the short window for positive identification. Until now, although targeted enrichment had been applied to increase sensitivity of sequencing-based detection for various microorganisms, it had not been applied to sequencing of R. prowazekii in clinical samples. Additionally, hybridization-based targeted enrichment strategies had only scarcely been applied to qPCR of any pathogens in clinical samples. Therefore, we tested a targeted enrichment technique as a proof of concept and found that it dramatically reduced the limits of detection of these organisms by both qPCR and high throughput sequencing. The enrichment methodology was first tested in contrived clinical samples with known spiked-in concentrations of R. prowazekii and O. tsutsugamushi DNA. This method was also evaluated using clinical samples, resulting in the simultaneous identification and characterization of O. tsutsugamushi directly from clinical specimens taken from sepsis patients. We demonstrated that the targeted enrichment technique is helpful by lowering the limit of detection, not only when applied to sequencing, but also when applied to qPCR, suggesting the technique could be applied more broadly to include other assays and/or microbes for which there are limited diagnostic or detection modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C. Paskey
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
- Leidos, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Kevin L. Schully
- Austere Environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Logan J. Voegtly
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
- Leidos, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Catherine E. Arnold
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA, United States
| | - Regina Z. Cer
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kenneth G. Frey
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Paul W. Blair
- Austere Environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle V. Clark
- Austere Environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hong Ge
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Allen L. Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Christina M. Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Bishop-Lilly
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Frederick, MD, United States
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20
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Raele DA, Severini F, Toma L, Menegon M, Boccolini D, Tortorella G, Di Luca M, Cafiero MA. Anopheles sacharovi in Italy: first record of the historical malaria vector after over 50 years. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:182. [PMID: 38600589 PMCID: PMC11005165 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles sacharovi, a member of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, was a historical malaria vector in Italy, no longer found since the last report at the end of 1960s. In September 2022, within the Surveillance Project for the residual anophelism, a single specimen of An. maculipennis sensu lato collected in Lecce municipality (Apulia region) was molecularly identified as An. sacharovi. This record led to implement a targeted entomological survey in September 2023. METHODS Investigation was conducted in the areas around the first discovery, focusing on animal farms, riding stables and potential breeding sites. Adult and immature mosquitoes were collected, using active search or traps, in several natural and rural sites. Mosquitoes belonging to An. maculipennis complex were identified morphologically and molecularly by a home-made routine quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, developed specifically for the rapid identification of An. labranchiae, and, when necessary, by amplification and sequencing of the ITS-2 molecular marker. RESULTS Out of the 11 sites investigated, 6 were positive for Anopheles presence. All 20 An. maculipennis s.l. (7 adults, 10 larvae and 3 pupae) collected in the areas were identified as An. sacharovi by ITS-2 sequencing. CONCLUSIONS The discovery of An. sacharovi, considered to have disappeared from Italy for over 50 years, has a strong health relevance and impact, highlighting an increase in the receptivity of the southern areas. As imported malaria cases in European countries are reported every year, the risk of Plasmodium introduction by gametocyte carriers among travellers from endemic countries should be taken into greater consideration. Our findings allow rethinking and building new models for the prediction and expansion of introduced malaria. Furthermore, to prevent the risk of reintroduction of the disease, the need to strengthen the surveillance of residual anophelism throughout the South should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Antonio Raele
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e Della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia, 20, 71121, Foggia, Italia.
| | - Francesco Severini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Daniela Boccolini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Giovanni Tortorella
- Azienda Sanitaria Nazionale (ASL), Servizio Veterinario Sanità Animale, Viale Don Minzoni N. 8, 73100, Lecce, Italia
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Maria Assunta Cafiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e Della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia, 20, 71121, Foggia, Italia
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Sharma D, Wilson C, Kumar S, Ghose S, Sahoo R, Sharawat SK. Does presence of complex translocations involving BCR::ABL1 in chronic myeloid leukemia affect the response rate to tyrosine kinase inhibitors? A systematic review of the literature. Ann Diagn Pathol 2024; 71:152303. [PMID: 38636337 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2024.152303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome (9;22)(q34;q11) comprises 90-95 % of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), while 5-10 % of CML have translocations involving three or more chromosomes. The outcome of treating patients harbouring complex Ph-positive cytogenetics with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is unclear. In the present systematic review, we aim to summarise the response of patients with complex Ph-positive cytogenetics to treatment with TKI therapy. We collated all available literature from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science database, Cochrane library, Scopus and Embase (up until January 31st, 2024), which describe cases of patients with CML, harbouring complex Ph-positive variations (three and four-way translocations), and summarised their response to TKI therapy. The studies were screened for the following criteria: documented TKI intervention and outcome (whether CR was achieved). Studies that did not report the same, were excluded. Additionally, we report a case from our center of a 55-year-old patient with CML, positive for the Ph-chromosome, harbouring a three-way translocation involving chromosome 15 i.e. 46XX, t(9;15;22) (q34;p11;q11). Identification of BCR::ABL and involvement of chromosome 15 was carried out using conventional cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 15 studies were included from which a total of 87 cases were covered. Overall, we identified 38 unique complex three- and four-way translocations across 87 Ph-positive cases and found that 85 patients with complex Ph-positive cytogenetics achieved complete remission upon treatment and did not appear to have a lesser response to TKI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwakar Sharma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A. I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Christine Wilson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A. I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A. I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sampa Ghose
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A. I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ranjit Sahoo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A. I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Surender K Sharawat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A. I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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22
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Moorhead KA, Adamovicz LA, Allender MC. Development and analytical validation of a novel quantitative PCR assay for the detection of Trachemys herpesvirus 1. J Virol Methods 2024; 327:114941. [PMID: 38599248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are a threat that contributes to the decline of global chelonian species. Herpesviruses are among the most impactful pathogens described in chelonians and are frequently associated with a range of presentations across hosts with the potential for severe morbidity and mortality. Trachemys herpesvirus 1 (TrHV1) has been reported in red-eared and yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys scripta scripta, respectively) but is largely understudied. Invasive red-eared sliders may serve as a reservoir for transmission to sympatric native species. This study aimed to develop a sensitive and specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of TrHV1 DNA to aid in the characterization of the epidemiology of this virus in aquatic turtles. Two TaqMan-MGB FAM-dye labeled primer-probe sets were designed and evaluated using plasmid dilutions. The higher performing assay was specific for TrHV1 DNA and had a linear dynamic range of 1.0 × 107 to 1.0 × 101 copies per reaction with an R2 of 0.999, slope of -3.386, and efficiency of 97.39%. The limit of detection was 101 copies per reaction, and there was no loss of reaction efficiency in the presence of TrHV1-negative chelonian oral-cloacal DNA. Overall, the Trachemys herpesvirus 1 assay meets established criteria for acceptable qPCR assays and will be a valuable tool in characterizing the epidemiology of Trachemys herpesvirus 1 in chelonians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin A Moorhead
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| | - Laura A Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
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23
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Sun H, Zheng J, Zhang Q, Ying F, Fu Y, Guan Y, Wu J, Zhou Y, Dong J, Xu M, Yang F, An N, Shi N, Zhang L, Zhu S, Liu J, Li M. Screening of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Carriers and Prenatal Diagnosis in Pregnant Women in Yancheng, China. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10775-9. [PMID: 38581475 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Patients with severe symptoms may suffer respiratory failure, leading to death. The homozygous deletion of exon 7 in the SMN1 gene accounts for nearly 95% of all cases. Population carrier screening for SMA and prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis for high-risk couples can assist in identifying the risk of fetal disease. We provided the SMA carrier screening process to 55,447 pregnant women in Yancheng from October 2020 to December 2022. Among them, 8185 participated in this process, with a participation rate of around 14.76% (95% CI 14.47-15.06%). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect deletions of SMN1 exons 7 and 8 (E7, E8) in screened pregnant women. 127 were identified as carriers (111 cases of E7 and E8 heterozygous deletions, 15 cases of E7 heterozygous deletions, and 1 case of E7 heterozygous deletions and E8 homozygous deletions), resulting in a carrying rate of around 1.55% (95% CI 1.30-1.84%). After genetic counseling, 114 spouses of pregnant women who tested positive underwent SMA carrier screening; three of them were screened as SMA carriers. Multiplexed ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used for the prenatal diagnosis of the fetuses of high-risk couples. Two of them exhibited two copies of SMN1 exon 7 (normal), and the pregnancy was continued; one exhibited no copies of SMN1 exon 7 and exon 8 (SMA patient), and the pregnancy was terminated. Analyzing SMN1 mutations in Yancheng and provide clinical evidence for SMA genetic counseling and birth defect prevention. Interventional prenatal diagnosis for high-risk families can promote informed reproductive selection and prepare for the fetus's early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Sun
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Jianli Zheng
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Qing'e Zhang
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Feifei Ying
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Yongjuan Guan
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Jing Wu
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Yueyun Zhou
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Jingjing Dong
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Mengjun Xu
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Ning An
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Ning Shi
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Shu Zhu
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Jianbing Liu
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China.
| | - Min Li
- The Affiliated Yancheng Maternity&Child Health Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical School, Yancheng, 224001, China.
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24
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Teng F, Sun X, Ran Y, Liu C, Shi H, Tian Y. Role of Radiation-related Lung Function Genes in Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of Lung Adenocarcinoma. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:CCHTS-EPUB-139562. [PMID: 38584564 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073275640231228124547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common malignant tumor with no obvious clinical symptoms in its early stages. Patients can be divided into radiotherapysensitive groups (RS) and radiotherapy-resistant groups (RR) due to their varying conditions. The therapeutic effect of radiotherapy is quite different between the two groups. Therefore, this paper explores the role of radiation-related lung function genes in LUAD and its immune landscape. METHODS Firstly, we divided LUAD samples from the TCGA cohort into RS and RR groups and analyzed differential expression to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, DEGs and patients' grouping information were input into the weighted co-expression network, and the genes in the radiotherapy-related modules were identified. Furthermore, after the intersection of DEGs and lung function-related genes, the prognosis-related genes were obtained through univariate Cox and Lasso-Cox analyses, respectively, and the risk model was constructed. Finally, the differences in prognosis and immunity of the samples in the risk model were explored. Additionally, we also performed a qPCR experiment on lung function-related genes. RESULTS In this paper, radiation-related genes of LUAD were identified through a series of bioinformatics analyses. By conducting enrichment analysis on these genes, several pathways related to LUAD radiation were identified, and DEGs associated with significant prognosis were determined. Furthermore, a radiation-related risk model of LUAD was developed. All samples were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the risk score, and the differences in immune cell infiltration abundance and immune function between these groups were evaluated. The qPCR experimental results demonstrated a significant difference in the expression of genes related to lung function. CONCLUSION The prognosis-related genes identified in this paper and the risk model created can serve as a reference for diagnosing and treating LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuge Ran
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Chan Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Hongyun Shi
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
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25
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Kissmann AK, Bolotnikov G, Li R, Müller F, Xing H, Krämer M, Gottschalk KE, Andersson J, Weil T, Rosenau F. IMPATIENT- qPCR: monitoring SELEX success during in vitro aptamer evolution. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:284. [PMID: 38573322 PMCID: PMC10995058 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) processes aim on the evolution of high-affinity aptamers as binding entities in diagnostics and biosensing. Aptamers can represent game-changers as constituents of diagnostic assays for the management of instantly occurring infectious diseases or other health threats. Without in-process quality control measures SELEX suffers from low overall success rates. We present a quantitative PCR method for fast and easy quantification of aptamers bound to their targets. Simultaneous determination of melting temperatures (Tm) of each SELEX round delivers information on the evolutionary success via the correlation of increasing GC content and Tm alone with a round-wise increase of aptamer affinity to the respective target. Based on nine successful and published previous SELEX processes, in which the evolution/selection of aptamer affinity/specificity was demonstrated, we here show the functionality of the IMPATIENT-qPCR for polyclonal aptamer libraries and resulting individual aptamers. Based on the ease of this new evolution quality control, we hope to introduce it as a valuable tool to accelerate SELEX processes in general. IMPATIENT-qPCR SELEX success monitoring. Selection and evolution of high-affinity aptamers using SELEX technology with direct aptamer evolution monitoring using melting curve shifting analyses to higher Tm by quantitative PCR with fluorescence dye SYBR Green I. KEY POINTS: • Fast and easy analysis. • Universal applicability shown for a series of real successful projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Grigory Bolotnikov
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Runliu Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hu Xing
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Krämer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kay-E Gottschalk
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jakob Andersson
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Giefinggasse 4, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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26
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Modlin IM, Kidd M, Drozdov IA, Boegemann M, Bodei L, Kunikowska J, Malczewska A, Bernemann C, Koduru SV, Rahbar K. Development of a multigenomic liquid biopsy (PROSTest) for prostate cancer in whole blood. Prostate 2024. [PMID: 38571290 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We describe the development of a molecular assay from publicly available tumor tissue mRNA databases using machine learning and present preliminary evidence of functionality as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for prostate cancer (PCa) in whole blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed 1055 PCas (public microarray data sets) to identify putative mRNA biomarkers. Specificity was confirmed against 32 different solid and hematological cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 10,990). This defined a 27-gene panel which was validated by qPCR in 50 histologically confirmed PCa surgical specimens and matched blood. An ensemble classifier (Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, XGBoost) was trained in age-matched PCas (n = 294), and in 72 controls and 64 BPH. Classifier performance was validated in two independent sets (n = 263 PCas; n = 99 controls). We assessed the panel as a postoperative disease monitor in a radical prostatectomy cohort (RPC: n = 47). RESULTS A PCa-specific 27-gene panel was identified. Matched blood and tumor gene expression levels were concordant (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001). The ensemble classifier ("PROSTest") was scaled 0%-100% and the industry-standard operating point of ≥50% used to define a PCa. Using this, the PROSTest exhibited an 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity for PCa versus controls. In two independent sets, the metrics were 92%-95% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In the RPCs (n = 47), PROSTest scores decreased from 72% ± 7% to 33% ± 16% (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney test). PROSTest was 26% ± 8% in 37 with normal postoperative PSA levels (<0.1 ng/mL). In 10 with elevated postoperative PSA, PROSTest was 60% ± 4%. CONCLUSION A 27-gene whole blood signature for PCa is concordant with tissue mRNA levels. Measuring blood expression provides a minimally invasive genomic tool that may facilitate prostate cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irvin M Modlin
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mark Kidd
- Wren Laboratories LLC, Branford, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Martin Boegemann
- Department of Urology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Lisa Bodei
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jolanta Kunikowska
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Malczewska
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | - Kambiz Rahbar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
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27
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Sangha JS, Barrett P, Curtis TP, Métris A, Jakubovics NS, Ofiteru ID. Effects of glucose and lactate on Streptococcus mutans abundance in a novel multispecies oral biofilm model. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0371323. [PMID: 38376204 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03713-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The oral microbiome plays an important role in protecting oral health. Here, we established a controlled mixed-species in vitro biofilm model and used it to assess the impact of glucose and lactate on the ability of Streptococcus mutans, an acidogenic and aciduric species, to compete with commensal oral bacteria. A chemically defined medium was developed that supported the growth of S. mutans and four common early colonizers of dental plaque: Streptococcus gordonii, Actinomyces oris, Neisseria subflava, and Veillonella parvula. Biofilms containing the early colonizers were developed in a continuous flow bioreactor, exposed to S. mutans, and incubated for up to 7 days. The abundance of bacteria was estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). At high glucose and high lactate, the pH in bulk fluid rapidly decreased to approximately 5.2, and S. mutans outgrew other species in biofilms. In low glucose and high lactate, the pH remained above 5.5, and V. parvula was the most abundant species in biofilms. By contrast, in low glucose and low lactate, the pH remained above 6.0 throughout the experiment, and the microbial community in biofilms was relatively balanced. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed that all species were present in the biofilm and the majority of cells were viable using live/dead staining. These data demonstrate that carbon source concentration is critical for microbial homeostasis in model oral biofilms. Furthermore, we established an experimental system that can support the development of computational models to predict transitions to microbial dysbiosis based on metabolic interactions.IMPORTANCEWe developed a controlled (by removing host factor) dynamic system metabolically representative of early colonization of Streptococcus mutans not measurable in vivo. Hypotheses on factors influencing S. mutans colonization, such as community composition and inoculation sequence and the effect of metabolite concentrations, can be tested and used to predict the effect of interventions such as dietary modifications or the use of toothpaste or mouthwash on S. mutans colonization. The defined in vitro model (species and medium) can be simulated in an in silico model to explore more of the parameter space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S Sangha
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Barrett
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas P Curtis
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Aline Métris
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas S Jakubovics
- School of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Irina D Ofiteru
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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28
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Acheamfour CL, Parveen S, Gutierrez A, Handy ET, Behal S, Kim D, Kim S, East C, Xiong R, Haymaker JR, Micallef SA, Rosenberg Goldstein RE, Kniel KE, Sapkota AR, Hashem F, Sharma M. Detection of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in alternative irrigation water by culture and qPCR-based methods in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0353623. [PMID: 38376152 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03536-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative irrigation waters (rivers, ponds, and reclaimed water) can harbor bacterial foodborne pathogens like Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes, potentially contaminating fruit and vegetable commodities. Detecting foodborne pathogens using qPCR-based methods may accelerate testing methods and procedures compared to culture-based methods. This study compared detection of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes by qPCR (real-time PCR) and culture methods in irrigation waters to determine the influence of water type (river, pond, and reclaimed water), season (winter, spring, summer, and fall), or volume (0.1, 1, and 10 L) on sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, and positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values of these methods. Water samples were collected by filtration through modified Moore swabs (MMS) over a 2-year period at 11 sites in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. on a bi-weekly or monthly schedule. For qPCR, bacterial DNA from culture-enriched samples (n = 1,990) was analyzed by multiplex qPCR specific for S. enterica and L. monocytogenes. For culture detection, enriched samples were selectively enriched, isolated, and PCR confirmed. PPVs for qPCR detection of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes were 68% and 67%, respectively. The NPV were 87% (S. enterica) and 85% (L. monocytogenes). Higher levels of qPCR/culture agreement were observed in spring and summer compared to fall and winter for S. enterica; for L. monocytogenes, lower levels of agreement were observed in winter compared to spring, summer, and fall. Reclaimed and pond water supported higher levels of qPCR/culture agreement compared to river water for both S. enterica and L. monocytogenes, indicating that water type may influence the agreement of these results. IMPORTANCE Detecting foodborne pathogens in irrigation water can inform interventions and management strategies to reduce risk of contamination and illness associated with fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The use of non-culture methods like qPCR has the potential to accelerate the testing process. Results indicated that pond and reclaimed water showed higher levels of agreement between culture and qPCR methods than river water, perhaps due to specific physiochemical characteristics of the water. These findings also show that season and sample volume affect the agreement of qPCR and culture results. Overall, qPCR methods could be more confidently utilized to determine the absence of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water samples examined in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanelle L Acheamfour
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, USA
| | - Salina Parveen
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan Gutierrez
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric T Handy
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Behal
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Donghyun Kim
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Seongyun Kim
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Environmental System Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheryl East
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ray Xiong
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Joseph R Haymaker
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
| | - Shirley A Micallef
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel E Rosenberg Goldstein
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kalmia E Kniel
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Amy R Sapkota
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Fawzy Hashem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
| | - Manan Sharma
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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29
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Opmeer L, Gazzoli I, Ballmann M, Willemsen M, Voshol GP, Grudniewska-Lawton M, Havenga M, Yallop C, Hamidi A, Gillissen G, Bakker WAM. High throughput AS LNA qPCR method for the detection of a specific mutation in poliovirus vaccine strains. Vaccine 2024; 42:2475-2484. [PMID: 38503660 PMCID: PMC11007389 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Sabin Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (sIPV) has become one of the preferred vaccination options for the last step in the Poliovirus eradication program. Sequencing of poliovirus samples is needed during the manufacturing of poliovirus vaccines to assure the safety and immunogenicity of these vaccines. Next-generation sequencing analysis is the current costly and time-consuming gold standard for monitoring the manufacturing processes. We developed a low-cost and quick, highly sensitive, and allele-specific locked nucleic acid-probe-based reverse transcription quantitative PCR alternative that can accurately detect mutations in poliovirus vaccine samples during process development, scaling up, and release. Using the frequently in vitro occurring and viral replication-impacting VP1-E295K mutation as a showcase, we show that this technology can accurately detect E295K mutations in poliovirus 2 samples to similar levels as NGS. The qPCR technology was developed employing a synthetic dsDNA fragment-based standard curve containing mixes of E295K-WT (wildtype) and Mut (mutant) synthetic dsDNA fragments ranging from 1 × 107 copies/µL to 1 × 102 copies/µL to achieve a linear correlation with R2 > 0.999, and PCR efficiencies of 95-105 %. Individual standard concentration levels achieved accuracies of ≥92 % (average 96 %) and precisions of ≤17 % (average 3.3 %) RSD. Specificity of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-probes was confirmed in the presence and absence of co-mutations in the probe-binding region. Application of the developed assay to Sabin Poliovirus type 2 production run samples, illustrated a linear relationship with an R2 of 0.994, and an average accuracy of 97.2 % of the variant (allele)-specific AS LNA qPCR result, compared to NGS. The assay showed good sensitivity for poliovirus samples, containing E295K mutation levels between 0 % and 95 % (quantification range). In conclusion, the developed AS LNA qPCR presents a valuable low-cost, and fast tool, suitable for the process development and quality control of polio vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizet Opmeer
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Isabella Gazzoli
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mónika Ballmann
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Willemsen
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben P Voshol
- GenomeScan B.V., Plesmanlaan 1d, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Menzo Havenga
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher Yallop
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ahd Hamidi
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Gillissen
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfried A M Bakker
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands.
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30
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Lameira I, Pinto AS, Lima Â, Muzny CA, Cerca N. Optimized bacterial absolute quantification method by qPCR using an exogenous bacterial culture as a normalization strategy in triple-species BV-like biofilms. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 219:106895. [PMID: 38331102 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) is a widely used method in molecular biology to quantify target DNA sequences. Despite its accuracy, there are important experimental controls that should be considered to avoid biased results. One of them is gDNA loss during extraction, which is higher among samples with lower bacterial concentrations. Improvement in qPCR quantification procedures is mandatory to obtain reproducible and accurate results. Herein, we report an improved qPCR method for bacterial quantification of Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Fannyhessea vaginae, three key-bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria (BVAB) thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of this common vaginal infection. The formation of a mature biofilm on vaginal epithelial cells is an unique feature of BV and, despite over 60 years of research, the exact etiology of BV remains unknown. Here, we optimized a qPCR method that accurately quantified triple-species biofilms containing these key BVAB, after the addition of an exogenous bacterial control containing a fixed concentration of Escherichia coli, prior to gDNA extraction. This improved method minimized and normalized the inherent losses associated with bacterial centrifugation, which allows better sensitivity at lower bacterial concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Lameira
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana S Pinto
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ângela Lima
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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31
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Bustin SA. Improving the quality of quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments: 15 years of MIQE. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101249. [PMID: 38290180 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is fundamental to molecular biology. It is not just a laboratory technique, qPCR is a bridge between research and clinical practice. Its theoretical foundations guide the design of experiments, while its practical implications extend to diagnostics, treatment, and research advancements in the life sciences, human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, and forensics. However, the accuracy, reliability and reproducibility of qPCR data face challenges arising from various factors associated with experimental design, execution, data analysis and inadequate reporting details. Addressing these concerns, the Minimum Information for the Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines have emerged as a cohesive framework offering a standardised set of recommendations that describe the essential information required for assessing qPCR experiments. By emphasising the importance of methodological rigour, the MIQE guidelines have made a major contribution to improving the trustworthiness, consistency, and transparency of many published qPCR results. However, major challenges related to awareness, resources, and publication pressures continue to affect their consistent application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Bustin
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SQ, UK.
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Leutenegger CM, Evason MD, Willcox JL, Rochani H, Richmond HL, Meeks C, Lozoya CE, Tereski J, Loo S, Mitchell K, Andrews J, Savard C. Benzimidazole F167Y polymorphism in the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum: Widespread geographic, seasonal, age, and breed distribution in United States and Canada dogs. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 24:100520. [PMID: 38237210 PMCID: PMC10825515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Surveillance data for Ancylostoma spp. and the A. caninum benzimidazole treatment resistance associated F167Y polymorphism using molecular diagnostics was obtained in a large population of dogs from the United States and Canada. Real-time PCR (qPCR) for Ancylostoma spp. and allele-specific qPCR detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) F167Y was used in 262,872 canine stool samples collected between March and December of 2022. Ancylostoma spp. was found at an overall prevalence of 2.5% (6538/262,872), with the highest prevalence in the Southern US, 4.4% (4490/103,095), and the lowest prevalence in Canada 0.6% (101/15,829). The A. caninum F167Y polymorphism was found with the highest prevalence (13.4%, n = 46/343) in the Western US and the lowest in Canada at 4.1% (4/97). The F167Y polymorphism was detected every month over the 10-month collection period. Seasonal distribution showed a peak in June for both Ancylostoma spp. (3.08%, 547/17,775) and A. caninum F167Y (12.25%, 67/547). However, the A. caninum F167Y polymorphism prevalence was highest in September (13.9%, 119/856). Age analysis indicates a higher prevalence of both hookworm infections and occurrence of resistant isolates in puppies. The breeds with the highest F167Y polymorphism prevalence in Ancylostoma spp. detected samples were poodles (28.9%), followed by Bernese Mountain dogs (25%), Cocker spaniels (23.1%), and greyhounds (22.4%). Our data set describes widespread geographic distribution of the A. caninum benzimidazole resistance associated F167Y polymorphism in the United States and Canada, with no clear seasonality compared to the Ancylostoma spp. prevalence patterns. The F167 polymorphism was present in all geographic areas with detected hookworms, including Canada. Our study highlights that the F167Y polymorphism is represented in many dog breeds, including greyhounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Cathy Meeks
- Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jan Andrews
- Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, CA, USA
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33
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Sel FA, Oğuz FS. Can novel methods replace the gold standard chimerism method after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation? Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1035-1047. [PMID: 37801085 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chimerism assay is a useful approach to monitor the success of the transplant and to select the appropriate treatment strategy, such as donor leukocyte infusion or immunosuppressive drug dosage. Short tandem repeat PCR is the method that has been accepted as the gold standard for chimerism. However, it has not yet been sufficient to detect mixed chimerism in patients with minimal residual disease. Simultaneously, recent years have been marked by developing sensitive, high-throughput, and accurate molecular genetic assays. These novel methods have subsequently been adapted for the analysis of post-transplant chimerism. In this review, we discuss the technical features of both novel and conventional gold standard chimerism assays. We also discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Figen Abatay Sel
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Fatma Savran Oğuz
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Das D, Avssn R, Chittela RK. A phenol-chloroform free method for cfDNA isolation from cell conditioned media: development, optimization and comparative analysis. Anal Biochem 2024; 687:115454. [PMID: 38158107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The non-invasive invasive nature of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic biomarkers has gained immense popularity in recent years. The clinical utility of cfDNA biomarkers may depend on understanding their origin and biological significance. Apoptosis, necrosis, and/or active release are possible mechanisms of cellular DNA release into the cell-free milieu. In-vitro cell culture models can provide useful insights into cfDNA biology. The yields and quality of cfDNA in the cell conditioned media (CCM) are largely dependent on the extraction method used. Here, we developed a phenol-chloroform-free cfDNA extraction method from CCM and compared it with three others published cfDNA extraction methods and four commercially available kits. Real-Time PCR (qPCR) targeting two different loci and a fluorescence-based Qubit assay were performed to quantify the extracted cfDNA. The absolute concentration of the extracted cfDNA varies with the target used for the qPCR assay; however, the relative trend remains similar for both qPCR assays. The cfDNA yield from CCM provided by the developed method was found to be either higher or comparable to the other methods used. In conclusion, we developed a safe, rapid and cost-effective cfDNA extraction protocol with minimal hands-on time; with no compromise in cfDNA yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Das
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Rao Avssn
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Rajani Kant Chittela
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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35
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Kiššová Z, Mudroňová D, Link R, Tkáčiková Ľ. Immunomodulatory effect of probiotic exopolysaccharides in a porcine in vitro co-culture model mimicking the intestinal environment on ETEC infection. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:705-724. [PMID: 37875712 PMCID: PMC10998797 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of EPS-L26 isolated from the probiotic strain Lactobacillus (Limosilactobacillus) reuteri L26 Biocenol™, in a model of infection with an enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) by establishing monocultures consisting of the IPEC-J2 cell line or monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and creating a 3D model of cell co-cultures established with IPEC-J2 cells and moDCs. The immunomodulatory and immunoprotective potential of used EPS-L26 was confirmed in monocultures in an experimental group of pretreated cells, where our study showed that pretreatment of cells with EPS-L26 and subsequent exposure to infection resulted in significantly down-regulated mRNA levels of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines compared to ETEC challenge in single cell cultures (in IPEC-J2, decreased mRNA levels for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p35; in moDCs, decreased mRNA levels for IL-1β). Similar to monocultures, we also demonstrated the immunostimulatory potential of the ETEC strain in the co-culture model on directly treated IPEC-J2 cells cultivated on insert chambers (apical compartment) and also on indirectly treated moDCs cultivated in the lower chamber (basolateral compartment), however in the co-culture model the expression of inflammatory cytokines was attenuated at the mRNA level compared to monocultures. Pretreatment of the cells on the insert chambers pointed to the immunoprotective properties of EPS-L26, manifested by decreased mRNA levels in both cell lines compared to ETEC challenge (in IPEC-J2 decreased mRNA levels for IL-12p35; in moDCs decreased mRNA levels for IL-1β, IL-6). Our results suggest intercellular communication via humoral signals derived from IPEC-J2 cells by influencing the gene expression of indirectly treated moDC cells located in the basolateral compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kiššová
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Dagmar Mudroňová
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Róbert Link
- Clinik of Swine, University Veterinary Hospital, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ľudmila Tkáčiková
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia.
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36
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Uprety S, Ngo I, Maggos M, Dangol B, Sherchan SP, Shisler JL, Amarasiri M, Sano D, Nguyen TH. Multiple pathogen contamination of water, hands, and fomites in rural Nepal and the effect of WaSH interventions. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114341. [PMID: 38442666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) interventions are the most effective in reducing diarrheal disease severity and prevalence. However, very few studies have investigated the effectiveness of WaSH intervention in reducing pathogen presence and concentration. In this study, we employed a microfluidic PCR approach to quantify twenty bacterial pathogens in water (n = 360), hands (n = 180), and fomite (n = 540) samples collected in rural households of Nepal to assess the pathogen exposures and the effect of WaSH intervention on contamination and exposure rates. The pathogen load and the exposure pathways for each pathogen in intervention and control villages were compared to understand the effects of WaSH intervention. Pathogens were detected in higher frequency and concentration from fomites samples, toilet handle (21.42%; 5.4,0 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.69, 5.96), utensils (23.5%; 5.47, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.77, 6.77), and water vessels (22.42%; 5.53, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.79, 6.60) as compared to cleaning water (14.36%; 5.05, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.36, 5.89), drinking water (14.26%; 4.37, 85%CI: mean log10 of 4.37, 5.87), and hand rinse samples (16.92%; 5.49, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.77, 6.39). There was no clear evidence that WaSH intervention reduced overall pathogen contamination in any tested pathway. However, we observed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the prevalence, but not concentration, of some target pathogens, including Enterococcus spp. in the intervention village compared to the control village for water and hands rinse samples. Conversely, no significant reduction in target pathogen concentration was observed for water and hand rinse samples. In swab samples, there was a reduction mostly in pathogen concentration rather than pathogen prevalence, highlighting that a reduction in pathogen prevalence was not always accompanied by a reduction in pathogen concentration. This study provides an understanding of WaSH intervention on microbe concentrations. Such data could help with better planning of intervention activities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sital Uprety
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tohoku University Sendai, Japan.
| | - Isaac Ngo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Marika Maggos
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bipin Dangol
- Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), Kathmandu, Nepal; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; BioEnvironmental Science Program Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mohan Amarasiri
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tohoku University Sendai, Japan
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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37
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Eshghdoostkhatami Z, Cupples AM. Occurrence of Rhodococcus sp. RR1 prmA and Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 prmA across microbial communities and their enumeration during 1,4-dioxane biodegradation. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 219:106908. [PMID: 38403133 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
1,4-Dioxane, a likely human carcinogen, is a co-contaminant at many chlorinated solvent contaminated sites. Conventional treatment technologies, such as carbon sorption or air stripping, are largely ineffective, and so many researchers have explored bioremediation for site clean-up. An important step towards this involves examining the occurrence of the functional genes associated with 1,4-dioxane biodegradation. The current research explored potential biomarkers for 1,4-dioxane in three mixed microbial communities (wetland sediment, agricultural soil, impacted site sediment) using monooxygenase targeted amplicon sequencing, followed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). A BLAST analysis of the sequencing data detected only two of the genes previously associated with 1,4-dioxane metabolism or co-metabolism, namely propane monooxygenase (prmA) from Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 and Rhodococcus sp. RR1. To investigate this further, qPCR primers and probes were designed, and the assays were used to enumerate prmA gene copies in the three communities. Gene copies of Rhodococcus RR1 prmA were detected in all three, while gene copies of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 prmA were detected in two of the three sample types (except impacted site sediment). Further, there was a statistically significant increase in RR1 prmA gene copies in the microcosms inoculated with impacted site sediment following 1,4-dioxane biodegradation compared to the control microcosms (no 1,4-dioxane) or to the initial copy numbers before incubation. Overall, the results indicate the importance of Rhodococcus associated prmA, compared to other 1,4-dioxane degrading associated biomarkers, in three different microbial communities. Also, the newly designed qPCR assays provide a platform for others to investigate 1,4-dioxane biodegradation potential in mixed communities and should be of particular interest to those considering bioremediation as a potential 1,4-dioxane remediation approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohre Eshghdoostkhatami
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alison M Cupples
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Zeng R, Du Z, Ma H, Meng X, Li E, Li J. The 60 nm gold nanoparticles improve qPCR amplification efficiency through specific palindromic sequences (GGATCC or ACCGGT) in primers. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130560. [PMID: 38211821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology are widely used in clinical diagnosis and research, but amplification efficiency and sensitivity are still key problems for researchers. An increasing number of reports show that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be used to improve the sensitivity and amplification efficiency of PCR. Here, we found that 60 nm gold nanoparticles with a positive charge (60 nm- Au+) can enhance the amplification efficiency of qPCR. METHODS Mouse DNA was extracted by the alkaline lysis method. Primer 5.0 software was used to design primers and mutation primers, and the DNA fragments were obtained by the method of synthesizing plasmids. The qPCR was applied to amplify target gene fragments. RESULTS The amplification efficiency of qPCR was improved by about 1.828 times in the experimental group with 60 nm- Au+ compared with the control group without 60 nm- Au+. The primer pair contains a specific palindromic sequence (GGATCC or ACCGGT). And 60 nm Au+ did not enhance the amplification efficiency of qPCR when the above primer was mutated. CONCLUSIONS The primers contain special palindrome sequences (GGATCC or ACCGGT) with 60 nm- Au+ can enhance the amplification efficiency of qPCR. Therefore, it suggests a more in-depth understanding of the mechanism and function of gold nanoparticles and primer sequences. This study has presented some implications for gold nanoparticles application in the development of qPCR technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Zeng
- The Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhiqun Du
- The Department of Pathology, Dongyang People's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongliang Ma
- The Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiuqiong Meng
- The Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Erhua Li
- Guangzhou BDS Biological Technology Co., Ltd. Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangchao Li
- The Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Chen M, Wan Q, Xu M, Chen Z, Guo S. Transcriptome Analysis of Host Anti-Vibrio harveyi Infection Revealed the Pathogenicity of V. harveyi to American Eel (Anguilla rostrata). Mar Biotechnol (NY) 2024; 26:306-323. [PMID: 38367180 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10298-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Vibrio harveyi, a recently discovered pathogenic bacterium isolated from American eels (Anguilla rostrata), poses uncertainties regarding its pathogenesis in American eel and the molecular mechanisms underlying host defense against V. harveyi infection. This study aimed to determine the LD50 of V. harveyi in American eel and assess the bacterial load in the liver, spleen, and kidney post-infection with the LD50 dose. The results showed that the LD50 of V. harveyi via intraperitoneal injection in American eels over a 14d period was determined to be 1.24 × 103 cfu/g body weight (6.2 × 104 cfu/fish). The peak bacterial load occurred at 36 h post-infection (hpi) in all three organs examined. Histopathology analysis revealed hepatic vein congestion and thrombi, tubular vacuolar degeneration, and splenic bleeding. Moreover, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results indicated significant up or downregulation of 18 host immune- or anti-infection-related genes post 12 to 60 hpi following the infection. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) unveiled 7 hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 11 encoded proteins play crucial roles in the anti-V. harveyi response in American eels. This study firstly represents the comprehensive report on the pathogenicity of V. harveyi to American eels and RNA-seq of host's response to V. harveyi infection. These findings provide valuable insights into V. harveyi pathogenesis and the strategies employed by the host's immune system at the transcriptomic level to combat V. harveyi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxia Chen
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PRC, Xiamen, 361021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Qijuan Wan
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PRC, Xiamen, 361021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PRC, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Songlin Guo
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China.
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Industry Technology for Eel. Ministry of Education of PRC, Xiamen, 361021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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Chen Z, Wang G, Wang W, Wang X, Huang Y, Jia J, Gao Q, Xu H, Xu Y, Ma Z, He L, Cheng J, Li C. PDE9A polymorphism and association analysis with growth performance and gastrointestinal weight of Hu sheep. Gene 2024; 900:148137. [PMID: 38184018 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) plays a crucial role in activating the cGMP-dependent signaling pathway and may have important effects on the growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract in Hu sheep. In this study, we analyzed the single nucleotide polymorphisms of PDE9A in 988 Hu sheep and their correlation with growth performance, feed efficiency, and gastrointestinal development. Additionally, we examined the expression level of different PDE9A genotypes in the gastrointestinal tract of Hu sheep by using fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results revealed a moderate level of polymorphism (0.25 < PIC < 0.50) at the g.286248617 T > C mutation site located in the first intron of PDE9A in Hu sheep, with three genotypes: CC, CT, and TT. The weights of the omasum, colon, and cecum were significantly greater in the CC genotype than in the TT genotype (P < 0.05), and the expression level of PDE9A in the tissues of the rumen, ileum, cecum, and colon was notably lower in the CC genotype individuals (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the polymorphism of PDE9A affects the weight of the stomach, colon, and cecum in Hu sheep through expression regulation. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the g.286248617 T > C mutation site in the first intron of PDE9A can serve as a potential molecular marker for breeding practices related to the gastrointestinal weight of Hu sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Guoxiu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Weimin Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730020, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Yongliang Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Jiale Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Qihao Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Haoyu Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Yunfei Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Zongwu Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Lijuan He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Jiangbo Cheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730020, China
| | - Chong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China.
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García-Rodríguez J, Saro C, Mateos I, Carro MD, Ranilla MJ. Effects of Garlic Oil and Cinnamaldehyde on Sheep Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Populations in Rusitec Fermenters in Two Different Sampling Periods. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1067. [PMID: 38612306 PMCID: PMC11011117 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Garlic oil (GO) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) have shown potential to modify rumen fermentation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of GO and CIN on rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis (MPS), and microbial populations in Rusitec fermenters fed a mixed diet (50:50 forage/concentrate), as well as whether these effects were maintained over time. Six fermenters were used in two 15-day incubation runs. Within each run, two fermenters received no additive, 180 mg/L of GO, or 180 mg/L of CIN. Rumen fermentation parameters were assessed in two periods (P1 and P2), and microbial populations were studied after each of these periods. Garlic oil reduced the acetate/propionate ratio and methane production (p < 0.001) in P1 and P2 and decreased protozoal DNA concentration and the relative abundance of fungi and archaea after P1 (p < 0.05). Cinnamaldehyde increased bacterial diversity (p < 0.01) and modified the structure of bacterial communities after P1, decreased bacterial DNA concentration after P2 (p < 0.05), and increased MPS (p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that 180 mg/L of GO and CIN promoted a more efficient rumen fermentation and increased the protein supply to the animal, respectively, although an apparent adaptive response of microbial populations to GO was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo García-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (C.S.); (I.M.)
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC—Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas, s/n, 24346 Grulleros, Spain
| | - Cristina Saro
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (C.S.); (I.M.)
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC—Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas, s/n, 24346 Grulleros, Spain
| | - Iván Mateos
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (C.S.); (I.M.)
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC—Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas, s/n, 24346 Grulleros, Spain
| | - María Dolores Carro
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Agroalimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María José Ranilla
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (C.S.); (I.M.)
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC—Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas, s/n, 24346 Grulleros, Spain
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Stachelska MA, Ekielski A, Karpiński P, Żelaziński T, Kruszewski B. New Genetic Determinants for qPCR Identification and the Enumeration of Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria in Raw-Milk Cheese. Molecules 2024; 29:1533. [PMID: 38611811 PMCID: PMC11013805 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an important role in the ripening of cheeses and contribute to the development of the desired profile of aroma and flavor compounds. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the dynamics of bacterial proliferation in order to obtain an accurate and reliable number of their cells at each stage of cheese ripening. This work aimed to identify and conduct a quantitative assessment of the selected species of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria from raw cow's milk cheese by the development of primers and probe pairs based on the uniqueness of the genetic determinants with which the target microorganisms can be identified. For that purpose, we applied real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocols to quantify Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris cells in cheese directly after production and over three-month and six-month ripening periods. While L. lactis subsp. cremoris shows good acidification ability and the ability to produce antimicrobial compounds, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus has good proteolytic ability and produces exo-polysaccharides, and S. thermophilus takes part in the formation of the diacetyl flavor compound by metabolizing citrate to develop aroma, they all play an important role in the cheese ripening. The proposed qPCR protocols are very sensitive and reliable methods for a precise enumeration of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, and L. lactis subsp. cremoris in cheese samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Alicja Stachelska
- Faculty of Computer Science and Technology, University of Lomza, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Lomza, Poland;
| | - Adam Ekielski
- Department of Production Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 164, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (A.E.); (T.Ż.)
| | - Piotr Karpiński
- Faculty of Computer Science and Technology, University of Lomza, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Lomza, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Żelaziński
- Department of Production Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 164, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (A.E.); (T.Ż.)
| | - Bartosz Kruszewski
- Department of Food Technology and Assessment, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Rotejanaprasert C, Chuaicharoen P, Prada JM, Thantithaveewat T, Adisakwattana P, Pan-ngum W. Correction: 'Evaluation of Kato-Katz and multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction performance for clinical helminth infections in Thailand using a latent class analysis' (2023), by Rotejanaprasert et al.. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230510. [PMID: 38310942 PMCID: PMC10838636 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chawarat Rotejanaprasert
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Joaquin M. Prada
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wirichada Pan-ngum
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Charkiewicz R, Sulewska A, Karabowicz P, Lapuc G, Charkiewicz A, Kraska M, Pancewicz J, Lukasik M, Kozlowski M, Stec R, Ziembicka D, Piszcz W, Miltyk W, Niklinska W. Six-Gene Signature for Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Decisions in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer-A Validation Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3607. [PMID: 38612418 PMCID: PMC11011743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a challenge due to its heterogeneity, necessitating precise histopathological subtyping and prognostication for optimal treatment decision-making. Molecular markers emerge as a potential solution, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods and supporting the diagnostic-therapeutic interventions. In this study, we validated the expression of six genes (MIR205HG, KRT5, KRT6A, KRT6C, SERPINB5, and DSG3), previously identified within a 53-gene signature developed by our team, utilizing gene expression microarray technology. Real-time PCR on 140 thoroughly characterized early-stage NSCLC samples revealed substantial upregulation of all six genes in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to adenocarcinoma (ADC), regardless of clinical factors. The decision boundaries of the logistic regression model demonstrated effective separation of the relative expression levels between SCC and ADC for most genes, excluding KRT6C. Logistic regression and gradient boosting decision tree classifiers, incorporating all six validated genes, exhibited notable performance (AUC: 0.8930 and 0.8909, respectively) in distinguishing NSCLC subtypes. Nevertheless, our investigation revealed that the gene expression profiles failed to yield predictive value regarding the progression of early-stage NSCLC. Our molecular diagnostic models manifest the potential for an exhaustive molecular characterization of NSCLC, subsequently informing personalized treatment decisions and elevating the standards of clinical management and prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Charkiewicz
- Center of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-369 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (M.K.); (W.P.)
| | - Anetta Sulewska
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (M.K.); (W.P.)
| | - Piotr Karabowicz
- Biobank, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Lapuc
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (G.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Alicja Charkiewicz
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (A.C.); (W.M.)
| | - Marcin Kraska
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (M.K.); (W.P.)
- Department of Medical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Pancewicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (J.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Malgorzata Lukasik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (J.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Miroslaw Kozlowski
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (G.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Rafal Stec
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dominika Ziembicka
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Weronika Piszcz
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (M.K.); (W.P.)
| | - Wojciech Miltyk
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (A.C.); (W.M.)
| | - Wieslawa Niklinska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (J.P.); (M.L.)
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Edouard S, Boschi C, Colson P, Million M, Fournier PE, La Scola B, Fenollar F. Incidental diagnosis of mpox virus infection in patients undergoing sexually transmitted infection screening-findings from a study in France. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 143:107009. [PMID: 38521449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mpox virus (MPXV) infections in the general population consulting for routine sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in our Marseille public hospital. In fact, the recent worldwide MPXV outbreak mainly impacted men who have sex with men and the prevalence of MPXV infections in the general population remains poorly defined. METHODS All samples addressed routinely to our microbiological laboratory for STIs between July 1 and October 15, 2022 were screened with MPXV-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A total of 2688 samples from 1896 patients suspected of having STIs were tested and eight (0.4%) patients were incidentally diagnosed with MPXV infection, including six men and two women. MPXV was detected in rectal swabs (n = 2), urine (n = 2), vaginal swabs (n = 2), a urethral swab (n = 1), and a skin swab (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that some MPXV infections are likely to be underdiagnosed because of their non-specific clinical presentation and/or insufficient clinical knowledge of the disease. Our data showed that systematic screening was particularly useful for detecting MPXV in patients without classic lesions or cases of asymptomatic carriage in patients reporting recent high-risk exposure and in patients presenting no obvious risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Edouard
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, SSA, RITMES, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boschi
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Million
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, SSA, RITMES, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, SSA, RITMES, Marseille, France.
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da Silva RH, Silva MDD, Ferreira-Neto JRC, Souza BDB, de Araújo FN, Oliveira EJDS, Benko-Iseppon AM, da Costa AF, Kido ÉA. DEAD-Box RNA Helicase Family in Physic Nut ( Jatropha curcas L.): Structural Characterization and Response to Salinity. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:905. [PMID: 38592921 PMCID: PMC10974417 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Helicases, motor proteins present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, play a direct role in various steps of RNA metabolism. Specifically, SF2 RNA helicases, a subset of the DEAD-box family, are essential players in plant developmental processes and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite this, information on this family in the physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) remains limited, spanning from structural patterns to stress responses. We identified 79 genes encoding DEAD-box RNA helicases (JcDHX) in the J. curcas genome. These genes were further categorized into three subfamilies: DEAD (42 genes), DEAH (30 genes), and DExH/D (seven genes). Characterization of the encoded proteins revealed a remarkable diversity, with observed patterns in domains, motifs, and exon-intron structures suggesting that the DEAH and DExH/D subfamilies in J. curcas likely contribute to the overall versatility of the family. Three-dimensional modeling of the candidates showed characteristic hallmarks, highlighting the expected functional performance of these enzymes. The promoter regions of the JcDHX genes revealed potential cis-elements such as Dof-type, BBR-BPC, and AP2-ERF, indicating their potential involvement in the response to abiotic stresses. Analysis of RNA-Seq data from the roots of physic nut accessions exposed to 150 mM of NaCl for 3 h showed most of the JcDHX candidates repressed. The protein-protein interaction network indicated that JcDHX proteins occupy central positions, connecting events associated with RNA metabolism. Quantitative PCR analysis validated the expression of nine DEAD-box RNA helicase transcripts, showing significant associations with key components of the stress response, including RNA turnover, ribosome biogenesis, DNA repair, clathrin-mediated vesicular transport, phosphatidyl 3,5-inositol synthesis, and mitochondrial translation. Furthermore, the induced expression of one transcript (JcDHX44) was confirmed, suggesting that it is a potential candidate for future functional analyses to better understand its role in salinity stress tolerance. This study represents the first global report on the DEAD-box family of RNA helicases in physic nuts and displays structural characteristics compatible with their functions, likely serving as a critical component of the plant's response pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahisa Helena da Silva
- Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Manassés Daniel da Silva
- Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - José Ribamar Costa Ferreira-Neto
- Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Bruna de Brito Souza
- Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Francielly Negreiros de Araújo
- Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Elvia Jéssica da Silva Oliveira
- Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon
- Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Éderson Akio Kido
- Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-901, PE, Brazil
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White K, Eraclio G, McDonnell B, Bottacini F, Lugli GA, Ventura M, Volontè F, Dal Bello F, Mahony J, van Sinderen D. A multifaceted investigation of lactococcal strain diversity in undefined mesophilic starter cultures. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0215223. [PMID: 38334291 PMCID: PMC10952461 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02152-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The dairy fermentation industry relies on the activity of lactic acid bacteria in robust starter cultures to accomplish milk acidification. Maintenance of the composition of these starter cultures, whether defined or undefined, is essential to ensure consistent and high-quality fermentation end products. To date, limited information exists regarding the microbial composition of undefined starter culture systems. Here, we describe a culture-based analysis combined with a metagenomics approach to evaluate the composition of two undefined mesophilic starter cultures. In addition, we describe a qPCR-based genotype detection assay, which is capable of discerning nine distinct lactococcal genotypes to characterize these undefined starter cultures, and which can be applied to monitor compositional changes in an undefined starter culture during a fermentation. IMPORTANCE This study reports on the development of a combined culture-based analysis and metagenomics approach to evaluate the composition of two undefined mesophilic starter cultures. In addition, a novel qPCR-based genotype detection assay, capable of discerning nine distinct lactococcal genotypes (based on lactococcal cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters), was used to monitor compositional changes in an undefined starter culture following phage attack. These analytical approaches facilitate a multifaceted assessment of starter culture compositional stability during milk fermentation, which has become an important QC aspect due to the increasing demand for consistent and high-quality dairy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey White
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Brian McDonnell
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesca Bottacini
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, Laboratory of Probiogenomics,University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, Laboratory of Probiogenomics,University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Diaw SH, Delcambre S, Much C, Ott F, Kostic VS, Gajos A, Münchau A, Zittel S, Busch H, Grünewald A, Klein C, Lohmann K. DYT-THAP1: exploring gene expression in fibroblasts for potential biomarker discovery. Neurogenetics 2024:10.1007/s10048-024-00752-0. [PMID: 38498291 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00752-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Dystonia due to pathogenic variants in the THAP1 gene (DYT-THAP1) shows variable expressivity and reduced penetrance of ~ 50%. Since THAP1 encodes a transcription factor, modifiers influencing this variability likely operate at the gene expression level. This study aimed to assess the transferability of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in neuronal cells related to pathogenic variants in the THAP1 gene, which were previously identified by transcriptome analyses. For this, we performed quantitative (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) in cultured fibroblasts. RNA was extracted from THAP1 manifesting (MMCs) and non-manifesting mutation carriers (NMCs) as well as from healthy controls. The expression profiles of ten of 14 known neuronal DEGs demonstrated differences in fibroblasts between these three groups. This included transcription factors and targets (ATF4, CLN3, EIF2A, RRM1, YY1), genes involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling (BDKRB2, LPAR1), and a gene linked to apoptosis and DNA replication/repair (CRADD), which all showed higher expression levels in MMCs and NMCs than in controls. Moreover, the analysis of genes linked to neurological disorders (STXBP1, TOR1A) unveiled differences in expression patterns between MMCs and controls. Notably, the genes CUEDC2, DRD4, ECH1, and SIX2 were not statistically significantly differentially expressed in fibroblast cultures. With > 70% of the tested genes being DEGs also in fibroblasts, fibroblasts seem to be a suitable model for DYT-THAP1 research despite some restrictions. Furthermore, at least some of these DEGs may potentially also serve as biomarkers of DYT-THAP1 and influence its penetrance and expressivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvie Delcambre
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christoph Much
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fabian Ott
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Vladimir S Kostic
- Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Agata Gajos
- Department of Extrapyramidal Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, 90-647, Poland
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Simone Zittel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
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Näf L, Miescher I, Pfuderer L, Schweizer TA, Brunner D, Dürig J, Gröninger O, Rieber J, Meier-Buergisser G, Spanaus K, Calcagni M, Bosshard PP, Achermann Y, Stark WJ, Buschmann J. Pro-angiogenic and antibacterial copper containing nanoparticles in PLGA/amorphous calcium phosphate bone nanocomposites. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27267. [PMID: 38486752 PMCID: PMC10937708 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Large bone defects after trauma demand for adequate bone substitutes. Bone void fillers should be antibacterial and pro-angiogenic. One viable option is the use of composite materials like the combination of PLGA and amorphous calcium phosphate (aCaP). Copper stimulates angiogenesis and has antibacterial qualities. Either copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were therefore added to PLGA/aCaP/CuO in different concentrations (1, 5 and 10 w/w %) or copper-doped tricalcium phosphate NPs (TCP with 2% of copper) were electrospun into PLGA/CuTCP nanocomposites. Bi-layered nanocomposites of PLGA/aCaP with different copper NPs (CuO or TCP) and a second layer of pristine PLGA were fabricated. Two clinical bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) were used to assess antibacterial properties of the copper-containing materials. For angiogenesis, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay of the chicken embryo was performed. The higher the CuO content, the higher were the antibacterial properties, with 10 % CuO reducing bacterial adhesion most effectively. Vessel and cell densities were highest in the 5 % CuO containing scaffolds, while tissue integration was more pronounced at lower CuO content. The PLGA/aCaP/CuO (1 % CuO) behaved similar like PLGA/CuTCP in all angiogenic and antibacterial readouts, based on the same copper fraction. We conclude that CuO NPs or CuTCP NPs are useful components to increase angiogenic properties of nanocomposites and at the same time exhibiting antibacterial characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Näf
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Iris Miescher
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lara Pfuderer
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tiziano A. Schweizer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Brunner
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Dürig
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Gröninger
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Rieber
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Meier-Buergisser
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Spanaus
- Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp P. Bosshard
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yvonne Achermann
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wendelin J. Stark
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Buschmann
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
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50
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Stelmaszyk L, Stange C, Hügler M, Sidhu JP, Horn H, Tiehm A. Quantification of β-lactamase producing bacteria in German surface waters with subsequent MALDI-TOF MS-based identification and β-lactamase activity assay. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27384. [PMID: 38486766 PMCID: PMC10937694 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental oligotrophic bacteria are suspected to be highly relevant carriers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there is a lack of validated methods for monitoring in the aquatic environment. Since extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) play a particularly important role in the clinical sector, a culturing method based on R2A-medium spiked with different combinations of β-lactams was applied to quantify β-lactamase-producing environmental bacteria from surface waters. In German surface water samples (n = 28), oligotrophic bacteria ranging from 4.0 × 103 to 1.7 × 104 CFU per 100 mL were detected on the nutrient-poor medium spiked with 3rd generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. These numbers were 3 log10 higher compared to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriales of clinical relevance from the same water samples. A MALDI-TOF MS identification of the isolates demonstrated, that the method leads to the isolation of environmentally relevant strains with Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, and Janthinobacterium being predominant β-lactam resistant genera. Subsequent micro-dilution antibiotic susceptibility tests (Micronaut-S test) confirmed the expression of β-lactamases. The qPCR analysis of surface waters DNA extracts showed the presence of β-lactamase genes (blaTEM, blaCMY-2, blaOXA-48, blaVIM-2, blaSHV, and blaNDM-1) at concentrations of 3.7 (±1.2) to 1.0 (±1.9) log10 gene copies per 100 mL. Overall, the results demonstrate a widespread distribution of cephalosporinase and carbapenemase enzymes in oligotrophic environmental bacteria that have to be considered as a reservoir of ARGs and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Stelmaszyk
- TZW: DVGW Technologiezentrum Wasser, Department of Water Microbiology, Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Claudia Stange
- TZW: DVGW Technologiezentrum Wasser, Department of Water Microbiology, Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Michael Hügler
- TZW: DVGW Technologiezentrum Wasser, Department of Water Microbiology, Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jatinder P.S. Sidhu
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Harald Horn
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Engler-Bunte Institute, Wasserchemie und Wassertechnologie, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas Tiehm
- TZW: DVGW Technologiezentrum Wasser, Department of Water Microbiology, Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe, Germany
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