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Gestal MC, Oates AE, Akob DM, Criss AK. Perspectives on the future of host-microbe biology from the Council on Microbial Sciences of the American Society for Microbiology. mSphere 2024:e0025624. [PMID: 38920371 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00256-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Host-microbe biology (HMB) stands on the cusp of redefinition, challenging conventional paradigms to instead embrace a more holistic understanding of the microbial sciences. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Council on Microbial Sciences hosted a virtual retreat in 2023 to identify the future of the HMB field and innovations needed to advance the microbial sciences. The retreat presentations and discussions collectively emphasized the interconnectedness of microbes and their profound influence on humans, animals, and environmental health, as well as the need to broaden perspectives to fully embrace the complexity of these interactions. To advance HMB research, microbial scientists would benefit from enhancing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research to utilize expertise in diverse fields, integrate different disciplines, and promote equity and accessibility within HMB. Data integration will be pivotal in shaping the future of HMB research by bringing together varied scientific perspectives, new and innovative techniques, and 'omics approaches. ASM can empower under-resourced groups with the goal of ensuring that the benefits of cutting-edge research reach every corner of the scientific community. Thus, ASM will be poised to steer HMB toward a future that champions inclusivity, innovation, and accessible scientific progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica C Gestal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Denise M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy and Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Alison K Criss
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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2
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Matte T, Lane K, Tipaldo JF, Barnes J, Knowlton K, Torem E, Anand G, Yoon L, Marcotullio P, Balk D, Constible J, Elszasz H, Ito K, Jessel S, Limaye V, Parks R, Rutigliano M, Sorenson C, Yuan A. NPCC4: Climate change and New York City's health risk. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024. [PMID: 38922909 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This chapter of the New York City Panel on Climate Change 4 (NPCC4) report considers climate health risks, vulnerabilities, and resilience strategies in New York City's unique urban context. It updates evidence since the last health assessment in 2015 as part of NPCC2 and addresses climate health risks and vulnerabilities that have emerged as especially salient to NYC since 2015. Climate health risks from heat and flooding are emphasized. In addition, other climate-sensitive exposures harmful to human health are considered, including outdoor and indoor air pollution, including aeroallergens; insect vectors of human illness; waterborne infectious and chemical contaminants; and compounding of climate health risks with other public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-informed strategies for reducing future climate risks to health are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Matte
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn Lane
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jenna F Tipaldo
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and CUNY Institute for Demographic Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janice Barnes
- Climate Adaptation Partners, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kim Knowlton
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Torem
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gowri Anand
- City of New York, Department of Transportation, New York, New York, USA
| | - Liv Yoon
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Marcotullio
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Deborah Balk
- Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College and also CUNY Institute for Demographic Research, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Hayley Elszasz
- City of New York, Mayors Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kazuhiko Ito
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sonal Jessel
- WE ACT for Environmental Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vijay Limaye
- Natural Resources Defense Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robbie Parks
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mallory Rutigliano
- New York City Mayor's Office of Management and Budget, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cecilia Sorenson
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ariel Yuan
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
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3
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Bata-Vidács I, Rodrigues EL, Kosztik J, Tóth Á, Zalán Z, Csernus O, Kukolya J. Molecular and chemical evaluation of patulin production of Aspergillus and Penicillium-like species isolated from Hungarian apples. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38913828 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2024.2364364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites harmful to humans and animals. Patulin (PAT) is a toxin found in different food products but especially in apples and their derivative products. The most common fungi producers of this compound are Aspergillus clavatus and Penicillium expansum. The production of patulin, as other mycotoxins, can be impacted by diverse phenomena such as water and nutrient availability, UV exposure, and the presence of antagonistic organisms. Consequently, gaining a comprehensive understanding of climate and environmental conditions is a crucial step in combating patulin contamination. In this study, moulds were isolated from 40 apple samples collected from seven locations across Hungary: Csenger, Damak, Pallag, Lövőpetri, Nagykálló, and Újfehértó. A total of 183 moulds were morphologically identified, with 67 isolates belonging to the Alternaria, 45 to the Aspergillus, and 13 to the Penicillium groups. The location possessed a higher influence than farming method on the distribution of mould genera. Despite the requirement of higher temperature, Aspergillus species dominated only for the region of Újfehértó with approximately 50% of the isolates belonging to the genus. Four of the seven locations assessed: Csenger, Debrecen-Pallag, Nyírtass and Nagykálló, were dominated by Alternaria species. All isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium were tested for the presence of the isoepoxidone dehydrogenase (idh) gene, a key player in the patulin metabolic pathway. To guarantee patulin production, this ability was confirmed with TLC assays. The only Aspergillus strain that presented a positive result was the strain Aspergillus clavatus B9/6, originated from the apple cultivar Golden Reinders grown in Debrecen-Pallag by integrated farming. Of the Penicillium isolates only one strain, B10/6, presented a band of the right size (500-600 bp) for the idh gene. Further sequencing of the ITS gene showed that this strain should be classified as Talaromyces pinophilus. The TLC tests confirmed this microorganism as the only patulin producer under the studied conditions for its cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Bata-Vidács
- Food and Wine Research Institute, Eszterházy Eger, Hungary
- ELKH-EKKE Lendület Environmental Microbiome Research Group, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Eger, Hungary
| | - Emelin Leandro Rodrigues
- Department of Bioengineering and Fermentation Technology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Kosztik
- Food and Wine Research Institute, Eszterházy Eger, Hungary
- ELKH-EKKE Lendület Environmental Microbiome Research Group, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Eger, Hungary
| | - Ákos Tóth
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Zalán
- Department of Bioengineering and Fermentation Technology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Olívia Csernus
- Department of Bioengineering and Fermentation Technology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Kukolya
- Food and Wine Research Institute, Eszterházy Eger, Hungary
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Ali S, Tyagi A, Mir ZA. Plant Immunity: At the Crossroads of Pathogen Perception and Defense Response. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1434. [PMID: 38891243 PMCID: PMC11174815 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Plants are challenged by different microbial pathogens that affect their growth and productivity. However, to defend pathogen attack, plants use diverse immune responses, such as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI), RNA silencing and autophagy, which are intricate and regulated by diverse signaling cascades. Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors are the hallmarks of plant innate immunity because they can detect pathogen or related immunogenic signals and trigger series of immune signaling cascades at different cellular compartments. In plants, most commonly, PRRs are receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins (RLPs) that function as a first layer of inducible defense. In this review, we provide an update on how plants sense pathogens, microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or MAMPs), and effectors as a danger signals and activate different immune responses like PTI and ETI. Further, we discuss the role RNA silencing, autophagy, and systemic acquired resistance as a versatile host defense response against pathogens. We also discuss early biochemical signaling events such as calcium (Ca2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hormones that trigger the activation of different plant immune responses. This review also highlights the impact of climate-driven environmental factors on host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
| | - Anshika Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
| | - Zahoor Ahmad Mir
- Department of Plant Science and Agriculture, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2M 0TB, Canada;
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Huang WF, Li J, Huang JA, Liu ZH, Xiong LG. Review: Research progress on seasonal succession of phyllosphere microorganisms. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 338:111898. [PMID: 37879538 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Phyllosphere microorganisms have recently attracted the attention of scientists studying plant microbiomes. The origin, diversity, functions, and interactions of phyllosphere microorganisms have been extensively explored. Many experiments have demonstrated seasonal cycles of phyllosphere microbes. However, a comprehensive comparison of these separate investigations to characterize seasonal trends in phyllosphere microbes of woody and herbaceous plants has not been conducted. In this review, we explored the dynamic changes of phyllosphere microorganisms in woody and non-woody plants with the passage of the season, sought to find the driving factors, summarized these texts, and thought about future research trends regarding the application of phyllosphere microorganisms in agricultural production. Seasonal trends in phyllosphere microorganisms of herbaceous and woody plants have similarities and differences, but extensive experimental validation is needed. Climate, insects, hosts, microbial interactions, and anthropogenic activities are the diverse factors that influence seasonal variation in phyllosphere microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian-An Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Gui Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Ozdemir C, Kucuksezer UC, Ogulur I, Pat Y, Yazici D, Agache I, Jutel M, Nadeau KC, Akdis M, Akdis CA. How does global warming contribute to disorders originating from an impaired epithelial barrier? Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:703-712. [PMID: 37619777 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial barrier represents the point of contact between the host and the external environment. It is the first line of defense against external insults in the skin and in the gastrointestinal and upper and lower respiratory tracts. The steep increase in chronic disorders in recent decades, including allergies and autoimmune disorders, has prompted studies to investigate the immune mechanisms of their underlying pathogeneses, all of which point to a thought-provoking shared finding: disrupted epithelial barriers. Climate change with global warming has increased the frequency of unpredictable extreme weather events, such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and aberrant and longer pollination seasons, among many others. These increasingly frequent natural disasters can synergistically damage the epithelial barrier integrity in the presence of environmental pollution. A disrupted epithelial barrier induces proinflammatory activation of epithelial cells and alarmin production, namely, epithelitis. The "opened" epithelial barrier facilitates the entry of the external exposome into and underneath the epithelium, triggering an expulsion response driven by inflammatory cells in the area and chronic inflammation. These changes are associated with microbial dysbiosis with colonizing opportunistic pathogens and decreased commensals. These cellular and molecular events are key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic inflammatory disorders. This review summarizes the impact of global warming on epithelial barrier functions in the context of allergic diseases. Further studies in the impact of climate change on the dysfunction of the epithelial barriers are warranted to improve our understanding of epithelial barrier-related diseases and raise awareness of the environmental insults that pose a threat to our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cevdet Ozdemir
- Institute of Child Health, Department of Pediatric Basic Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye; Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Umut Can Kucuksezer
- Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ismail Ogulur
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Yagiz Pat
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Duygu Yazici
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Ioana Agache
- Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, and ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education, Davos, Switzerland.
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7
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Abel-Fernández E, Fernández-Caldas E. Allergy to fungi: Advances in the understanding of fungal allergens. Mol Immunol 2023; 163:216-223. [PMID: 37864931 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are a major health problem due to their increasing incidence and high prevalence worldwide. Asthma has several aetiologies, and allergy plays an important role in its development in approximately 60% of adults and 80% of children and adolescents. Although the link between aeroallergen sensitization and asthma exacerbations has been long recognized, the investigations of the triggering allergens may be superficial in many asthma cases. The main allergenic sources related to asthma, and other allergic diseases, are pollens, mites, fungi, and animal epithelia. Fungi are considered the third most frequent cause of respiratory pathologies. Asthma caused by several fungi species may have a bad prognosis in some cases due to its severity and difficulty in avoidance methods. Despite the recognised relevance of fungi in respiratory allergies, the knowledge about fungal allergens seems to be scarce, with few descriptions of new allergens, compared to other allergenic sources. The study of major, minor, and cross-reactive fungal allergens, and their relevance in the allergic disease, might be crucial, not only to accurately diagnose these allergies, but also to predict exacerbations and responses to therapies, as well as for the development of personalized treatment plans in a fast-changing climate scenario.
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8
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Sajjad B, Hussain S, Rasool K, Hassan M, Almomani F. Comprehensive insights into advances in ambient bioaerosols sampling, analysis and factors influencing bioaerosols composition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122473. [PMID: 37659632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
While the study of bioaerosols has a long history, it has garnered heightened interest in the past few years, focusing on both culture-dependent and independent sampling and analysis approaches. Observations have been made regarding the seasonal fluctuations in microbial communities and their connection to particular ambient atmospheric factors. The study of airborne microbial communities is important in public health and atmospheric processes. Nevertheless, the establishment of standardized protocols for evaluating airborne microbial communities and utilizing microbial taxonomy as a means to identify distinct bioaerosols sources and seasonal patterns remains relatively unexplored. This article discusses the challenges and limitations of ambient bioaerosols sampling and analysis, including the lack of standardized methods and the heterogeneity of sources. Future prospects in the field of bioaerosols, including the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies, omics studies, spectroscopy and fluorescence-based monitoring to provide comprehensive incite on metabolic capacity, and activity are also presented. Furthermore, the review highlights the factors that affect bioaerosols composition, including seasonality, atmospheric conditions, and pollution levels. Overall, this review provides a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in understanding and managing bioaerosols in various environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Sajjad
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar; Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Rasool
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Mujtaba Hassan
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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9
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Apangu GP, Frisk CA, Adams-Groom B, Petch GM, Hanson M, Skjøth CA. Using qPCR and microscopy to assess the impact of harvesting and weather conditions on the relationship between Alternaria alternata and Alternaria spp. spores in rural and urban atmospheres. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00484-023-02480-w. [PMID: 37191729 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Alternaria is a plant pathogen and human allergen. Alternaria alternata is one of the most abundant fungal spores in the air. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Alternaria spp. spore concentrations can be used to predict the abundance and spatio-temporal pattern of A. alternata spores in the air. This was investigated by testing the hypothesis that A. alternata dominates airborne Alternaria spp. spores and varies spatio-temporally. Secondarily, we aimed at investigating the relationship between airborne Alternaria spp. spores and the DNA profile of A. alternata spores between two proximate (~ 7 km apart) sites. These were examined by sampling Alternaria spp. spores using Burkard 7-day and cyclone samplers for the period 2016-2018 at Worcester and Lakeside campuses of the University of Worcester, UK. Daily Alternaria spp. spores from the Burkard traps were identified using optical microscopy whilst A. alternata from the cyclone samples was detected and quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that either A. alternata or other Alternaria species spores dominate the airborne Alternaria spore concentrations, generally depending on weather conditions. Furthermore, although Alternaria spp. spore concentrations were similar for the two proximate sites, A. alternata spore concentrations significantly varied for those sites and it is highly likely that the airborne samples contained large amounts of small fragments of A. alternata. Overall, the study shows that there is a higher abundance of airborne Alternaria allergen than reported by aerobiological networks and the majority is likely to be from spore and hyphal fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Philliam Apangu
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK.
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
| | - Carl Alexander Frisk
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
- Department of Urban Greening and Vegetation Ecology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Beverley Adams-Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
| | - Geoffrey M Petch
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
| | - Mary Hanson
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Carsten Ambelas Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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10
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González-Alonso M, Boldeanu M, Koritnik T, Gonçalves J, Belzner L, Stemmler T, Gebauer R, Grewling Ł, Tummon F, Maya-Manzano JM, Ariño AH, Schmidt-Weber C, Buters J. Alternaria spore exposure in Bavaria, Germany, measured using artificial intelligence algorithms in a network of BAA500 automatic pollen monitors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160180. [PMID: 36403848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although Alternaria spores are well-known allergenic fungal spores, automatic bioaerosol recognition systems have not been trained to recognize these particles until now. Here we report the development of a new algorithm able to classify Alternaria spores with BAA500 automatic bioaerosol monitors. The best validation score was obtained when the model was trained on both data from the original dataset and artificially generated images, with a validation unweighted mean Intersection over Union (IoU), also called Jaccard Index, of 0.95. Data augmentation techniques were applied to the training set. While some particles were not recognized (false negatives), false positives were few. The results correlated well with manual counts (mean of four Hirst-type traps), with R2 = 0.78. Counts from BAA500 were 1.92 times lower than with Hirst-type traps. The algorithm was then used to re-analyze the historical automatic pollen monitoring network (ePIN) dataset (2018-2022), which lacked Alternaria spore counts. Re-analysis of past data showed that Alternaria spore exposure in Bavaria was very variable, with the highest counts in the North (Marktheidenfeld, 154 m a.s.l.), and the lowest values close to the mountains in the South (Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 735 m a.s.l.). This approach shows that in our network future algorithms can be run on past datasets. Over time, the use of different algorithms could lead to misinterpretations as stemming from climate change or other phenological causes. Our approach enables consistent, homogeneous treatment of long-term series, thus preventing variability in particle counts owing to changes in the algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica González-Alonso
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany; University of Navarra, Environmental Biology and BIOMA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Mihai Boldeanu
- Polytechnic University of Bucharest, CAMPUS lab, Bucharest 060042, Romania
| | - Tom Koritnik
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Jose Gonçalves
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Institute of Sustainable Processes of the University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; University of Valladolid, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Lenz Belzner
- Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Esplanade 10, Ingolstadt 85049, Germany
| | | | - Robert Gebauer
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany; IT consulting Robert Gebauer, Germany
| | - Łukasz Grewling
- Adam Mickiewicz University, Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Poznań 61-712, Poland
| | - Fiona Tummon
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss), Payerne CH-1530, Switzerland
| | - Jose M Maya-Manzano
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany
| | - Arturo H Ariño
- University of Navarra, Environmental Biology and BIOMA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Carsten Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany.
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11
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Raza MM, Bebber DP. Climate change and plant pathogens. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 70:102233. [PMID: 36370642 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Global food security is threatened by climate change, both directly through responses of crop physiology and productivity, and indirectly through responses of plant-associated microbiota, including plant pathogens. While the interactions between host plants, pathogens and environmental drivers can be complex, recent research is beginning to indicate certain overall patterns in how plant diseases will affect crop production in future. Here, we review the results of three methodological approaches: large-scale observational studies, process-based disease models and experimental comparisons of pathosystems under current and future conditions. We find that observational studies have tended to identify rising temperatures as the primary driver of disease impact. Process-based models suggest that rising temperatures will lead to latitudinal shifts in disease pressure, but drying conditions could mitigate disease risk. Experimental studies suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 will exacerbate disease impacts. Plant diseases may therefore counteract any crop yield increases due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M Raza
- Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, UK; Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Daniel P Bebber
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, UK; Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK.
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12
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Hanson M, Petch G, Ottosen TB, Skjøth C. Summer pollen flora in rural and urban central England dominated by nettle, ryegrass and other pollen missed by the national aerobiological network. AEROBIOLOGIA 2022; 38:591-596. [PMID: 36471879 PMCID: PMC9715437 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Abundance and diversity of airborne pollen are important to human health and biodiversity. The UK operational network collects airborne pollen from 8 flowering trees, grasses and three weeds using Hirst traps and microscopic identification from urban areas. Knowledge of total pollen diversity and differences between rural and urban zones is limited. We collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from air during summer and autumn over 3 years with mini cyclones from one urban and one rural site. Data are analysed using next generation sequencing and metabarcoding. We find the most common genus, Urtica (57%), is also identified by the national network. The grasses Lolium (10%), Agrostis (2%) and Holcus (1%) are in the national network grouped at family level, while Brassica (2%), Chenopodium (1%), Impatiens (2%), Plantago (4%) and Tilia (7%) are not part of the UK operational network. DNA from 138 genera was identified, where 2% of the sample could not be associated with specific genera. 40% of the sample was classified better using eDNA methods at the genus level, than by optical methods. We calculate Bray-Curtis dissimilarity for the rural and urban zones and find a systematic difference in biodiversity. Overall, this shows airborne DNA reveals more information than methods based on morphological differences. The results also suggest data from sites located in large urban areas will be less representative for less populated rural areas. This presents a dilemma in balancing a network and the associated costs delivering health relevant information to the most populated areas vs. a nation-wide approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hanson
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ UK
| | - Geoff Petch
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ UK
| | - Thor-Bjørn Ottosen
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ UK
- Department of Air and Sensor Technology, Danish Technological Institute, Kongsvang Allé 29, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Carsten Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ UK
- Department of Environmental Science - Atmospheric Measurements, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399 building 7413, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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13
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Naumova NB, Kabilov MR. About the Biodiversity of the Air Microbiome. Acta Naturae 2022; 14:50-56. [PMID: 36694900 PMCID: PMC9844089 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This brief review focuses on the properties of bioaerosols, presenting some recent results of metagenomic studies of the air microbiome performed using next-generation sequencing. The taxonomic composition and structure of the bioaerosol microbiome may display diurnal and seasonal dynamics and be dependent on meteorological events such as dust storms, showers, fogs, etc., as well as air pollution. The Proteobacteria and Ascomycota members are common dominants in bioaerosols in different troposphere layers. The microbiological composition of the lower troposphere air affects the composition and diversity of the indoor bioaerosol microbiome, and information about the latter is very important, especially during exacerbated epidemiological situations. Few studies focusing on the bioaerosol microbiome of the air above Russia urge intensification of such research.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. B. Naumova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia
| | - M. R. Kabilov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia
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14
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Xu J. Assessing global fungal threats to humans. MLIFE 2022; 1:223-240. [PMID: 38818220 PMCID: PMC10989982 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Fungi are an integral part of the earth's biosphere. They are broadly distributed in all continents and ecosystems and play a diversity of roles. Here, I review our current understanding of fungal threats to humans and describe the major factors that contribute to various threats. Among the 140,000 or so known species out of the estimated six million fungal species on Earth, about 10% directly or indirectly threaten human health and welfare. Major threats include mushroom poisoning, fungal allergies, infections of crop plants, food contamination by mycotoxins, and mycoses in humans. A growing number of factors have been identified to impact various fungal threats, including human demographics, crop distributions, anthropogenic activities, pathogen dispersals, global climate change, and/or the applications of antifungal drugs and agricultural fungicides. However, while models have been developed for analyzing various processes of individual threats and threat managements, current data are primarily descriptive and incomplete, and there are significant obstacles to integration of the diverse factors into accurate quantitative assessments of fungal threats. With increasing technological advances and concerted efforts to track the spatial and temporal data on climate and environmental variables; mycotoxins in the feed and food supply chains; fungal population dynamics in crop fields, human and animal populations, and the environment; human population demographics; and the prevalence and severities of fungal allergies and diseases, our ability to accurately assess fungal threats will improve. Such improvements should help us develop holistic strategies to manage fungal threats in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology and Institute of Infectious Diseases ResearchMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
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15
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Long-Term Studies of Biological Components of Atmospheric Aerosol: Trends and Variability. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13050651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Biological components of atmospheric aerosol affect the quality of atmospheric air. Long-term trends in changes of the concentrations of total protein (a universal marker of the biogenic component of atmospheric aerosol) and culturable microorganisms in the air are studied. Methods: Atmospheric air samples are taken at two locations in the south of Western Siberia and during airborne sounding of the atmosphere. Sample analysis is carried out in the laboratory using standard culture methods (culturable microorganisms) and the fluorescence method (total protein). Results: Negative trends in the average annual concentration of total protein and culturable microorganisms in the air are revealed over more than 20 years of observations. For the concentration of total protein and culturable microorganisms in the air, intra-annual dynamics is revealed. The ratio of the maximum and minimum values of these concentrations reaches an order of magnitude. The variability of concentrations does not exceed, as a rule, two times for total protein and three times for culturable microorganisms. At the same time, for the data obtained in the course of airborne sounding of the atmosphere, a high temporal stability of the vertical profiles of the studied concentrations was found. The detected biodiversity of culturable microorganisms in atmospheric air samples demonstrates a very high variability at all observation sites. Conclusions: The revealed long-term changes in the biological components of atmospheric aerosol result in a decrease in their contribution to the atmospheric air quality index.
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