1
|
Bosch TCG, Wigley M, Colomina B, Bohannan B, Meggers F, Amato KR, Azad MB, Blaser MJ, Brown K, Dominguez-Bello MG, Ehrlich SD, Elinav E, Finlay BB, Geddie K, Geva-Zatorsky N, Giles-Vernick T, Gros P, Guillemin K, Haraoui LP, Johnson E, Keck F, Lorimer J, McFall-Ngai MJ, Nichter M, Pettersson S, Poinar H, Rees T, Tropini C, Undurraga EA, Zhao L, Melby MK. The potential importance of the built-environment microbiome and its impact on human health. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313971121. [PMID: 38662573 PMCID: PMC11098107 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313971121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that interactions between microbes and their hosts not only play a role in determining health and disease but also in emotions, thought, and behavior. Built environments greatly influence microbiome exposures because of their built-in highly specific microbiomes coproduced with myriad metaorganisms including humans, pets, plants, rodents, and insects. Seemingly static built structures host complex ecologies of microorganisms that are only starting to be mapped. These microbial ecologies of built environments are directly and interdependently affected by social, spatial, and technological norms. Advances in technology have made these organisms visible and forced the scientific community and architects to rethink gene-environment and microbe interactions respectively. Thus, built environment design must consider the microbiome, and research involving host-microbiome interaction must consider the built-environment. This paradigm shift becomes increasingly important as evidence grows that contemporary built environments are steadily reducing the microbial diversity essential for human health, well-being, and resilience while accelerating the symptoms of human chronic diseases including environmental allergies, and other more life-altering diseases. New models of design are required to balance maximizing exposure to microbial diversity while minimizing exposure to human-associated diseases. Sustained trans-disciplinary research across time (evolutionary, historical, and generational) and space (cultural and geographical) is needed to develop experimental design protocols that address multigenerational multispecies health and health equity in built environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. G. Bosch
- Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Kiel24118, Germany
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Mark Wigley
- Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Beatriz Colomina
- School of Architecture, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Brendan Bohannan
- The Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR97403-5289
| | - Forrest Meggers
- Princeton University School of Architecture & Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton, NJ08540
| | - Katherine R. Amato
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
| | - Meghan B. Azad
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Martin J. Blaser
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MBR3E 3P4, Canada
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ08854-8021
| | - Kate Brown
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Program in Science, Technology and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
- Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
| | - Stanislav Dusko Ehrlich
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, LondonWC1N 3RX, United Kingdom
| | - Eran Elinav
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Systems Immunology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot761000, Israel
- Division of Microbiome & Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, 69120Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B. Brett Finlay
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kate Geddie
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Medical and Related Sciences Centre, The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Naama Geva-Zatorsky
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa3525433, Israel
- Department of Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa3525433, Israel
| | - Tamara Giles-Vernick
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Anthropology & Ecology of Disease Emergence, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris75015, France
| | - Philippe Gros
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Karen Guillemin
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR97403
| | - Louis-Patrick Haraoui
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, CanadaJ1E 4K8
| | - Elizabeth Johnson
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, IthakaNY14853
| | - Frédéric Keck
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Laboratoire d’Anthropologie Sociale, Collège de France, Paris75005, France
| | - Jamie Lorimer
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret J. McFall-Ngai
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Mark Nichter
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85721
| | - Sven Pettersson
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore637715, Singapore
| | - Hendrik Poinar
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4M4, Canada
| | - Tobias Rees
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- LIMN, Berkeley, CA94708
| | - Carolina Tropini
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Eduardo A. Undurraga
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Escuela de Gobierno, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago7820436, Chile
| | - Liping Zhao
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
| | - Melissa K. Melby
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE19716
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Machado ACHR, Marinheiro LJ, Benson HAE, Grice JE, Martins TDS, Lan A, Lopes PS, Andreo-Filho N, Leite-Silva VR. A Novel Handrub Tablet Loaded with Pre- and Post-Biotic Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Combining Virucidal Activity and Maintenance of the Skin Barrier and Microbiome. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2793. [PMID: 38140133 PMCID: PMC10747770 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a holobiont tablet with rapid dispersibility to provide regulation of the microbiota, virucidal activity, and skin barrier protection. METHODS A 23 factorial experiment was planned to define the best formulation for the development of the base tablet, using average weight, hardness, dimensions, swelling rate, and disintegration time as parameters to be analyzed. To produce holobiont tablets, the chosen base formulation was fabricated by direct compression of prebiotics, postbiotics, and excipients. The tablets also incorporated solid lipid nanoparticles containing postbiotics that were obtained by high-pressure homogenization and freeze-drying. The in vitro virucidal activity against alpha-coronavirus particles (CCoV-VR809) was determined in VERO cell culture. In vitro analysis, using monolayer cells and human equivalent skin, was performed by rRTq-PCR to determine the expression of interleukins 1, 6, 8, and 17, aquaporin-3, involucrin, filaggrin, FoxO3, and SIRT-1. Antioxidant activity and collagen-1 synthesis were also performed in fibroblast cells. Metagenomic analysis of the skin microbiome was determined in vivo before and after application of the holobiont tablet, during one week of continuous use, and compared to the use of alcohol gel. Samples were analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS A handrub tablet with rapid dispersibility was developed for topical use and rinse off. After being defined as safe, the virucidal activity was found to be equal to or greater than that of 70% alcohol, with a reduction in interleukins and maintenance or improvement of skin barrier gene markers, in addition to the reestablishment of the skin microbiota after use. CONCLUSIONS The holobiont tablets were able to improve the genetic markers related to the skin barrier and also its microbiota, thereby being more favorable for use as a hand sanitizer than 70% alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Henriques Ribeiro Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Translacional, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 720, Sao Paulo 04039-002, SP, Brazil; (A.C.H.R.M.); (V.R.L.-S.)
| | - Laís Júlio Marinheiro
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
| | | | - Jeffrey Ernest Grice
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Tereza da Silva Martins
- Laboratório de Materiais Híbridos, Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, 2° Andar, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil;
| | - Alexandra Lan
- Shanghai Pechoin Daily Chemical Corporation, Shanghai 200060, China;
| | - Patricia Santos Lopes
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
| | - Newton Andreo-Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Vania Rodrigues Leite-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Translacional, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 720, Sao Paulo 04039-002, SP, Brazil; (A.C.H.R.M.); (V.R.L.-S.)
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wei N, Wang S, Li X, Pan R, Yi W, Song J, Liu L, Liu J, Yuan J, Song R, Cheng J, Su H. The association between greenery type and gut microbiome in schizophrenia: did all greenspaces play the equivalent role? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:100006-100017. [PMID: 37624502 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, attention has been focused on the benefit of greenspace on mental health, and it is suggested this link may vary with the type of greenspace. More and more studies have emphasized the influence of the gut microbiome on schizophrenia (SCZ). However, the effects of greenspaces on the gut microbiota in SCZ and the effect of different types of greenspaces on the gut microbiota remain unclear. We aim to examine if there were variations in the effects of various greenspace types on the gut microbiome in SCZ. Besides, we sink to explore important taxonomic compositions associated with different greenspace types. We recruited 243 objects with schizophrenia from Anhui Mental Health Center and collected fecal samples for 16Sr RNA gene sequencing. Three types of greenery coverage were calculated with different circular buffers (800, 1500, and 3000 m) corresponding to individual addresses. The association between greenspace and microbiome composition was analyzed with permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). We conducted the linear regression to capture specific gut microbiome taxa associated with greenery coverage. Tree coverage was consistently associated with microbial composition in both 1500 m (R2 = 0.007, P = 0.030) and 3000 m (R2 = 0.007, P = 0.039). In contrast, there was no association with grass cover in any of the buffer zones. In the regression analysis, higher tree coverage was significantly correlated with the relative abundance of several taxa. Among them, tree coverage was positively associated with increased Bifidobacterium longum (β = 1.069, P = 0.004), which was the dominant composition in the gut microbiota. The relationship between greenspace and gut microbiome in SCZ differed by the type of greenspace. Besides, "tree coverage" may present a dominant effect on the important taxonomic composition. Our findings might provide instructive evidence for the design of urban greenspace to optimize health and well-being in SCZ as well as the whole people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shusi Wang
- Hefei Stomatological Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xuanxuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rubing Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weizhuo Yi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jintao Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajun Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bevan J, Blyth R, Russell B, Holtgrewe L, Cheung AHC, Austin I, Shah V, Butler M, Fraser S. Planetary health and sustainability teaching in UK medical education: A review of medical school curricula. MEDICAL TEACHER 2023; 45:623-632. [PMID: 36503358 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2022.2152190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The doctors of the future need to be empowered to deliver healthcare sustainably while protecting their patients' health in the context of a degrading environment. This study aimed to objectively review the extent and nature of the teaching of planetary health and sustainability topics in UK medical education. METHODS A multi-centre national review of the timetabled teaching sessions in medical courses in the UK during the academic year 2020/2021 against the General Medical Council's adopted 'Educating for Sustainable Healthcare - Priority Learning Outcomes'. Medical students were recruited and reviewed the entirety of their own institution's online teaching materials associated with core teaching sessions using a standardised data collection tool. Learning outcome coverage and estimated teaching time were calculated and used to rank participating medical schools. RESULTS 45% of eligible UK medical schools were included in the study. The extent of teaching varied considerably amongst courses. Mean coverage of the 13 learning outcomes was 9.9 (SD:2.5) with a mean estimated teaching time of 140 min (SD:139). Courses with dedicated planetary health and sustainability sessions ranked best. CONCLUSION There is large disparity in the education that medical students receive on these topics. Teaching may not adequately prioritise sustainability or reflect advances in planetary health knowledge.[Box: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Bevan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rachel Blyth
- NHS Foundation Trust, St. George's University Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | - Lydia Holtgrewe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Isobel Austin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Viraj Shah
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Megan Butler
- Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Fraser
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Agache I, Laculiceanu A, Spanu D, Grigorescu D. The Concept of One Health for Allergic Diseases and Asthma. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 15:290-302. [PMID: 37188486 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.3.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of allergic disease is rising as a result of complex gene-environment interactions that shape the immune system and host response. Climate change and loss of biodiversity are existential threats to humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. While there is significant progress in the development of targeted therapeutic options to treat allergies and asthma, these approaches are inadequate to meet the challenges faced by climate change. The exposomic approach is needed with the recognition of the bidirectional effect between human beings and the environment. All stakeholders need to work together toward mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting a One Health concept in order to decrease the burden of asthma and allergy and to improve immune health. Healthcare professionals should strive to incorporate One Health counseling, environmental health precepts, and advocacy into their practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Agache
- Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania.
| | | | - Daniela Spanu
- Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania
| | - Dan Grigorescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dallas JW, Warne RW. Captivity and Animal Microbiomes: Potential Roles of Microbiota for Influencing Animal Conservation. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:820-838. [PMID: 35316343 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
During the ongoing biodiversity crisis, captive conservation and breeding programs offer a refuge for species to persist and provide source populations for reintroduction efforts. Unfortunately, captive animals are at a higher disease risk and reintroduction efforts remain largely unsuccessful. One potential factor in these outcomes is the host microbiota which includes a large diversity and abundance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play an essential role in host physiology. Relative to wild populations, the generalized pattern of gut and skin microbiomes in captivity are reduced alpha diversity and they exhibit a significant shift in community composition and/or structure which often correlates with various physiological maladies. Many conditions of captivity (antibiotic exposure, altered diet composition, homogenous environment, increased stress, and altered intraspecific interactions) likely lead to changes in the host-associated microbiome. To minimize the problems arising from captivity, efforts can be taken to manipulate microbial diversity and composition to be comparable with wild populations through methods such as increasing dietary diversity, exposure to natural environmental reservoirs, or probiotics. For individuals destined for reintroduction, these strategies can prime the microbiota to buffer against novel pathogens and changes in diet and improve reintroduction success. The microbiome is a critical component of animal physiology and its role in species conservation should be expanded and included in the repertoire of future management practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Dallas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
| | - Robin W Warne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Biodiversity: the overlooked source of human health. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:173-187. [PMID: 36585352 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity is the measure of the variation of lifeforms in a given ecological system. Biodiversity provides ecosystems with the robustness, stability, and resilience that sustains them. This is ultimately essential for our survival because we depend on the services that natural ecosystems provide (food, fresh water, air, climate, and medicine). Despite this, human activity is driving an unprecedented rate of biodiversity decline, which may jeopardize the life-support systems of the planet if no urgent action is taken. In this article we show why biodiversity is essential for human health. We raise our case and focus on the biomedicine services that are enabled by biodiversity, and we present known and novel approaches to promote biodiversity conservation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zunino P. Native microbiomes in danger: Could One Health help to cope with this threat to global health? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2022.178-184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Planetary health faces an emergency associated with global change. Climate change, the increase in world population and urban concentration, the hyperintensification of productive systems, and the associated changes in land use, among other factors, are generating a risky substrate for global health deterioration. The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is an example of the problems that this situation can provoke. Several researchers and health professionals have addressed the role of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, in promoting global health, mainly in the past decades. However, global changes have contributed to the extinction of a wide array of bacterial species and the disruption of microbial communities that support the homeostasis of humans, animals, and the environment. The need to protect the diversity and richness of native microbiomes in biotic and abiotic environments is crucial but has been frequently underestimated. The "One Health" approach, based on integrating traditionally unconnected fields such as human, animal, and environmental health, could provide a helpful framework to face this challenge. Anyway, drastic political decisions will be needed to tackle this global health crisis, in which the preservation of native microbial resources plays a critical role, even in preventing the risk of a new pandemic. This review aims to explain the importance of native microbiomes in biotic and abiotic ecosystems and the need to consider bacterial extinction as a crucial problem that could be addressed under a One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Zunino
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mhuireach GÁ, Fahimipour AK, Vandegrift R, Muscarella ME, Hickey R, Bateman AC, Van Den Wymelenberg KG, Bohannan BJM. Temporary establishment of bacteria from indoor plant leaves and soil on human skin. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:61. [PMID: 36572917 PMCID: PMC9793532 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00457-7] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plants are found in a large percentage of indoor environments, yet the potential for bacteria associated with indoor plant leaves and soil to colonize human skin remains unclear. We report results of experiments in a controlled climate chamber to characterize bacterial communities inhabiting the substrates and leaves of five indoor plant species, and quantify microbial transfer dynamics and residence times on human skin following simulated touch contact events. Controlled bacterial propagule transfer events with soil and leaf donors were applied to the arms of human occupants and repeatedly measured over a 24-h period using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Substrate samples had greater biomass and alpha diversity compared to leaves and baseline skin bacterial communities, as well as dissimilar taxonomic compositions. Despite these differences in donor community diversity and biomass, we observed repeatable patterns in the dynamics of transfer events. Recipient human skin bacterial communities increased in alpha diversity and became more similar to donor communities, an effect which, for soil contact only, persisted for at least 24 h. Washing with soap and water effectively returned communities to their pre-perturbed state, although some abundant soil taxa resisted removal through washing. CONCLUSIONS This study represents an initial characterization of bacterial relationships between humans and indoor plants, which represent a potentially valuable element of biodiversity in the built environment. Although environmental microbiota are unlikely to permanently colonize skin following a single contact event, repeated or continuous exposures to indoor biodiversity may be increasingly relevant for the functioning and diversity of the human microbiome as urbanization continues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwynne Á Mhuireach
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | - Ashkaan K Fahimipour
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Roo Vandegrift
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture, APHIS, PPQ, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mario E Muscarella
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Roxana Hickey
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Ashley C Bateman
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Perspectives on Inequity and Health Disparities in Chile and Their Relationship to Microbial Ecology. mSystems 2022; 7:e0149621. [PMID: 36173132 PMCID: PMC9600356 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01496-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Chile stands out as having important inequalities in income distribution, dietary quality, access to urban green spaces, and health outcomes. People in lower socioeconomic groups consistently show higher rates of noncommunicable chronic diseases and are being hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. These chronic conditions are increasingly considered to be shaped, or affected by, the human gut microbiome. Moreover, inequity as an overarching concept might also be associated with microbial patterns and if so, this may represent a novel pathway through which to address health and other disparities. Focusing on the case of Chile, our goal is to contribute to a critical discussion and motivate researchers and policymakers to consider the role of the microbiome in social equity in future endeavors.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mills JG, Selway CA, Thomas T, Weyrich LS, Lowe AJ. Schoolyard Biodiversity Determines Short-Term Recovery of Disturbed Skin Microbiota in Children. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35689685 PMCID: PMC9188306 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Creating biodiverse urban habitat has been proposed, with growing empirical support, as an intervention for increasing human microbial diversity and reducing associated diseases. However, ecological understanding of urban biodiversity interventions on human skin microbiota remains limited. Here, we experimentally test the hypotheses that disturbed skin microbiota recover better in outdoor schoolyard environments and that greater biodiversity provides a greater response. Repeating the experiment three times, we disturbed skin microbiota of fifty-seven healthy 10-to-11-year-old students with a skin swab (i.e., cleaning), then exposed them to one school environment-either a 'classroom' (n = 20), 'sports field' (n = 14), or biodiverse 'forest' (n = 23)-for 45 min. Another skin swab followed the exposure to compare 'before' and 'after' microbial communities. After 45 min, the disturbance immediately followed by outdoor exposure, especially the 'forest', had an enriching and diversifying effect on skin microbiota, while 'classroom' exposure homogenised inter-personal variability. Each effect compounded over consecutive days indicating longer-term exposure outcomes. The experimental disturbance also reduced the core skin microbiota, and only outdoor environments were able to replenish lost species richness to core membership (n species > 50% prevalent). Overall, we find that environmental setting, especially including biodiversity, is important in human microbiota recovery periods and that the outdoors provide resilience to skin communities. This work also has implications for the inclusion of short periods of outside or forest exposure in school scheduling. Future investigations of the health impacts of permanent urban biodiversity interventions are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob G Mills
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Caitlin A Selway
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bidjigal Country, Sydney, Australia
| | - Laura S Weyrich
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, USA
| | - Andrew J Lowe
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fairchild TP, Weedon J, Griffin JN. Species diversity enhances perceptions of urban coastlines at multiple scales. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tom P. Fairchild
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - Jasmine Weedon
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - John N. Griffin
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Swansea University Swansea UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Palacios-García I, Mhuireach GA, Grasso-Cladera A, Cryan JF, Parada FJ. The 4E approach to the human microbiome: Nested interactions between the gut-brain/body system within natural and built environments. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100249. [PMID: 35338496 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the human mind and its interaction with the environment is one of the main epistemological debates throughout history. Recent ideas, framed as the 4E perspective to cognition, highlight that human experience depends causally on both cerebral and extracranial processes, but also is embedded in a particular sociomaterial context and is a product of historical accumulation of trajectory changes throughout life. Accordingly, the human microbiome is one of the most intriguing actors modulating brain function and physiology. Here, we present the 4E approach to the Human Microbiome for understanding mental processes from a broader perspective, encompassing one's body physiology and environment throughout their lifespan, interconnected by microbiome community structure and dynamics. We review evidence supporting the approach theoretically and motivates the study of the global set of microbial ecosystem networks encountered by a person across their lifetime (from skin to gut to natural and built environments). We furthermore trace future empirical implementation of the approach. We finally discuss novel research opportunities and clinical interventions aimed toward developing low-cost/high-benefit integrative and personalized bio-psycho-socio-environmental treatments for mental health and including the brain-gut-microbiome axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Palacios-García
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile.,Laboratorio de Psicofisiología, Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gwynne A Mhuireach
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Oregon, USA
| | - Aitana Grasso-Cladera
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francisco J Parada
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Peimbert M, Alcaraz LD. Where environmental microbiome meets its host: subway and passenger microbiome relationships. Mol Ecol 2022; 32:2602-2618. [PMID: 35318755 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Subways are urban transport systems with high capacity. Every day around the world, there are more than 150 million subway passengers. Since 2013, thousands of microbiome samples from various subways worldwide have been sequenced. Skin bacteria and environmental organisms dominate the subway microbiomes. The literature has revealed common bacterial groups in subway systems; even so, it is possible to identify cities by their microbiome. Low-frequency bacteria are responsible for specific bacterial fingerprints of each subway system. Furthermore, daily subway commuters leave their microbial clouds and interact with other passengers. Microbial exchange is quite fast; the hand microbiome changes within minutes, and after cleaning the handrails, the bacteria are re-established within minutes. To investigate new taxa and metabolic pathways of subway microbial communities, several high-quality metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAG) have been described. Subways are harsh environments unfavorable for microorganism growth. However, recent studies have observed a wide diversity of viable and metabolically active bacteria. Understanding which bacteria are living, dormant, or dead allows us to propose realistic ecological interactions. Questions regarding the relationship between humans and the subway microbiome, particularly the microbiome effects on personal and public health, remain unanswered. This review summarizes our knowledge of subway microbiomes and their relationship with passenger microbiomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Peimbert
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis D Alcaraz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mills JG, Selway CA, Weyrich LS, Skelly C, Weinstein P, Thomas T, Young JM, Marczylo E, Yadav S, Yadav V, Lowe AJ, Breed MF. Rare genera differentiate urban green space soil bacterial communities in three cities across the world. Access Microbiol 2022; 4:000320. [PMID: 35252756 PMCID: PMC8895604 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vegetation complexity is potentially important for urban green space designs aimed at fostering microbial biodiversity to benefit human health. Exposure to urban microbial biodiversity may influence human health outcomes via immune training and regulation. In this context, improving human exposure to microbiota via biodiversity-centric urban green space designs is an underused opportunity. There is currently little knowledge on the association between vegetation complexity (i.e. diversity and structure) and soil microbiota of urban green spaces. Here, we investigated the association between vegetation complexity and soil bacteria in urban green spaces in Bournemouth, UK; Haikou, China; and the City of Playford, Australia by sequencing the 16S rRNA V4 gene region of soil samples and assessing bacterial diversity. We characterized these green spaces as having ‘low’ or ‘high’ vegetation complexity and explored whether these two broad categories contained similar bacterial community compositions and diversity around the world. Within cities, we observed significantly different alpha and beta diversities between vegetation complexities; however, these results varied between cities. Rare genera (<1% relative abundance individually, on average 35% relative abundance when pooled) were most likely to be significantly different in sequence abundance between vegetation complexities and therefore explained much of the differences in microbial communities observed. Overall, general associations exist between soil bacterial communities and vegetation complexity, although these are not consistent between cities. Therefore, more in-depth work is required to be done locally to derive practical actions to assist the conservation and restoration of microbial communities in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob G. Mills
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Caitlin A. Selway
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Laura S. Weyrich
- Department of Anthropology and Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Chris Skelly
- Research & Intelligence, Public Health Dorset, Dorset County Council, Dorset, UK
- Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer M. Young
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emma Marczylo
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sudesh Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Andrew J. Lowe
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Martin F. Breed
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
D’Accolti M, Soffritti I, Bini F, Mazziga E, Mazzacane S, Caselli E. Pathogen Control in the Built Environment: A Probiotic-Based System as a Remedy for the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020225. [PMID: 35208679 PMCID: PMC8876034 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The high and sometimes inappropriate use of disinfectants and antibiotics has led to alarming levels of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and to high water and hearth pollution, which today represent major threats for public health. Furthermore, the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has deeply influenced our sanitization habits, imposing the massive use of chemical disinfectants potentially exacerbating both concerns. Moreover, super-sanitation can profoundly influence the environmental microbiome, potentially resulting counterproductive when trying to stably eliminate pathogens. Instead, environmentally friendly procedures based on microbiome balance principles, similar to what applied to living organisms, may be more effective, and probiotic-based eco-friendly sanitation has been consistently reported to provide stable reduction of both pathogens and AMR in treated-environments, compared to chemical disinfectants. Here, we summarize the results of the studies performed in healthcare settings, suggesting that such an approach may be applied successfully also to non-healthcare environments, including the domestic ones, based on its effectiveness, safety, and negligible environmental impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria D’Accolti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesca Bini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Eleonora Mazziga
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Sante Mazzacane
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chukwudi CU. Consolidating and Upscaling Molecular Research Capacity in Nigeria: On Who's Account? Front Res Metr Anal 2022; 6:788673. [PMID: 35071971 PMCID: PMC8766846 DOI: 10.3389/frma.2021.788673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular research and researchers engage in studies that seek to understand the structures, functions, and interactions of biomolecules as the basis for cellular and systemic effects in living organisms. This research approach was made possible by considerable technological advancements that equip researchers with tools to view biomolecules. Although molecular research holds great promises for improving lives and living, the technological requirements and equipment to undertake molecular research are quite expensive, often requiring a heavy start-up capital or investment. In developing countries such as Nigeria, where the majority of the population lives below the poverty line and research funding is abysmally low, such heavy investments into research that do not provide immediate solutions to societal problems are difficult. This is mostly due to limited resources available to tackle many urgent and pressing needs, and limited perspective and understanding of policymakers, leading to infrastructural and skilled personnel deficit to support molecular research. Despite all these, the field of molecular research continues to grow exponentially globally, hence, funding and investments into this critical life science research area have become imperative. With the rich biodiversity of humans, animals, and plants in Nigeria, and the huge burden of infectious diseases in the country or region, global advances in genomics and proteomics studies will be incomplete without adequate contribution from Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa region. This paper examines the progression and challenges of undertaking molecular research in Nigeria, and how Nigerian molecular research scientists are tackling these issues, with recommendations for improved molecular research capacity and output in the country or region.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Social and political policy, human activities, and environmental change affect the ways in which microbial communities assemble and interact with people. These factors determine how different social groups are exposed to beneficial and/or harmful microorganisms, meaning microbial exposure has an important socioecological justice context. Therefore, greater consideration of microbial exposure and social equity in research, planning, and policy is imperative. Here, we identify 20 research questions considered fundamentally important to promoting equitable exposure to beneficial microorganisms, along with safeguarding resilient societies and ecosystems. The 20 research questions we identified span seven broad themes, including the following: (i) sociocultural interactions; (ii) Indigenous community health and well-being; (iii) humans, urban ecosystems, and environmental processes; (iv) human psychology and mental health; (v) microbiomes and infectious diseases; (vi) human health and food security; and (vii) microbiome-related planning, policy, and outreach. Our goal was to summarize this growing field and to stimulate impactful research avenues while providing focus for funders and policymakers.
Collapse
|
19
|
Examining the paradox of urban disease ecology by linking the perspectives of Urban One Health and Ecology with Cities. Urban Ecosyst 2022; 25:1735-1744. [PMID: 35855439 PMCID: PMC9283848 DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ecology of zoonotic, including vector-borne, diseases in urban social-ecological systems is influenced by complex interactions among human and environmental factors. Several characteristics contribute to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases in urban places, such as high human population densities, favorable habitat for vectors, and humans' close proximity to animals and their pathogens. On the other hand, urban living can contribute to the improvement of public health through better access to health services and creation of ecological and technological infrastructure that reduces disease burdens. Therefore, urbanization creates a disease ecology paradox through the interplay of urban health penalties and advantages for individual and community outcomes. To address this contradiction, we advocate a holistic Urban One Health perspective for managing urban systems, especially their green spaces and animal populations, in ways that more effectively control the spread of zoonotic diseases. This view should be coupled with an Ecology with Cities approach which emphasizes actionable science needed for urban planning, management and policymaking; developing disease and vector surveillance programs using citizen and community science methods; and improving education and communication actions that help diverse stakeholders understand the complexities of urban disease ecology. Such measures will enable scholars from many disciplines to collaborate with professionals, government officials, and others to tackle challenges of the urban disease paradox and create more sustainable, health-promoting environments.
Collapse
|
20
|
Tong S, Bambrick H, Beggs PJ, Chen L, Hu Y, Ma W, Steffen W, Tan J. Current and future threats to human health in the Anthropocene. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106892. [PMID: 34583096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
It has been widely recognised that the threats to human health from global environmental changes (GECs) are increasing in the Anthropocene epoch, and urgent actions are required to tackle these pressing challenges. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the nine planetary boundaries and the threats to population health posed by human activities that are exceeding these boundaries in the Anthropocene. The research progress and key knowledge gaps were identified in this emerging field. Over the past three decades, there has been a great deal of research progress on health risks from climate change, land-use change and urbanisation, biodiversity loss and other GECs. However, several significant challenges remain, including the misperception of the relationship between human and nature; assessment of the compounding risks of GECs; strategies to reduce and prevent the potential health impacts of GECs; and uncertainties in fulfilling the commitments to the Paris Agreement. Confronting these challenges will require rigorous scientific research that is well-coordinated across different disciplines and various sectors. It is imperative for the international community to work together to develop informed policies to avert crises and ensure a safe and sustainable planet for the present and future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Tong
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Institute of Environment and Population Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Hilary Bambrick
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul J Beggs
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Yabin Hu
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Will Steffen
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jianguo Tan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Special issue: Urban ecosystems: potentials, challenges, and solutions. Basic Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
22
|
Marczylo EL, Macchiarulo S, Gant TW. Metabarcoding of Soil Fungi from Different Urban Greenspaces Around Bournemouth in the UK. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:315-330. [PMID: 34089413 PMCID: PMC8626400 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Soil microbes are important for public health. Increasing urbanisation is adversely affecting soil microbiota, which may be contributing to the global rise of immune-related diseases. Fungi are key components of urban environments that can be negatively impacted by altered land-use, land-management and climate change, and are implicated in the development and exacerbation of non-communicable diseases such as allergy, asthma and chronic inflammatory conditions. Fungal metagenomics is building knowledge on fungi within different environments (the environmental mycobiome), fungi on and within the human body (the human mycobiome), and their association with disease. Here, we demonstrate the added value of a multi-region metabarcoding approach to analyse soil mycobiomes from five urban greenspaces (lawns, parklands, bareground, young forest and old forest). While results were comparable across the three regions (ITS1, ITS2 and LSU), each identified additional fungal taxa that were unique to the region. Combining the results therefore provided a more comprehensive analysis across all fungal taxonomic ranks, identifying statistically significant differences in the fungal composition of the five soil types. Assignment of fungal taxa into ecological guilds revealed those differences of biological relevance to public health. The greatest differences were between the soil mycobiome of lawns and forests. Of most concern was the significant increase in the known human allergens Alternaria, Bipolaris, Cladosporium and Fusarium within urban lawn and parkland vs forest soils. By improving our understanding of local variations in fungal taxa across urban greenspaces, we have the potential to boost the health of local residents through improved urban planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Marczylo
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ, UK.
| | - Sameirah Macchiarulo
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Timothy W Gant
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mhuireach GÁ, Wilson H, Johnson BR. Urban Aerobiomes are Influenced by Season, Vegetation, and Individual Site Characteristics. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:331-344. [PMID: 33170406 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-020-01493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to biodiverse environments such as forests can benefit human well-being, and evidence suggests exposure to high microbial diversity may improve mental and immune health. However, the factors that drive microbial community assembly are poorly understood, as is the relationship between exposure to these communities and human health. We characterized airborne bacterial communities in two disparate types of urban greenspace (forest and grass) in late-spring 2017 at sites previously sampled in late-summer 2015 in Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, using high-throughput metabarcode sequencing. While all sites shared a core aerobiome in late-spring consisting of plant- and soil-associated genera, forests had significantly higher diversity than grass sites (F = 12, P = 0.004). Vegetation type explained 14% of the difference between forest and grass aerobiomes, yet individual site location explained 41% of the variation. These results were similar to but amplified over those from late summer, suggesting that both aerobiome diversity and vegetation-driven effects are higher when deciduous foliage is fresher and more active, temperatures cooler, and humidity higher. Continued exploration and hypothesis-driven research will enable development of mechanistic theory describing key drivers of urban aerobiome assembly and its relationship to human health, which, in turn, will help urban designers and planners create evidence-based salutogenic cities for future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwynne Á Mhuireach
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Oregon, 5250 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
- Biology and the Built Environment (BioBE) Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
- Institute for Health in the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | - Hannah Wilson
- Biology and the Built Environment (BioBE) Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bart R Johnson
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Oregon, 5250 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wolves, dogs and humans in regular contact can mutually impact each other's skin microbiota. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17106. [PMID: 34429455 PMCID: PMC8385068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to humans and dogs, the skin microbiota of wolves is yet to be described. Here, we investigated the skin microbiota of dogs and wolves kept in outdoor packs at the Wolf Science Center (WSC) via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Skin swab samples were also collected from human care takers and their pet dogs. When comparing the three canine groups, representing different degrees of human contact to the care takers and each other, the pet dogs showed the highest level of diversity. Additionally, while human skin was dominated by a few abundant phylotypes, the skin microbiota of the care takers who had particularly close contact with the WSC animals was more similar to the microbiota of dogs and wolves compared to the humans who had less contact with these animals. Our results suggest that domestication may have an impact on the diversity of the skin microbiota, and that the canine skin microbiota can be shared with humans, depending on the level of interaction.
Collapse
|
25
|
Mills S, Ross RP. Colliding and interacting microbiomes and microbial communities - consequences for human health. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:7341-7354. [PMID: 34390616 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Living 'things' coexist with microorganisms, known as the microbiota/microbiome that provides essential physiological functions to its host. Despite this reliance, the microbiome is malleable and can be altered by several factors including birth-mode, age, antibiotics, nutrition, and disease. In this minireview, we consider how other microbiomes and microbial communities impact the host microbiome and the host through the concept of microbiome collisions (initial exposures) and interactions. Interactions include changes in host microbiome composition and functionality and/or host responses. Understanding the impact of other microbiomes and microbial communities on the microbiome and host are important considering the decline in human microbiota diversity in the developed world - paralleled by the surge of non-communicable, inflammatory-based diseases. Thus, surrounding ourselves with rich and diverse beneficial microbiomes and microbial communities to collide and interact with should help to diminish the loss in microbial diversity and protect from certain diseases. In the same vein, our microbiomes not only influence our health but potentially the health of those close to us. We also consider strategies for enhanced host microbiome collisions and interactions through the surrounding environment that ensure increased microbiome diversity and functionality contributing to enhanced symbiotic return to the host in terms of health benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Mills
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Variation in Microbial Exposure at the Human-Animal Interface and the Implications for Microbiome-Mediated Health Outcome. mSystems 2021; 6:e0056721. [PMID: 34342530 PMCID: PMC8407385 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00567-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome varies between populations, largely reflecting ecological differences. One ecological variable that is rarely considered but may contribute substantially to microbiome variation is the multifaceted nature of human-animal interfaces. We present the hypothesis that different interactions with animals contribute to shaping the human microbiome globally. We utilize a One Health framework to explore how changes in microbial exposure from human-animal interfaces shape the microbiome and, in turn, contribute to differential human health across populations, focusing on commensal and pathogen exposure, changes in colonization resistance and immune system training, and the potential for other functional shifts. Although human-animal interfaces are known to underlie human health and particularly infectious disease disparities, since their impact on the human microbiome remains woefully understudied, we propose foci for future research. We believe it will be crucial to understand this critical aspect of biology and its impacts on human health around the globe.
Collapse
|
27
|
Shiels PG, Painer J, Natterson-Horowitz B, Johnson RJ, Miranda JJ, Stenvinkel P. Manipulating the exposome to enable better ageing. Biochem J 2021; 478:2889-2898. [PMID: 34319404 PMCID: PMC8331090 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The sum total of life course exposures creates an exposome that has a significant impact on age-related health. Understanding the interplay between exposome factors and the (epi) genome, offers pertinent insights into the ageing process and its relationship with the accumulation of allostatic load. We propose to exploit this to develop a biomimetic approach that will provide insight into how evolution through natural selection in other species has solved many age related human health issues. In particular, we will emphasise the need to reconnect a more mechanistic approach to medical science with a broader natural sciences approach, using biomimetics to mitigate the global burden of age related ill health. In particular, we will discuss how such an approach indicates leverage of the activities of the Nrf 2 gene to enhance health span via reintroduction of the classical 'Food as Medicine' concept, including modulation of the microbiome and the creation of more salutogenic and biophilic environments. Additionally, we will discuss how this approach integrates with novel and developing senotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul G. Shiels
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, U.K
| | - Johanna Painer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstreet 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Natterson-Horowitz
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, UCLA Division of Cardiology, Co-Director, Evolutionary Medicine Program at UCLA, Harvard University, California, U.S.A
| | - Richard J. Johnson
- Division of Renal Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, U.S.A
| | - Jaime J. Miranda
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Campus Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Melo J, Ribeiro AI, Aznar S, Pizarro A, Santos MP. Urban Green Spaces, Greenness Exposure and Species Richness in Residential Environments and Relations with Physical Activity and BMI in Portuguese Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6588. [PMID: 34207424 PMCID: PMC8296418 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors play an important role in obesity-related behaviors. Evidence indicates significant associations between weight and urban green spaces in adults, but it is not clear whether this relationship applies to adolescents. Therefore, our aim was to determine the associations between urban green spaces, greenness exposure and species richness in residential environments with physical activity and body mass index. Sixty-two adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age answered a self-administered questionnaire, providing information on height, weight, age, sex and home address. Data on socioeconomic deprivation were obtained from the European Index of Deprivation for Small Portuguese Areas. Physical activity levels were assessed using accelerometers. Urban green space counts and the normalized difference vegetation index values were measured using buffers along the roads with distances of 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 m from each participant's residence. To quantify the species richness, the species richness index was used. Linear regression models were fitted to analyze whether urban green spaces, exposure to green spaces and species richness counts for each distance were associated with physical activity and self-reported body mass index. We did not find significant associations between the independent variables and the probability of overweight or obesity. The relationship between environmental variables, adolescents' physical activity and body weight seems to be complex and further studies may contribute to better understanding of the topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Melo
- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Placido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.); (M.P.S.)
| | - Ana Isabel Ribeiro
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Aznar
- PAFS Research Group, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreia Pizarro
- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Placido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.); (M.P.S.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Santos
- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Placido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.); (M.P.S.)
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Akindele EO, Ekwemuka MC, Apeverga P, Amusa TO, Olajuyigbe S, Coker OM, Olaleru F, Fasona M, Usen EN, Ringim AS, Adedoja OA, Nsude CC, Ota AC, Oluowo FE, Onatunji AB, Adedapo AM, Kolawole-Daniels A. Assessing awareness on biodiversity conservation among Nigerians: the Aichi Biodiversity Target 1. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2021; 30:1947-1970. [PMID: 33867700 PMCID: PMC8039094 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-021-02175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The adoption of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs) was supposed to increase conservation awareness in different countries and regions of the world. However, there seems to be a limited understanding of the importance of ecosystem services, offered by biological diversity. Thus, the continued decline in biodiversity, especially in developing countries. This study appraised the level of success of the first target of Nigeria's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which is hinged on the first ABT. In a national survey, data were obtained from a total of 1,124 respondents (839 professionals and 285 non-professionals), using a structured questionnaire. Information on the respondents' knowledge of biodiversity conservation and the associated ecosystem services, were elicited. Most of the non-professionals had a low level of understanding of biodiversity concepts (4.9 ± 1.7 to 20.5 ± 3.4%), while there was a moderate level of understanding among the professionals (48.0 ± 8.6 to 88.8 ± 3.4%). Awareness of the NBSAP was low for both groups (43.8 ± 7.2% professionals and 12.1 ± 3.7% non-professionals). The study concludes that there is a need to step up campaigns on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria and promote visits to natural sites. Youth engagement through the employment of graduates of biology-related disciplines, to educate the public on biodiversity conservation and the action plan, could also be a strong determinant to the success of the NBSAP targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael C. Ekwemuka
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Paul Apeverga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria
| | - Tajudeen O. Amusa
- Department of Forest Resources, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Olajuyigbe
- Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oluwakayode M. Coker
- Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Elizabeth N. Usen
- Department of Botany, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat-Enin, Nigeria
| | - Abubakar S. Ringim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria
| | - Opeyemi A. Adedoja
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chinedu C. Nsude
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ama C. Ota
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Freeman E. Oluowo
- African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development, Warri, Delta State Nigeria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fiuza BSD, Fonseca HF, Meirelles PM, Marques CR, da Silva TM, Figueiredo CA. Understanding Asthma and Allergies by the Lens of Biodiversity and Epigenetic Changes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:623737. [PMID: 33732246 PMCID: PMC7957070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.623737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to different organisms (bacteria, mold, virus, protozoan, helminths, among others) can induce epigenetic changes affecting the modulation of immune responses and consequently increasing the susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. Epigenomic regulatory features are highly affected during embryonic development and are responsible for the expression or repression of different genes associated with cell development and targeting/conducting immune responses. The well-known, "window of opportunity" that includes maternal and post-natal environmental exposures, which include maternal infections, microbiota, diet, drugs, and pollutant exposures are of fundamental importance to immune modulation and these events are almost always accompanied by epigenetic changes. Recently, it has been shown that these alterations could be involved in both risk and protection of allergic diseases through mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can enhance Th2 responses and maintain memory Th2 cells or decrease Treg cells differentiation. In addition, epigenetic changes may differ according to the microbial agent involved and may even influence different asthma or allergy phenotypes. In this review, we discuss how exposure to different organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and helminths can lead to epigenetic modulations and how this correlates with allergic diseases considering different genetic backgrounds of several ancestral populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Milet Meirelles
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Interdisciplinares e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução (IN-TREE), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Cintia Rodrigues Marques
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tepes A, Galarraga I, Markandya A, Sánchez MJS. Costs and benefits of soil protection and sustainable land management practices in selected European countries: Towards multidisciplinary insights. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 756:143925. [PMID: 33308858 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil protection and sustainable land management practices for croplands are usually considered to be cost-effective. However, to date little economic information has emerged about these techniques and there is no comprehensive economic appraisal to effectively help guide investment decisions. This review proposes a new multidisciplinary approach for an economic assessment of soil protection practices at the farm level at selected European sites. It draws together and integrates economic data on a selection of measures based on information related to climate change, soil degradation and biodiversity research that are rarely investigated jointly. Out of the studies reviewed, quantitative and qualitative data from 26 scientific papers and technical reports were gathered into a database. For the quantitative data analysis, 14 of those studies were used. The main results show that most practices may not pass the cost/benefit test and that their benefits are not, as is often assumed, systematically higher than their costs. Specific quantitative results are not definitive but we find that estimation methods may have unintended consequences. They may well lead to ineffective investment decisions unless more holistic and multidisciplinary approaches to soil protection are taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Tepes
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), 48940 Leioa, Spain.
| | - Ibon Galarraga
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Anil Markandya
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Arnesen H, Hitch TCA, Steppeler C, Müller MHB, Knutsen LE, Gunnes G, Angell IL, Ormaasen I, Rudi K, Paulsen JE, Clavel T, Carlsen H, Boysen P. Naturalizing laboratory mice by housing in a farmyard-type habitat confers protection against colorectal carcinogenesis. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1993581. [PMID: 34751603 PMCID: PMC8583187 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1993581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Living in a farm environment in proximity to animals is associated with reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma, and has been suggested to protect against other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Despite epidemiological evidence, experimental disease models that recapitulate such environments are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we show that feralizing conventional inbred mice by continuous exposure to a livestock farmyard-type environment conferred protection toward colorectal carcinogenesis. Two independent experimental approaches for colorectal cancer induction were used; spontaneous (Apc Min/+ mice on an A/J background) or chemical (AOM/DSS). In contrast to conventionally reared laboratory mice, the feralized mouse gut microbiota structure remained stable and resistant to mutagen- and colitis-induced neoplasia. Moreover, the feralized mice exhibited signs of a more mature immunophenotype, indicated by increased expression of NK and T-cell maturation markers, and a more potent IFN-γ response to stimuli. In our study, hygienically born and raised mice subsequently feralized post-weaning were protected to a similar level as life-long exposed mice, although the greatest effect was seen upon neonatal exposure. Collectively, we show protective implications of a farmyard-type environment on colorectal cancer development and demonstrate the utility of a novel animal modeling approach that recapitulates realistic disease responses in a naturalized mammal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Arnesen
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Norway
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
| | - Thomas C A Hitch
- Functional Microbiome Research Group, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christina Steppeler
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Helen Bjørge Müller
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linn Emilie Knutsen
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Norway
| | - Gjermund Gunnes
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Norway
| | - Inga Leena Angell
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
| | - Ida Ormaasen
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
| | - Knut Rudi
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
| | - Jan Erik Paulsen
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clavel
- Functional Microbiome Research Group, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Harald Carlsen
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
| | - Preben Boysen
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Aas, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Selway CA, Mills JG, Weinstein P, Skelly C, Yadav S, Lowe A, Breed MF, Weyrich LS. Transfer of environmental microbes to the skin and respiratory tract of humans after urban green space exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106084. [PMID: 32977191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In industrialized countries, non-communicable diseases have been increasing in prevalence since the middle of the 20th century. While the causal mechanisms remain poorly understood, increased population density, pollution, sedentary behavior, smoking, changes in diet, and limited outdoor exposure have all been proposed as significant contributors. Several hypotheses (e.g. Hygiene, Old Friends, and Biodiversity Hypotheses) also suggest that limited environmental microbial exposures may underpin part of this rise in non-communicable diseases. In response, the Microbiome Rewilding Hypothesis proposes that adequate environmental microbial exposures could be achieved by restoring urban green spaces and could potentially decrease the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. However, the microbial interactions between humans and their surrounding environment and the passaging of microbes between both entities remains poorly understood, especially within an urban context. RESULTS Here, we survey human skin (n = 90 swabs) and nasal (n = 90 swabs) microbiota of three subjects that were exposed to air (n = 15), soil (n = 15), and leaves (n = 15) from different urban green space environments in three different cities across different continents (Adelaide, Australia; Bournemouth, United Kingdom; New Delhi, India). Using 16S ribosomal RNA metabarcoding, we examined baseline controls (pre-exposure) of both skin (n = 16) and nasal (n = 16) swabs and tracked microbiota transfer from the environment to the human body after exposure events. Microbial richness and phylogenetic diversity increased after urban green space exposure in skin and nasal samples collected in two of the three locations. The microbial composition of skin samples also became more similar to soil microbiota after exposure, while nasal samples became more similar to air samples. Nasal samples were more variable between sites and individuals than skin samples. CONCLUSIONS We show that exposure to urban green spaces can increase skin and nasal microbial diversity and alter human microbiota composition. Our study improves our understanding of human-environmental microbial interactions and suggests that increased exposure to diverse outdoor environments may increase the microbial diversity, which could lead to positive health outcomes for non-communicable diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A Selway
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Jacob G Mills
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Chris Skelly
- Public Health Dorset, Dorset County Council, Dorchester DT1 1TP, UK.
| | - Sudesh Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Andrew Lowe
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Laura S Weyrich
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Schnorr SL. The soil in our microbial DNA informs about environmental interfaces across host and subsistence modalities. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190577. [PMID: 33012224 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, I use microbiome datasets from global soil samples and diverse hosts to learn whether soil microbial taxa are found in host microbiomes, and whether these observations fit the narrative that environmental interaction influences human microbiomes. A major motivation for conducting host-associated microbiome research is to contribute towards understanding how the environment may influence host physiology. The microbial molecular network is considered a key vector by which environmental traits may be transmitted to the host. Research on human evolution seeks evidence that can inform about the living experiences of human ancestors. This objective is substantially enhanced by recent work on ancient biomolecules from preserved microbial tissues, such as dental calculus, faecal sediments and whole coprolites. A challenge yet is to distinguish authentic biomolecules from environmental contaminants deposited contemporaneously, primarily from soil. However, we do not have sound expectations about the soil microbial elements arriving to host-associated microbiomes in a modern context. One assumption in human microbiome research is that proximity to the natural environment should affect biodiversity or impart genetic elements. I present evidence supporting the assumption that environmental soil taxa are found among host-associated gut taxa, which can recapitulate the surrounding host habitat ecotype. Soil taxa found in gut microbiomes relate to a set of universal 'core' taxa for all soil ecotypes, demonstrating that widespread host organisms may experience a consistent pattern of external environmental cues, perhaps critical for development. Observed differentiation of soil feature diversity, abundance and composition among human communities, great apes and invertebrate hosts also indicates that lifestyle patterns are inferable from an environmental signal that is retrievable from gut microbiome amplicon data. This article is part of the theme issue 'Insights into health and disease from ancient biomolecules'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Schnorr
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.,Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Baruch Z, Liddicoat C, Laws M, Kiri Marker L, Morelli H, Yan D, Young JM, Breed MF. Characterising the soil fungal microbiome in metropolitan green spaces across a vegetation biodiversity gradient. FUNGAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2020.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
36
|
Microbiome of root vegetables-a source of gluten-degrading bacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:8871-8885. [PMID: 32875365 PMCID: PMC7502452 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Gluten is a cereal protein that is incompletely digested by human proteolytic enzymes that create immunogenic peptides that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Although both environmental and human bacteria have been shown to expedite gluten hydrolysis, gluten intolerance is a growing concern. Here we hypothesize that together with food, we acquire environmental bacteria that could impact our GIT with gluten-degrading bacteria. Using in vitro gastrointestinal simulation conditions, we evaluated the capacity of endophytic bacteria that inhabit root vegetables, potato (Solanum tuberosum), carrot (Daucus sativus), beet (Beta vulgaris), and topinambur (Jerusalem artichoke) (Helianthus tuberosus), to resist these conditions and degrade gluten. By 16S rDNA sequencing, we discovered that bacteria from the families Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, and Clostridiaceae most effectively multiply in conditions similar to the human GIT (microoxic conditions, 37 °C) while utilizing vegetable material and gluten as nutrients. Additionally, we used stomach simulation (1 h, pH 3) and intestinal simulation (1 h, bile salts 0.4%) treatments. The bacteria that survived this treatment retained the ability to degrade gluten epitopes but at lower levels. Four bacterial strains belonging to species Bacillus pumilus, Clostridium subterminale, and Clostridium sporogenes isolated from vegetable roots produced proteases with postproline cleaving activity that successfully neutralized the toxic immunogenic epitopes. Key points • Bacteria from root vegetables can degrade gluten. • Some of these bacteria can resist conditions mimicking gastrointestinal tract. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00253-020-10852-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
37
|
Robinson JM, Breed MF. The Lovebug Effect: Is the human biophilic drive influenced by interactions between the host, the environment, and the microbiome? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137626. [PMID: 32146404 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Psychological frameworks are often used to investigate the mechanisms involved with our affinity towards, and connection with nature--such as the Biophilia Hypothesis and Nature Connectedness. Recent revelations from microbiome science suggest that animal behaviour can be strongly influenced by the host's microbiome--for example, via the bidirectional communication properties of the gut-brain axis. Here, we build on this theory to hypothesise that a microbially-influenced mechanism could also contribute to the human biophilic drive - the tendency for humans to affiliate and connect with nature. Humans may be at an evolutionary advantage through health-regulating exchange of environmental microbiota, which in turn could influence our nature affinity. We present a conceptual model for microbially-influenced nature affinity, calling it the Lovebug Effect. We present an overview of the potential mechanistic pathways involved in the Lovebug Effect, and consider its dependence on the hologenome concept of evolution, direct behavioural manipulation, and host-microbiota associated phenotypes independent of these concepts. We also discuss its implications for human health and ecological resilience. Finally, we highlight several possible approaches to scrutinise the hypothesis. The Lovebug Effect could have important implications for our understanding of exposure to natural environments for health and wellbeing, and could contribute to an ecologically resilient future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Robinson
- Department of Landscape, The University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK; inVIVO Planetary Health, of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), NJ 10704, USA; The Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI), Australia.
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; The Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI), Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mills JG, Bissett A, Gellie NJC, Lowe AJ, Selway CA, Thomas T, Weinstein P, Weyrich LS, Breed MF. Revegetation of urban green space rewilds soil microbiotas with implications for human health and urban design. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob G. Mills
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Andrew Bissett
- Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO Hobart Tasmania 7004 Australia
| | - Nicholas J. C. Gellie
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Andrew J. Lowe
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Caitlin A. Selway
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Laura S. Weyrich
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- Department of Anthropology The Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania 16802 USA
| | - Martin F. Breed
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sariola S, Gilbert SF. Toward a Symbiotic Perspective on Public Health: Recognizing the Ambivalence of Microbes in the Anthropocene. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E746. [PMID: 32429344 PMCID: PMC7285259 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes evolve in complex environments that are often fashioned, in part, by human desires. In a global perspective, public health has played major roles in structuring how microbes are perceived, cultivated, and destroyed. The germ theory of disease cast microbes as enemies of the body and the body politic. Antibiotics have altered microbial development by providing stringent natural selection on bacterial species, and this has led to the formation of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Public health perspectives such as "Precision Public Health" and "One Health" have recently been proposed to further manage microbial populations. However, neither of these take into account the symbiotic relationships that exist between bacterial species and between bacteria, viruses, and their eukaryotic hosts. We propose a perspective on public health that recognizes microbial evolution through symbiotic associations (the hologenome theory) and through lateral gene transfer. This perspective has the advantage of including both the pathogenic and beneficial interactions of humans with bacteria, as well as combining the outlook of the "One Health" model with the genomic methodologies utilized in the "Precision Public Health" model. In the Anthropocene, the conditions for microbial evolution have been altered by human interventions, and public health initiatives must recognize both the beneficial (indeed, necessary) interactions of microbes with their hosts as well as their pathogenic interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salla Sariola
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Sociology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Scott F. Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Watkins H, Robinson JM, Breed MF, Parker B, Weinstein P. Microbiome-Inspired Green Infrastructure: A Toolkit for Multidisciplinary Landscape Design. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:1305-1308. [PMID: 32402413 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Incorporating recent advances in environmental microbiome research and policy is a major challenge for urban design. We set out a framework for managing construction projects so that multidisciplinary teams of researchers and practitioners can explicitly consider environmental microbiota in design and construction contexts, thereby increasing ecosystem functionality and public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Watkins
- St. Andrews Botanic Garden, Canongate, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RT, UK; Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK; Bio-integrated Design Lab, Bartlett School of Architecture, Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3BS, UK.
| | - Jake M Robinson
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK; inVIVO Planetary Health, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10704, USA; Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI), London, UK
| | - Martin F Breed
- Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI), London, UK; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Brenda Parker
- Bio-integrated Design Lab, Bartlett School of Architecture, Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3BS, UK; Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Philip Weinstein
- Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI), London, UK; School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cavaleiro Rufo J, Ribeiro AI, Paciência I, Delgado L, Moreira A. The influence of species richness in primary school surroundings on children lung function and allergic disease development. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2020; 31:358-363. [PMID: 31943397 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary schools represent important environments for biodiversity exposure and thus may play a crucial role on early-life immunomodulation, protecting against allergic sensitization. The aim of this study was to understand how the exposure to different levels of species richness surrounding urban primary schools may influence the development of allergic diseases and asthma in children. METHODS A species richness index (SRI), evaluating habitat diversity in terms of amphibians, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, was estimated and attributed to 20 primary schools in the city of Porto, Portugal. The SRI was measured considering a 100 m straight-line buffer around the schools. Children who attended the participating schools were invited to participate in the study, performed spirometry with bronchodilation and skin-prick tests, and had their parents fill a questionnaire concerning allergy and asthma symptoms, as well as demographic and socioeconomic data. Asthma was defined according to three distinct criteria. RESULTS The study results showed significant and positive associations between the exposure to species richness in schools and the forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC) parameters both before and after bronchodilation, independently of the asthma and atopic status. Fully adjusted models revealed that a unitary increment in the SRI was associated with an average increase of approximately 2 and 3 mL in FEV1 and FVC, respectively. CONCLUSION Species richness in school surroundings may impact lung function development in children. However, this increase in lung function was not associated with any clinically relevant protective effect on allergy and asthma development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Cavaleiro Rufo
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Serviço e Laboratório de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Ribeiro
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Paciência
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Serviço e Laboratório de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Delgado
- Serviço e Laboratório de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Moreira
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Serviço e Laboratório de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ishaq SL, Rapp M, Byerly R, McClellan LS, O'Boyle MR, Nykanen A, Fuller PJ, Aas C, Stone JM, Killpatrick S, Uptegrove MM, Vischer A, Wolf H, Smallman F, Eymann H, Narode S, Stapleton E, Cioffi CC, Tavalire HF. Framing the discussion of microorganisms as a facet of social equity in human health. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000536. [PMID: 31770370 PMCID: PMC6879114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
What do “microbes” have to do with social equity? These microorganisms are integral to our health, that of our natural environment, and even the “health” of the environments we build. The loss, gain, and retention of microorganisms—their flow between humans and the environment—can greatly impact our health. It is well-known that inequalities in access to perinatal care, healthy foods, quality housing, and the natural environment can create and arise from social inequality. Here, we focus on the argument that access to beneficial microorganisms is a facet of public health, and health inequality may be compounded by inequitable microbial exposure. What do microbes have to do with social equity? This Essay explores the argument that access to beneficial microorganisms is a facet of public health, and that health inequality may be compounded by inequitable microbial exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L Ishaq
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.,Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Maurisa Rapp
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.,Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Risa Byerly
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.,Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Loretta S McClellan
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Maya R O'Boyle
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Anika Nykanen
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Patrick J Fuller
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.,Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Calvin Aas
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jude M Stone
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Sean Killpatrick
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.,Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Manami M Uptegrove
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Alex Vischer
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hannah Wolf
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Fiona Smallman
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Houston Eymann
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.,School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Simon Narode
- Robert D. Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ellee Stapleton
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Camille C Cioffi
- Counselling Psychology and Human Services, College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hannah F Tavalire
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Does Soil Contribute to the Human Gut Microbiome? Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7090287. [PMID: 31450753 PMCID: PMC6780873 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7090287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil and the human gut contain approximately the same number of active microorganisms, while human gut microbiome diversity is only 10% that of soil biodiversity and has decreased dramatically with the modern lifestyle. We tracked relationships between the soil microbiome and the human intestinal microbiome. We propose a novel environmental microbiome hypothesis, which implies that a close linkage between the soil microbiome and the human intestinal microbiome has evolved during evolution and is still developing. From hunter-gatherers to an urbanized society, the human gut has lost alpha diversity. Interestingly, beta diversity has increased, meaning that people in urban areas have more differentiated individual microbiomes. On top of little contact with soil and feces, hygienic measures, antibiotics and a low fiber diet of processed food have led to a loss of beneficial microbes. At the same time, loss of soil biodiversity is observed in many rural areas. The increasing use of agrochemicals, low plant biodiversity and rigorous soil management practices have a negative effect on the biodiversity of crop epiphytes and endophytes. These developments concur with an increase in lifestyle diseases related to the human intestinal microbiome. We point out the interference with the microbial cycle of urban human environments versus pre-industrial rural environments. In order to correct these interferences, it may be useful to adopt a different perspective and to consider the human intestinal microbiome as well as the soil/root microbiome as 'superorganisms' which, by close contact, replenish each other with inoculants, genes and growth-sustaining molecules.
Collapse
|
44
|
Breed MF, Harrison PA, Blyth C, Byrne M, Gaget V, Gellie NJC, Groom SVC, Hodgson R, Mills JG, Prowse TAA, Steane DA, Mohr JJ. The potential of genomics for restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. Nat Rev Genet 2019; 20:615-628. [PMID: 31300751 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-019-0152-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Billions of hectares of natural ecosystems have been degraded through human actions. The global community has agreed on targets to halt and reverse these declines, and the restoration sector faces the important but arduous task of implementing programmes to meet these objectives. Existing and emerging genomics tools offer the potential to improve the odds of achieving these targets. These tools include population genomics that can improve seed sourcing, meta-omics that can improve assessment and monitoring of restoration outcomes, and genome editing that can generate novel genotypes for restoring challenging environments. We identify barriers to adopting these tools in a restoration context and emphasize that regulatory and ethical frameworks are required to guide their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Breed
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Peter A Harrison
- School of Natural Sciences, Australian Research Council Training Centre for Forest Value, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Colette Blyth
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Margaret Byrne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Virginie Gaget
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas J C Gellie
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Scott V C Groom
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Riley Hodgson
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jacob G Mills
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas A A Prowse
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia.,School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dorothy A Steane
- School of Natural Sciences, Australian Research Council Training Centre for Forest Value, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jakki J Mohr
- College of Business, Institute on Ecosystems, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| |
Collapse
|