scholarly journals Microrheology reveals microscale viscosity gradients in planktonic systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. e2011389118
Author(s):  
Òscar Guadayol ◽  
Tania Mendonca ◽  
Mariona Segura-Noguera ◽  
Amanda J. Wright ◽  
Manlio Tassieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Microbial Life ◽  
Marine Aggregates ◽  
Phytoplankton Cell ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Diverse Community

Microbial activity in planktonic systems creates a dynamic and heterogeneous microscale seascape that harbors a diverse community of microorganisms and ecological interactions of global significance. In recent decades great effort has been put into understanding this complex system, particularly focusing on the role of chemical patchiness, while overlooking a physical parameter that governs microbial life and is affected by biological activity: viscosity. Here we reveal spatial heterogeneity of viscosity in planktonic systems by using microrheological techniques that allow measurement of viscosity at length scales relevant to microorganisms. We show the viscous nature and the spatial extent of the phycosphere, the region surrounding phytoplankton. In ∼45% of the phytoplankton cells analyzed we detected increases in viscosity that extended up to 30 µm away from the cell with up to 40 times the viscosity of seawater. We also show how these gradients of viscosity can be amplified around a lysing phytoplankton cell as its viscous contents leak away. Finally, we report conservative estimates of viscosity inside marine aggregates, hotspots of microbial activity, more than an order of magnitude higher than in seawater. Since the diffusivities of dissolved molecules, particles, and microorganisms are inversely related to viscosity, microheterogeneity in viscosity alters the microscale distribution of microorganisms and their resources, with pervasive implications for the functioning of the planktonic ecosystem. Increasing viscosities impacts ecological interactions and processes, such as nutrient uptake, chemotaxis, and particle encounter, that occur at the microscale but influence carbon and nutrient cycles at a global scale.

scholarly journals Microrheology reveals microscale viscosity gradients in planktonic systems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Òscar Guadayol ◽  
Tania Mendonca ◽  
Mariona Segura-Noguera ◽  
Amanda J. Wright ◽  
Manlio Tassieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Physical Parameter ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Microbial Life ◽  
Diverse Community ◽  
Phytoplankton Cells

AbstractMicrobial activity in planktonic systems creates a dynamic and heterogeneous microscale seascape that harbours a diverse community of microorganisms and ecological interactions of global significance. In recent decades a great effort has been put into understanding this complex system, particularly focusing on the role of chemical patchiness, while overlooking a physical parameter that governs microbial life and is affected by biological activity: viscosity. Here we use microrheological techniques to measure viscosity at length scales relevant to microorganisms. Our results reveal the viscous nature and the spatial extent of the phycosphere, the microenvironment surrounding phytoplankton cells, and show heterogeneity in viscosity at the microscale. Such heterogeneity affects the distribution of chemicals and microorganisms, with pervasive and profound implications for the functioning of the planktonic ecosystem.One Sentence SummaryMicrorheology measurements unveil the existence of layers of increased viscosity surrounding phytoplankton cells and within aggregates.

Collection of Ego-Centered Network Data with Computer-Assisted Interviews

Methodology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Gerich ◽  
Roland Lehner
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Full Network

Although ego-centered network data provide information that is limited in various ways as compared with full network data, an ego-centered design can be used without the need for a priori and researcher-defined network borders. Moreover, ego-centered network data can be obtained with traditional survey methods. However, due to the dynamic structure of the questionnaires involved, a great effort is required on the part of either respondents (with self-administration) or interviewers (with face-to-face interviews). As an alternative, we will show the advantages of using CASI (computer-assisted self-administered interview) methods for the collection of ego-centered network data as applied in a study on the role of social networks in substance use among college students.

scholarly journals Effects of Dysbiosis and Dietary Manipulation on the Digestive Microbiota of a Detritivorous Arthropod

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Marius Bredon ◽  
Elisabeth Depuydt ◽  
Lucas Brisson ◽  
Laurent Moulin ◽  
Ciriac Charles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Dietary Manipulation ◽  
Biotic Factors ◽  
Abiotic And Biotic Factors ◽  
And Function ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Over Time

The crucial role of microbes in the evolution, development, health, and ecological interactions of multicellular organisms is now widely recognized in the holobiont concept. However, the structure and stability of microbiota are highly dependent on abiotic and biotic factors, especially in the gut, which can be colonized by transient bacteria depending on the host’s diet. We studied these impacts by manipulating the digestive microbiota of the detritivore Armadillidium vulgare and analyzing the consequences on its structure and function. Hosts were exposed to initial starvation and then were fed diets that varied the different components of lignocellulose. A total of 72 digestive microbiota were analyzed according to the type of the diet (standard or enriched in cellulose, lignin, or hemicellulose) and the period following dysbiosis. The results showed that microbiota from the hepatopancreas were very stable and resilient, while the most diverse and labile over time were found in the hindgut. Dysbiosis and selective diets may have affected the host fitness by altering the structure of the microbiota and its predicted functions. Overall, these modifications can therefore have effects not only on the holobiont, but also on the “eco-holobiont” conceptualization of macroorganisms.

scholarly journals Microbiomes attached to fresh perennial ryegrass are temporally resilient and adapt to changing ecological niches

Microbiome ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Huws ◽  
Joan E. Edwards ◽  
Wanchang Lin ◽  
Francesco Rubino ◽  
Mark Alston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Carbohydrate Degradation ◽  
Host Nutrition ◽  
Role Based ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background Gut microbiomes, such as the rumen, greatly influence host nutrition due to their feed energy-harvesting capacity. We investigated temporal ecological interactions facilitating energy harvesting at the fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG)-biofilm interface in the rumen using an in sacco approach and prokaryotic metatranscriptomic profiling. Results Network analysis identified two distinct sub-microbiomes primarily representing primary (≤ 4 h) and secondary (≥ 4 h) colonisation phases and the most transcriptionally active bacterial families (i.e Fibrobacteriaceae, Selemondaceae and Methanobacteriaceae) did not interact with either sub-microbiome, indicating non-cooperative behaviour. Conversely, Prevotellaceae had most transcriptional activity within the primary sub-microbiome (focussed on protein metabolism) and Lachnospiraceae within the secondary sub-microbiome (focussed on carbohydrate degradation). Putative keystone taxa, with low transcriptional activity, were identified within both sub-microbiomes, highlighting the important synergistic role of minor bacterial families; however, we hypothesise that they may be ‘cheating’ in order to capitalise on the energy-harvesting capacity of other microbes. In terms of chemical cues underlying transition from primary to secondary colonisation phases, we suggest that AI-2-based quorum sensing plays a role, based on LuxS gene expression data, coupled with changes in PRG chemistry. Conclusions In summary, we show that fresh PRG-attached prokaryotes are resilient and adapt quickly to changing niches. This study provides the first major insight into the complex temporal ecological interactions occurring at the plant-biofilm interface within the rumen. The study also provides valuable insights into potential plant breeding strategies for development of the utopian plant, allowing optimal sustainable production of ruminants.

Biobanking for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Challenge for Translational Research and Data Privacy

2021 ◽  
pp. 107385842110366
Author(s):  
Emilia Giannella ◽  
Valentino Notarangelo ◽  
Caterina Motta ◽  
Giulia Sancesario
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Translational Research ◽  
Data Protection ◽  
Biological Samples ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
General Data Protection Regulation ◽  
In Silico Studies

Biobanking has emerged as a strategic challenge to promote knowledge on neurological diseases, by the application of translational research. Due to the inaccessibility of the central nervous system, the advent of biobanks, as structure collecting biospecimens and associated data, are essential to turn experimental results into clinical practice. Findings from basic research, omics sciences, and in silico studies, definitely require validation in clinically well-defined cohorts of patients, even more valuable when longitudinal, or including preclinical and asymptomatic individuals. Finally, collecting biological samples requires a great effort to guarantee respect for transparency and protection of sensitive data of patients and donors. Since the European General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 has been approved, concerns about the use of data in biomedical research have emerged. In this narrative review, we focus on the essential role of biobanking for translational research on neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we address considerations for biological samples and data collection, the importance of standardization in the preanalytical phase, data protection (ethical and legal) and the role of donors in improving research in this field.

Innovatory role of nanomaterials as bio-tools for treatment of cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khuram Shahzad Ahmad ◽  
Muntaha Talat ◽  
Shaan Bibi Jaffri ◽  
Neelofer Shaheen
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Therapeutics ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Cancerous Cells

AbstractConventional treatment modes like chemotherapy, thermal and radiations aimed at cancerous cells eradication are marked by destruction pointing the employment of nanomaterials as sustainable and auspicious materials for saving human lives. Cancer has been deemed as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. Nanomaterials employment in cancer treatment is based on the utilization of their inherent physicochemical characteristics in addition to their modification for using as nano-carriers and nano-vehicles eluted with anti-cancer drugs. Current work has reviewed the significant role of different types of nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics in a systematic way. Compilation of review has been done by analyzing voluminous investigations employing ERIC, MEDLINE, NHS Evidence and Web of Science databases. Search engines used were Google scholar, Jstore and PubMed. Current review is suggestive of the remarkable performance of nanomaterials making them candidates for cancer treatment for substitution of destructive treatment modes through investigation of their physicochemical characteristics, utilization outputs and long term impacts in patients.

scholarly journals Broken Worlds: Towards an Archaeology of the Shatter Zone

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Raffield
Keyword(s):  
Eighteenth Century ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Physical Geography ◽  
Trigger Factors ◽  
Eastern Woodlands ◽  
Term Change ◽  
Anthropological Research ◽  
Historic Change

AbstractIn recent years, archaeological studies of long-term change and transformation in the human past have often been dominated by the discussion of dichotomous processes of ‘collapse’ and ‘resilience’. These discussions are frequently framed in relatively narrow terms dictated by specialist interests that place an emphasis on the role of single ‘trigger’ factors as motors for historic change. In order to address this issue, in this article I propose that the study of the ‘shatter zone’—a term with origins in physical geography and geopolitics that has been more recently harnessed in anthropological research—has the potential to facilitate multi-scalar, interdisciplinary analyses of the ways in which major historical changes unfold across both space and time, at local, regional, and inter-regional levels. This article unpacks the concept of the shatter zone and aligns this with existing archaeological frameworks for the study of long-term adaptive change. I then situate these arguments within the context of recent studies of colonial interaction and conflict in the Eastern Woodlands of North America during the sixteenth to eighteenth century. The study demonstrates how a more regulated approach to the shatter zone has the potential to yield new insights on the ways in which populations mitigate and react to instability and change while also facilitating comparative studies of these processes on a broader, global scale.

scholarly journals Post-Translational Modifications Drive Success and Failure of Fungal–Host Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Charmaine Retanal ◽  
Brianna Ball ◽  
Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Fungal Host ◽  
Resistant Species

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) change the structure and function of proteins and regulate a diverse array of biological processes. Fungal pathogens rely on PTMs to modulate protein production and activity during infection, manipulate the host response, and ultimately, promote fungal survival. Given the high mortality rates of fungal infections on a global scale, along with the emergence of antifungal-resistant species, identifying new treatment options is critical. In this review, we focus on the role of PTMs (e.g., phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and methylation) among the highly prevalent and medically relevant fungal pathogens, Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cryptococcus spp. We explore the role of PTMs in fungal stress response and host adaptation, the use of PTMs to manipulate host cells and the immune system upon fungal invasion, and the importance of PTMs in conferring antifungal resistance. We also provide a critical view on the current knowledgebase, pose questions key to our understanding of the intricate roles of PTMs within fungal pathogens, and provide research opportunities to uncover new therapeutic strategies.

A Crucial Role for Diet in the Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Cardiometabolic Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilias Attaye ◽  
Sara-Joan Pinto-Sietsma ◽  
Hilde Herrema ◽  
Max Nieuwdorp
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Cardiometabolic Disease ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Fermentable Carbohydrates ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
And Function ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

Cardiometabolic disease (CMD), such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality on a global scale. The gut microbiota has emerged as a potential target to beneficially modulate CMD risk, possibly via dietary interventions. Dietary interventions have been shown to considerably alter gut microbiota composition and function. Moreover, several diet-derived microbial metabolites are able to modulate human metabolism and thereby alter CMD risk. Dietary interventions that affect gut microbiota composition and function are therefore a promising, novel, and cost-efficient method to reduce CMD risk. Studies suggest that fermentable carbohydrates can beneficially alter gut microbiota composition and function, whereas high animal protein and high fat intake negatively impact gut microbiota function and composition. This review focuses on the role of macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrate, protein, and fat) and dietary patterns (e.g., vegetarian/vegan and Mediterranean diet) in gut microbiota composition and function in the context of CMD.

Mistletoes in a changing world: a premonition of a non-analog future?

Botany ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 479-488
Author(s):  
Francisco E. Fontúrbel
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Human Disturbances ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Plant Animal Interactions ◽  
Changing World

Mistletoes are a group of flowering plants that have developed a parasitic lifeform through complex eco-evolutionary processes. Despite being considered a pest, mistletoes represent a keystone forest resource and are involved in complex plant–plant and plant–animal interactions. Their parasitic lifeform and specialized ecological interactions make mistletoes an ideal model with which to understand the effects of anthropogenic disturbances in a changing world. The accelerated growth of the human population has altered all ecosystems on Earth, leading to biodiversity loss. Land-use changes (involving habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, and transformation processes) can alter the ecological scenario for mistletoe by altering hosts, mutualists, and nutrient cycling. Those changes may have large consequences at the community level, changing the spatial structure of mistletoes, as well as interaction effectiveness, facilitation process, interaction disruption, and novel interactions with invasive species, leading to non-analog communities in the long run. Furthermore, climate change effects operate on a global scale, enhancing the effects of land-use changes. As temperatures increase, many species would alter their distribution and phenology, potentially causing spatial and temporal mismatches. But more critical is the fact that water stress is likely to disrupt key ecological interactions. Thus, mistletoes can provide valuable insights for what we can expect in the future, as a result of human disturbances.

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