In order to assess the long-term treatment of sulfate- and carbon- rich wastewater at low temperatures, three anaerobic biofilm reactors were operated at 20°C, a hydraulic retention time (HRT)of two days and fed a synthetic wastewater containing lactate and sulfate. The reactors were operated for over 900 days. DNA was extracted from the reactors around days 180 and 800. Three clone libraries, methanogenic archaea (MA), sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), and bacteria, were constructed and quantitative PCR analysis was performed with the DNA. It was found that anaerobic biofilm reactors can be operated at 20°C with an organic load rate (OLR) of 1.3 g-chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L-day or less and an sulfur load rate (SLR) of 0.2 g-S/L-day with no significant deterioration in process performance. With long acclimation periods, OLR as high as 3.4 g COD/L-d and SLR of 0.3 g/L-d can be tolerated, producing effluent volatile-acid COD levels consistently less than 200 mg/L. Effluent dissolved sulfide and hydrogen sulfide levels were around 600 mg S/L and 150 mg S/L, respectively, during this period. In addition to long term operation, the effect of organic shock loading was assessed. The reactors were able to recover from one but not two lactate spikes of approximately 5,000 mg COD/L. It was determined that long-term stability could be achieved in reactors that contained well balanced, stable populations of lactate- and propionate-degrading SRB and aceticlastic methanogens. Significant populations of fermenters present resulted in an imbalance which caused lactate to be routed through an additional pathway where propionate was formed. Greater numbers of MA than bacteria were found in all reactors. This may be attributed to the availability of acetate in the reactors for MA consumption and to using the immobilized fixed bed reactor type. Aceticlastic methanogens were the dominant methanogen, and were observed to remove nearly all acetate produced in all reactors. SRB were observed to remove lactate in microbially balanced reactors, whereas fermenters degraded lactate in reactors with less balanced populations.

This study was conducted to determine dynamics of bacterial communities during decomposition and to find out whether the occurrence of bacterial communities was affected by soil and residue types. It was hypothesized that there would be a shift in bacterial community structure during decomposition. Also, distinct microbial communities in different two soils associated with two residues would result in colonization by different microbial taxa. The first hypothesis was based on expected changes in the composition of decomposing residues. The second hypothesis was based on the fact that soil microbial diversity is soil-specific and immense with numerous different functionally redundant but phylogeneticaly different microbial types. Residues with different chemical properties were also expected to affect bacterial community composition, however, its impact would be lesser compared to soil. A 2 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment was conducted consisting of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and rice (Oryza sativa) straw; 2 soil types (Sharkey and Marietta series); and 4 incubation periods (3, 23, 48 and 110 days). Clone libraries of the bacterial communities were constructed from the detritusphere (residues and adhering soil). Non-metric multidimensional scaling of the detritusphere communities showed distinct separation of the communities at day 3 which coincided with high levels of cellulase enzyme activity and reduction of soluble carbon. style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Availability of labile carbon appeared to be important in driving bacterial community succession at early stage of colonization. During the later stages of decomposition (day 23-110), bacterial communities were segregated into two groups according to soil type. Although important, this segregation was relatively small compared to the community-level similarities observed between the soils and residues. For example, 16 of the 22 most abundant OTU's, dominated by a-,b- and style='fontamily:Symbol'>g- Proteobacteria, Bacilli and Shingobacteria, were shared among all soil and residue treatments indicating that residue decomposition is carried out by few key-player taxa. These results run counter to our hypothesis and suggest that decomposition process may be mediated by certain domineering bacterial taxa which occur at the later stage of decomposition. Further research is needed to determine whether key functional ecosystem processes are dominated by only a few taxa despite taxonomically hyper-diverse soils.

Os micro-organismos desempenham importante papel na reciclagem dos elementos em ecossistemas de manguezais, uma vez que como produtores primários podem controlar reações químicas. O grupo particular das cianobactérias atua promovendo a entrada de carbono e nitrogênio por meio da sua capacidade de realizar fotossíntese oxigênica e fixação de nitrogênio atmosférico. No Brasil, as florestas de manguezais ocupam uma área de aproximadamente 25.000 km2 e no Estado de São Paulo, 240 km2 da área total está coberta por este ecossistema. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade de cianobactérias que colonizam as folhas de Avicennia schaueriana, Rhizophora mangle e Laguncularia racemosa do manguezal da Ilha do Cardoso, um ambiente pristino, bem como acessar e comparar a população de cianobactérias dos solos dos manguezais da Ilha do Cardoso e de Bertioga, este último contaminado com óleo bruto. Para este propósito, as técnicas de DGGE e biblioteca de clone do gene RNAr 16S, ARISA e TRFLP do gene nifH foram utilizadas. Os resultados da filosfera evidenciaram uma sutil influência do gênero de árvore na colonização das cianobactérias, entretanto, um forte efeito da localização destas dentro do manguezal foi observado. As folhas das árvores do meio da área de manguezal apresentaram uma maior diversidade de gêneros de cianobactérias. No geral, foram identificados 19 gêneros e várias sequências de cianobactérias não cultiváveis. Uma predominância de sequências com alta similaridade com representantes das ordens Nostocales e Oscillatoriales foi observada. Sequências com identidade com o gênero Symphyonemopsis (ordem Stigonematales) foram recuperadas em maiores quantidade. Com relação à diversidade no solo, os resultados de DGGE e ARISA demonstraram que a população de cianobactérias é distinta entre os manguezais estudados, porém os perfis eletroforéticos das amostras coletadas próximo ao mar se agruparam, sugerindo que a colonização é influenciada pelas condições de inundação. O perfil mais diferente foi obtido no ponto próximo à floresta no manguezal de Bertioga, local mais afetado pela contaminação de óleo. As bibliotecas de clones claramente indicaram diferenças das sequências do gene RNAr 16S entre os pontos amostrados. Um total de 99 UTOs foi obtido, com 61 "singletons". Na localidade próxima ao mar os gêneros Procholorococcus e Synechococcus foram dominantes em ambos os manguezais. A maioria das sequências de RNAr 16S encontradas nos outros pontos foram relacionadas com cianobactérias não cultiváveis. A diversidade alfa sugeriu que o local com menor diversidade foi o meio do manguezal de Bertioga, e o maior foi em Bertioga próximo à floresta, os demais pontos tiveram valores similares. Os maiores índices de riqueza foram encontrados nos pontos próximos à floresta, enquanto menores valores foram observados nos pontos próximos ao mar. A maioria das sequências de RNAr 16S obtidas em Bertioga no meio do manguezal e próximo à floresta tiveram identidades menores do que 90% com as disponíveis no GenBank. Estas sequências podem representar novos táxons ou cianobactérias conhecidas, porém ainda não sequenciadas. O TRFLP do gene nifH indicou que os locais próximos ao mar e meio do manguezal na Ilha do Cardoso abrigaram populações de diazotróficos semelhantes, enquanto que em Bertioga estes pontos apresentaram diferenças nos perfis de TRFLP. As maiores diferenças estavam nos locais próximos à floresta em ambos os manguezais. / Microorganisms play important role in the recycling of elements in mangrove ecosystems, since as primary producers they can control chemical reactions. The particular cyanobacteria group act promoting the input of carbon and nitrogen through their ability to realize oxygenic photosynthesis and fixing atmospheric nitrogen. In Brazil, the mangrove forests occupy an area of approximately 25.000 km2, and in the total area of São Paulo State, 240 km2 are covered by this ecosystem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cyanobacterial diversity that colonize Avicennia schaueriana, Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa leaves from Cardoso Island mangrove, a pristine site, as well as to assess and compare the soil cyanobacterial population from both Cardoso Island and Bertioga mangroves, this last one contaminated with crude oil. For this purpose, the techniques of DGGE and clone library of 16S rRNA gene, ARISA, and TRFLP of nifH gene were used. The phyllosphere results evidenced a subtle difference of the genus of tree on the colonization of cyanobacteria, however a strong effect from tree’s location within the mangrove was observed. The tree leaves from the middle of mangrove area showed a greater diversity of cyanobacterial genera. In geral, 19 genera and several uncultivated cyanobacteria were identified. A predominance of sequences with high similarities to representatives of the order Nostocales and Oscillatoriales were observed. Sequences with similarities to the genus Symphyonemopsis (order Stigonematales) were recovered in higher quantity. Regarding to the soil diversity, DGGE and ARISA results showed that the cyanobacterial population is distinct among both mangroves studied, however the electrophoretic profiles from samples collected near to the sea grouped together, suggesting that colonization is influenced by flood conditions. The most different profile was obtained in the site near to the forest in Bertioga mangrove, location more affected by the oil contamination. Clone libraries clearly showed 16S rRNA sequences differences among sites sampled. A total of 99 OTUs were obtained, with 61 singletons. In the site near to the sea the Procholorococcus and Synechococcus genera were dominant in both mangroves. The majority of 16S rRNA sequences found in the other sites were related to uncultured cyanobacteria. Alpha diversity suggested that the site with lowest diversity was middle of the Bertioga mangrove, and the highest was Bertioga near to the forest, the remainder sites had similar values. The highest richness indices were found in the sites near to the forest, while lower values were observed in the sites near to the sea. The majority of the 16S rRNA sequences obtained from the middle of the mangrove and near to the forest in Bertioga showed identities lower than 90% with that available in the GenBank. These sequences may represent novel cyanobacterial taxa or known cyanobacteria not yet sequenced. The TRFLP of nifH gene indicated that the sites near to the sea and middle of the Cardoso Island mangrove harbored similar diazotrophic populations, while in Bertioga these sites presented differences in TRFLP profiles. The greatest differences were in the sites near to the forest in both mangroves.

Os micro-organismos desempenham importante papel na reciclagem dos elementos em ecossistemas de manguezais, uma vez que como produtores primários podem controlar reações químicas. O grupo particular das cianobactérias atua promovendo a entrada de carbono e nitrogênio por meio da sua capacidade de realizar fotossíntese oxigênica e fixação de nitrogênio atmosférico. No Brasil, as florestas de manguezais ocupam uma área de aproximadamente 25.000 km2 e no Estado de São Paulo, 240 km2 da área total está coberta por este ecossistema. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade de cianobactérias que colonizam as folhas de Avicennia schaueriana, Rhizophora mangle e Laguncularia racemosa do manguezal da Ilha do Cardoso, um ambiente pristino, bem como acessar e comparar a população de cianobactérias dos solos dos manguezais da Ilha do Cardoso e de Bertioga, este último contaminado com óleo bruto. Para este propósito, as técnicas de DGGE e biblioteca de clone do gene RNAr 16S, ARISA e TRFLP do gene nifH foram utilizadas. Os resultados da filosfera evidenciaram uma sutil influência do gênero de árvore na colonização das cianobactérias, entretanto, um forte efeito da localização destas dentro do manguezal foi observado. As folhas das árvores do meio da área de manguezal apresentaram uma maior diversidade de gêneros de cianobactérias. No geral, foram identificados 19 gêneros e várias sequências de cianobactérias não cultiváveis. Uma predominância de sequências com alta similaridade com representantes das ordens Nostocales e Oscillatoriales foi observada. Sequências com identidade com o gênero Symphyonemopsis (ordem Stigonematales) foram recuperadas em maiores quantidade. Com relação à diversidade no solo, os resultados de DGGE e ARISA demonstraram que a população de cianobactérias é distinta entre os manguezais estudados, porém os perfis eletroforéticos das amostras coletadas próximo ao mar se agruparam, sugerindo que a colonização é influenciada pelas condições de inundação. O perfil mais diferente foi obtido no ponto próximo à floresta no manguezal de Bertioga, local mais afetado pela contaminação de óleo. As bibliotecas de clones claramente indicaram diferenças das sequências do gene RNAr 16S entre os pontos amostrados. Um total de 99 UTOs foi obtido, com 61 “singletons”. Na localidade próxima ao mar os gêneros Procholorococcus e Synechococcus foram dominantes em ambos os manguezais. A maioria das sequências de RNAr 16S encontradas nos outros pontos foram relacionadas com cianobactérias não cultiváveis. A diversidade alfa sugeriu que o local com menor diversidade foi o meio do manguezal de Bertioga, e o maior foi em Bertioga próximo à floresta, os demais pontos tiveram valores similares. Os maiores índices de riqueza foram encontrados nos pontos próximos à floresta, enquanto menores valores foram observados nos pontos próximos ao mar. A maioria das sequências de RNAr 16S obtidas em Bertioga no meio do manguezal e próximo à floresta tiveram identidades menores do que 90% com as disponíveis no GenBank. Estas sequências podem representar novos táxons ou cianobactérias conhecidas, porém ainda não sequenciadas. O TRFLP do gene nifH indicou que os locais próximos ao mar e meio do manguezal na Ilha do Cardoso abrigaram populações de diazotróficos semelhantes, enquanto que em Bertioga estes pontos apresentaram diferenças nos perfis de TRFLP. As maiores diferenças estavam nos locais próximos à floresta em ambos os manguezais. / Microorganisms play important role in the recycling of elements in mangrove ecosystems, since as primary producers they can control chemical reactions. The particular cyanobacteria group act promoting the input of carbon and nitrogen through their ability to realize oxygenic photosynthesis and fixing atmospheric nitrogen. In Brazil, the mangrove forests occupy an area of approximately 25.000 km2, and in the total area of São Paulo State, 240 km2 are covered by this ecosystem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cyanobacterial diversity that colonize Avicennia schaueriana, Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa leaves from Cardoso Island mangrove, a pristine site, as well as to assess and compare the soil cyanobacterial population from both Cardoso Island and Bertioga mangroves, this last one contaminated with crude oil. For this purpose, the techniques of DGGE and clone library of 16S rRNA gene, ARISA, and TRFLP of nifH gene were used. The phyllosphere results evidenced a subtle difference of the genus of tree on the colonization of cyanobacteria, however a strong effect from tree’s location within the mangrove was observed. The tree leaves from the middle of mangrove area showed a greater diversity of cyanobacterial genera. In geral, 19 genera and several uncultivated cyanobacteria were identified. A predominance of sequences with high similarities to representatives of the order Nostocales and Oscillatoriales were observed. Sequences with similarities to the genus Symphyonemopsis (order Stigonematales) were recovered in higher quantity. Regarding to the soil diversity, DGGE and ARISA results showed that the cyanobacterial population is distinct among both mangroves studied, however the electrophoretic profiles from samples collected near to the sea grouped together, suggesting that colonization is influenced by flood conditions. The most different profile was obtained in the site near to the forest in Bertioga mangrove, location more affected by the oil contamination. Clone libraries clearly showed 16S rRNA sequences differences among sites sampled. A total of 99 OTUs were obtained, with 61 singletons. In the site near to the sea the Procholorococcus and Synechococcus genera were dominant in both mangroves. The majority of 16S rRNA sequences found in the other sites were related to uncultured cyanobacteria. Alpha diversity suggested that the site with lowest diversity was middle of the Bertioga mangrove, and the highest was Bertioga near to the forest, the remainder sites had similar values. The highest richness indices were found in the sites near to the forest, while lower values were observed in the sites near to the sea. The majority of the 16S rRNA sequences obtained from the middle of the mangrove and near to the forest in Bertioga showed identities lower than 90% with that available in the GenBank. These sequences may represent novel cyanobacterial taxa or known cyanobacteria not yet sequenced. The TRFLP of nifH gene indicated that the sites near to the sea and middle of the Cardoso Island mangrove harbored similar diazotrophic populations, while in Bertioga these sites presented differences in TRFLP profiles. The greatest differences were in the sites near to the forest in both mangroves.

Demodex est un genre d’acariens dont deux espèces sont connues pour coloniser la peau de l’homme : Demodex folliculorum et Demodex brevis. Leur implication dans le développement de la rosacée reste controversée. Cette maladie est caractérisée par une inflammation chronique de la peau et est définie en quatre sous-type majeurs : la rosacée érythémato-télangiectasique (ETR), la rosacée papulopustuleuse (PPR), la rosacée phymateuse et la rosacée oculaire. Certains pensent que le rôle des acariens est principalement d’exacerber une inflammation déjà enclenchée. Toutefois, l’isolation par culture d’un Bacillus oleronius à partir du broyat d’un Demodex de patient atteint de rosacée papulopustuleuse ont remis sur le devant de la scène le rôle de l’acarien en tant que vecteur de bactéries pathogènes. Le but de notre étude était de décrire le microbiote associé au Demodex par clonage du gène de l’ARN ribosomal 16S afin d’identifier par la suite d’éventuelles différences en fonction du statut de l’hôte (ETR, PPR ou sain). Le microbiote décrit présentait une diversité jusqu’alors insoupçonnée. Une partie des espèces identifiées n’avaient jamais été rapportées chez l’homme, pouvant donc correspondre au microbiote spécifique de l’acarien. Il serait composé comme d’une majorité de Protéobactéries. De manière intéressante, les proportions des phyla majeurs étaient différentes en fonction du groupe étudié. De plus, il semblerait que certaines espèces soient spécifiques des Demodex collectés chez des patients atteints de rosacée. Par exemple, Bartonella quintana n’a été détectée qu’à partir de Demodex d’une patiente atteinte de rosacée érythémato-télangiectasique. / Demodex is a genus of mites comprising two species known to colonize human skin: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. Their role in the pathogenesis of rosacea remains controversial. Rosacea is defined by a chronic inflammation of the skin and four main subtypes are defined : erythematotelangiectasic rosacea (ETR), papulopustular rosacea (PPR), phymatous rosacea and ocular rosacea. Mites are thought to be only involved in the exacerbation of a pre-existing inflammation. The growth of Bacillus oleronius from a crushed Demodex mite collected on a PPR patient gave rise to a new hypothesis that the mite is actually the vector of pathogenic bacteria. Present study aimed at describing the microbiote associated with Demodex mites by a 16S rRNA clone library approach. This allowed us to compare the obtained bacterial communities according to the group of patients the mites were collected from (erythematotelangiectasic rosacea, papulopustular rosacea or healthy subjects). The microbiota described here revealed an unexpected diversity. Part of the identified species had never been reported on human beings and could thus represent the microbiota specific to Demodex. As in many arthropods, this microbiota was predominantly composed of Proteobacteria. Interestingly, the proportion of the main phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria differed according to the host status. Though, some species appeared to be specific to Demodex collected from patients with erythematotelangiectasic rosacea or papulopustular rosacea. Among them, we identified Bartonella quintana only from a mite collected on a patient with erythematotelangiectasic rosacea.