Svornostia abyssi gen. nov., sp. nov. isolated from the world's deepest silver-uranium mine currently devoted to the extraction of radon-saturated water.

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile bacterium, J379T, was isolated from radioactive water spring C1, located in a former silver-uranium mine in the Czech Republic. This slow-growing strain exhibited optimal growth at 24-28 °C on solid media with <1 % salt concentration and alkaline pH 8-10. The only respiratory quinone found in strain J379T was MK-7(H4). C18 : 1 ω9c (60.9 %), C18 : 0 (9.4 %), C16 : 0 and alcohol-C18 : 0 (both 6.2 %) were found to be the major fatty acids. The peptidoglycan contained directly cross-linked meso-diaminopimelic acid. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences and the core-genome analysis revealed that strain J379T forms a separate phylogenetic lineage within the recently amended order Solirubrobacterales. A comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences between strain J379T and other members of the order Solirubrobacterales showed <96 % similarity. This analysis revealed that the closest type strains were Parviterribacter kavangonensis D16/0 /H6T (95.2 %), Capillimicrobium parvum 0166_1T (94.9 %) and Conexibacter arvalis KV-962T (94.5 %). Whole-genome analysis showed that the closest type strain was Baekduia soli BR7-21T with an average nucleotide identity of 78 %, average amino acid identity of 63.2 % and percentage of conserved proteins of 48.2 %. The G+C content of the J379T genomic DNA was 71.7 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic and phylogenomic data, as well as its physiological characteristics, strain J379T is proposed to represent a type strain (DSM 113746T=CCM 9300T) of Svornostia abyssi gen. nov. sp. nov. within the family Baekduiaceae.

Phylogenomic analyses and comparative genomic studies of Thermus strains isolated from Tengchong and Tibet Hot Springs, China.

Genus Thermus is the main focus of researcher among the thermophiles. Members of this genus are the inhabitants of both natural and artificial thermal environments. We performed phylogenomic analyses and comparative genomic studies to unravel the genomic diversity among the strains belonging to the genus Thermus in geographically different thermal springs. Sixteen Thermus strains were isolated and sequenced from hot springs, Qucai hot springs in Tibet and Tengchong hot springs in Yunnan, China. 16S rRNA gene based phylogeny and phylogenomic analyses based on concatenated set of 971 Orthologous Protein Families (supermatrix and gene content methods) revealed a mixed distribution of the Thermus strains. Whole genome based phylogenetic analysis showed, all 16 Thermus strains belong to five species; Thermus oshimai (YIM QC-2-109, YIM 1640, YIM 1627, 77359, 77923, 77838), Thermus antranikianii (YIM 73052, 77412, 77311, 71206), Thermus brokianus (YIM 73518, 71318, 72351), Thermus hydrothermalis (YIM 730264 and 77927) and one potential novel species 77420 forming clade with Thermus thalpophilus SYSU G00506T. Although the genomes of different strains of Thermus of same species were highly similar in their metabolic pathways, but subtle differences were found. CRISPR loci were detected through genome-wide screening, which showed that Thermus isolates from two different thermal locations had well developed defense system against viruses and adopt similar strategy for survival. Additionally, comparative genome analysis screened competence loci across all the Thermus genomes which could be helpful to acquire DNA from environment. In the present study it was found that Thermus isolates use two mechanism of incomplete denitrification pathway, some Thermus strains produces nitric oxide while others nitrious oxide (dinitrogen oxide), which show the heterotrophic lifestyle of Thermus genus. All isolated organisms encoded complete pathways for glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid and pentose phosphate. Calvin Benson Bassham cycle genes were identified in genomes of T. oshimai and T. antranikianii strains, while genomes of all T. brokianus strains and organism 77420 were lacking. Arsenic, cadmium and cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistant genes were detected in genomes of all sequenced Thermus strains. Strains 77,420, 77,311, 73,518, 77,412 and 72,351 genomes were found harboring genes for siderophores production. Sox gene clusters were identified in all sequenced genomes, except strain YIM 730264, suggesting a mode of chemolithotrophy. Through the comparative genomic analysis, we also identified 77420 as the genome type species and its validity as novel organism was confirmed by whole genome sequences comparison. Although isolate 77420 had 99.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with T. thalpophilus SYSU G00506T but based on ANI 95.86% (Jspecies) and digital DDH 68.80% (GGDC) values differentiate it as a potential novel species. Similarly, in the phylogenomic tree, the novel isolate 77,420 forming a separate branch with their closest reference type strain T. thalpophilus SYSU G00506T.

A coddling of the sagittal suture: inequality in spring-assisted expansion.

PURPOSE: We examined differences in long-term morphometric outcomes of spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) for various forms of isolated nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of children who underwent SMC from 2011 to 2020 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Cephalic indices (CI), Whitaker grades, parietal bone thickness, and degree of suture fusion were assessed. Frontal bossing and vertex-nasion-opisthocranion (VNO) angles were compared to a normal control group. RESULTS: Fifty-four subjects underwent surgery at age 3.6 ± 1.0 months with follow-up of 6.3 ± 1.8 years. Mean CI was 75.2 ± 4.1 at 5.9 ± 2.0 years postoperatively. Mean CI were 75.8 ± 4.1 (n = 32), 76.4 ± 4.0 (n = 22), and 77.1 ± 4.8 (n = 11) at 5, 7, and 9+ years postoperatively, respectively. Three (5.6%) required reoperation for persistent scaphocephalic cranial deformity. Fifty-one (94.4%) were Whitaker Grade I. On physical examination, 12 (22.2%) demonstrated craniofacial abnormalities. At long-term follow-up, there were no differences in frontal bossing angle (102.7 ± 5.2 degrees versus 100.7 ± 5.6 degrees, p = .052) and VNO angle (44.9 ± 3.3 degrees versus 43.9 ± 2.2 degrees, p = .063) between study and control groups. Younger age at surgery predicted a lower Whitaker grade, more normalized VNO angle, and greater change in CI during active expansion. Increased percentage fused of the posterior sagittal suture predicted a higher Whitaker grade, while decreased anterior fusion was associated with frontal bossing and temporal hollowing. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, children undergoing spring-mediated cranioplasty for sagittal craniosynostosis demonstrated maintenance of CI, favorable cosmetic outcomes, and a low reoperation rate at mid-term follow-up. Early intervention is associated with improved aesthetic outcomes, and regional fusion patterns may influence long-term craniofacial dysmorphology.

Nonlinear elasticity and damping govern ultrafast dynamics in click beetles.

Many small animals use springs and latches to overcome the mechanical power output limitations of their muscles. Click beetles use springs and latches to bend their bodies at the thoracic hinge and then unbend extremely quickly, resulting in a clicking motion. When unconstrained, this quick clicking motion results in a jump. While the jumping motion has been studied in depth, the physical mechanisms enabling fast unbending have not. Here, we first identify and quantify the phases of the clicking motion: latching, loading, and energy release. We detail the motion kinematics and investigate the governing dynamics (forces) of the energy release. We use high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging to observe and analyze the motion of the hinge's internal structures of four Elater abruptus specimens. We show evidence that soft cuticle in the hinge contributes to the spring mechanism through rapid recoil. Using spectral analysis and nonlinear system identification, we determine the equation of motion and model the beetle as a nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom oscillator. Quadratic damping and snap-through buckling are identified to be the dominant damping and elastic forces, respectively, driving the angular position during the energy release phase. The methods used in this study provide experimental and analytical guidelines for the analysis of extreme motion, starting from motion observation to identifying the forces causing the movement. The tools demonstrated here can be applied to other organisms to enhance our understanding of the energy storage and release strategies small animals use to achieve extreme accelerations repeatedly.

Microplastic pollution calls for urgent investigations in stygobiont habitats: A case study from Classical karst.

Microplastic pollution in karst systems is still poorly studied, despite the presence of protected species and habitats, and important water reserves. Vulnerable key species hosted in these habitats could consume or assimilate microplastics, which can irreversibly damage management efforts, and thus ecosystems functionality. This can be particularly true for subterranean water habitats where microplastic pollution effects on wildlife management programs are not considered. The aim of this study is to provide a case study from the Classical Karst Region, which hosts peculiar habitats and key species protected at European level, such as the olm Proteus anguinus. As this area has been deeply exploited and modified over time, and is adjacent to highways, roads and railways, which could contribute to pollution within the karst system, threatening the ecosystems, it provides a perfect model system. In this study we collected and investigated water and sediment samples from aquatic environments of surface and subterranean habitats hosting several subterranean environment-adapted organisms. Examined particles were counted and characterized by size, color and shape via visual identification under a microscope, with and without UV light. Furthermore, spectroscopic analyses were carried out in order to identify microplastics typology. Microplastics were found in all examined habitats. In water, microplastics concentration ranged from 37 to 86 items/L, in sediments from 776 to 2064 items/kg. Fibre-shape was the main present, followed by fragments and beads, suggesting multiple sources of pollution, especially textile products. Most of the particles were fluorescent under UV light and were mainly transparent, while not-fluorescent ones were especially black, blue or brown. Samples contained especially polyesters and copolymers. These results highlight intense MP pollution in karst areas, with significant impacts on water quality, and potential effects on subterranean environment-dwelling species. We stress the importance of monitoring pollution in these critical environments for biodiversity and habitat conservation: monitoring in karst areas must become a priority for habitat and species protection, and water resources management, improving analyses on a larger number of aquatic surface and subterranean habitats.

Manganese exposure from spring and well waters in the Shenandoah Valley: interplay of aquifer lithology, soil composition, and redox conditions.

Manganese (Mn) is of particular concern in groundwater, as low-level chronic exposure to aqueous Mn concentrations in drinking water can result in a variety of health and neurodevelopmental effects. Much of the global population relies on drinking water sourced from karst aquifers. Thus, we seek to assess the relative risk of Mn contamination in karst by investigating the Shenandoah Valley, VA region, as it is underlain by both karst and non-karst aquifers and much of the population relies on water wells and spring water. Water and soil samples were collected throughout the Shenandoah Valley, to supplement pre-existing well water and spring data from the National Water Information System and the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, totaling 1815 wells and 119 springs. Soils were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence and Mn K-Edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. Factors such as soil type, soil geochemistry, and aquifer lithology were linked with each location to determine if correlations exist with aqueous Mn concentrations. Analyzing the distribution of Mn in drinking water sources suggests that water wells and springs within karst aquifers are preferable with respect to chronic Mn exposure, with < 4.9% of wells and springs in dolostone and limestone aquifers exceeding 100 ppb Mn, while sandstone and shale aquifers have a heightened risk, with > 20% of wells exceeding 100 ppb Mn. The geochemistry of associated soils and spatial relationships to various hydrologic and geologic features indicates that water interactions with aquifer lithology and soils contribute to aqueous Mn concentrations. Relationships between aqueous Mn in spring waters and Mn in soils indicate that increasing aqueous Mn is correlated with decreasing soil Mn(IV). These results point to redox conditions exerting a dominant control on Mn in this region.

Temporal variations of spring hydrochemistry as clues to the karst system behaviour: an example of Louros Catchment.

Effectively managing water resources in karst systems requires a thorough understanding of their general conduit network along with their seasonal dynamics. Their investigation has involved well construction or several advanced natural tracer data, most of which are not always available. Hence, this work showcases a pragmatic approach that makes use of basic hydrochemical variables of springs with coarse temporal resolution in characterising a karst system. In this study's example, physicochemical variables like major ion concentrations/ratios, Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH and water temperature (Tw) were measured on 20-day basis for a hydrological year at the Louros Catchment, Greece. We further performed the frequency distribution and variation analysis of EC and Tw, principal component analysis (PCA), scatter plots of carbonate ions vs sulphate and hydrochemographs to determine relevant hydrochemical processes and hydrogeological features. PCA and the scatter plots showed that the simple-type upper karst level is entirely dominated by carbonate dissolution, whereas the complex-type middle and lower levels also involve gypsum and dolomite dissolution. Presence of mixing between karst units was also detected. EC and Tw analyses revealed the degree of karstification of different units and relative depths of flow systems. Hydrochemographs reflected the seasonality of limestone and gypsum dissolution's contributions linked to the dominant flow type (conduit vs diffuse). This study thus was able to demonstrate the usefulness of such holistic hydrochemical analyses to better understand karst systems. Given their cost-effectiveness, they can be easily applied to any understudied karst system worldwide.

Hydrogeochemical signatures of spring water in geologically diverse terrains: a case study of Southern Western Ghats, India.

Out of 5 million Indian spring water systems, a few were characterised for hydrochemistry and freshwater potential. The present study focuses on analysing the hydrochemistry, discharge, and drinking/irrigation water quality of both cold and thermal spring clusters namely Southern Kerala Springs (SKS) and Dakshina Kannada Springs (DKS) of Southern Western Ghats, India. Currently, eleven springs from SKS and ten from DKS including one thermal spring (TS) with temperature ranges from 34 to 37 °C were considered. The study revealed that cold springs (CS) of SKS are Na-Cl type, while the thermal and cold-water springs in DKS are Na-HCO3 and mixing water type, respectively. Two distinct mechanisms predominantly define the hydro-chemical composition of the springs-SKS are influenced by precipitation, whereas DKS is likely by chemical weathering processes. While comparing the major ions and saturation indices of thermal springs (TS), it is evident that silicate minerals predominantly affect the chemical composition of water. CaCO3- is oversaturated in TS water and tends to precipitate as a scale layer. PCA showed that both geogenic and anthropogenic factors influence water chemistry. WQI categorized the CS in both the clusters are in the "Excellent" rank as compared to TS. Irrigation water quality signifies that the cold springs are only suitable for irrigation. Moreover, it is evident from the discharge that both SKS and DKS were rainfed in nature. Discharge monitoring designated that the CS could augment drinking water supplies in the nearby regions indicating the necessity of conservation and sustainable use considering future freshwater scarcity.

Unveiling the microbial diversity and functional dynamics of Shiv Kund, Sohna hot spring, India through a shotgun metagenomics approach.

In this research, we examined the microbial diversity in Sohna hot spring, Haryana, India using shotgun metagenome sequencing based on the Illumina Hiseq 4000 sequencing technology. The raw sequence data from metagenomic paired-end libraries were analysed for taxonomic classification, diversity, and functional annotation using MG-RAST online server. The results showed the presence of total of 57 phyla, 931 genera, and 2068 species, predominantly occupied by Moraxellaceae (Gammaproteobacteria). However, at the species level, we reported the presence of some representative pathogenic taxa, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Moraxella osloensis. The functional annotation predicted at various levels based on SEED-based subsystem, KEGG ortholog identity (KO), Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COGs) database identified the predominance of genes associated with primary and secondary metabolism along with a crucial role in environmental and genetic signals, cellular communication, and cell signalling. Comparative Genome Analysis (CGA) using The Pathosystem Resource Integration Centre (PATRIC) tool based on genome annotation and assembly of the metagenomic libraries for representative taxon Acinetobacter baumannii (NCBI tax id:470) characterized the reads with a unique genome identifier of 470.20380 (A. baumannii DDLJ4) which is evolutionary closer to A. baumannii ATCC 470.17978 400667.7. In addition, the CARD database results about the presence of potential AMR pathotypes and the prevalence of adeABC, adeIJK, abeM gene-specific clusters that function as multidrug efflux pumps. Overall, the results provided a comprehensive insight into virulence and anti-microbial resistance mechanism and could be useful for developing potential drug targets against the possible AMR pathotypes.

Diverse Microbial Hot Spring Mat Communities at Black Canyon of the Colorado River.

The thermophilic microbial mat communities at hot springs in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, thought to harbor the protistan human pathogen Naegleria fowleri, were surveyed using both culture-independent and -dependent methods to further understand the ecology of these hot spring microbiomes. Originating from Lake Mead source water, seven spring sites were sampled, varying in temperature from 25 to 55 °C. Amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing of twelve samples using 16S rRNA primers (hypervariable V4 region) revealed that most mats are dominated by cyanobacterial taxa, some but not all similar to those dominating the mats at other studied hot spring systems. 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing (V9 region) demonstrated a diverse community of protists and other eukaryotes including a highly abundant amoebal sequence related to Echinamoeba thermarum. Additional taxonomic and diversity metric analyses using near full-length 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing allowed a higher sequence-based resolution of the community. The mat sequence data suggest a major diversification of the cyanobacterial orders Leptolyngbyales, as well as microdiversity among several cyanobacterial taxa. Cyanobacterial isolates included some representatives of ecologically abundant taxa. A Spearman correlation analysis of short-read amplicon sequencing data supported the co-occurrences of populations of cyanobacteria, chloroflexi, and bacteroidetes providing evidence of common microbial co-occurrences across the Black Canyon hot springs.

Different sulfide to arsenic ratios driving arsenic speciation and microbial community interactions in two alkaline hot springs.

Arsenic (As) is ubiquitous in geothermal fluids, which threatens both water supply safety and local ecology. The co-occurrence of sulfur (S) and As increases the complexity of As migration and transformation in hot springs. Microorganisms play important roles in As-S transformation processes. In the present study, two Tibetan alkaline hot springs (designated Gulu [GL] and Daba [DB]) with different total As concentrations (0.88 mg/L and 12.42 mg/L, respectively) and different sulfide/As ratios (3.97 and 0.008, respectively) were selected for investigating interactions between As-S geochemistry and microbial communities along the outflow channels. The results showed that As-S transformation processes were similar, although concentrations and percentages of As and S species differed between the two hot springs. Thioarsenates were detected at the vents of the hot springs (18% and 0.32%, respectively), and were desulfurized to arsenite along the drainage channel. Arsenite was finally oxidized to arsenate (532 µg/L and 12,700 µg/L, respectively). Monothioarsenate, total As, and sulfate were the key factors shaping the changes in microbial communities with geochemical gradients. The relative abundances of sulfur reduction genes (dsrAB) and arsenate reduction genes (arsC) were higher in upstream portions of GL explaining high thiolation. Arsenite oxidation genes (aoxAB) were relatively abundant in downstream parts of GL and at the vent of DB explaining low thiolation. Sulfur oxidation genes (soxABXYZ) were abundant in GL and DB. Putative sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), such as Desulfuromusa and Clostridium, might be involved in forming thioarsenates by producing reduced S for chemical reactions with arsenite. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), such as Elioraea, Pseudoxanthomonas and Pseudomonas, and arsenite-oxidizing bacteria (AsOB) such as Thermus, Sulfurihydrogenibium and Hydrogenophaga, may be responsible for the oxidation of As-bound S, thereby desulfurizing thioarsenates, forming arsenite and, by further abiotic or microbial oxidation, arsenate. This study improves our understanding of As and S biogeochemistry in hot springs.

Metagenome-assembled genomes reveal carbohydrate degradation and element metabolism of microorganisms inhabiting Tengchong hot springs, China.

A hot spring is a distinctive aquatic environment that provides an excellent system to investigate microorganisms and their function in elemental cycling processes. Previous studies of terrestrial hot springs have been mostly focused on the microbial community, one special phylum or category, or genes involved in a particular metabolic step, while little is known about the overall functional metabolic profiles of microorganisms inhabiting the terrestrial hot springs. Here, we analyzed the microbial community structure and their functional genes based on metagenomic sequencing of six selected hot springs with different temperature and pH conditions. We sequenced a total of 11 samples from six hot springs and constructed 162 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) with completeness above 70% and contamination lower than 10%. Crenarchaeota, Euryarchaeota and Aquificae were found to be the dominant phyla. Functional annotation revealed that bacteria encode versatile carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZYmes) for the degradation of complex polysaccharides, while archaea tend to assimilate C1 compounds through carbon fixation. Under nitrogen-deficient conditions, there were correspondingly fewer genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, while abundant and diverse set of genes participating in sulfur metabolism, particularly those associated with sulfide oxidation and thiosulfate disproportionation. In summary, archaea and bacteria residing in the hot springs display distinct carbon metabolism fate, while sharing the common energy preference through sulfur metabolism. Overall, this research contributes to a better comprehension of biogeochemistry of terrestrial hot springs.

Temperature responses vary between riffle beetles from contrasting aquatic environments.

Organisms living in environmentally stable ecosystems are hypothesized to exhibit narrow environmental tolerance ranges; however, previous experiments testing this prediction with invertebrates in spring habitats are equivocal. Here we examined the effects of elevated temperatures on four riffle beetle species (family: Elmidae) native to central and west Texas, USA. Two of these, Heterelmis comalensis and Heterelmis cf. glabra are known to occupy habitats immediately adjacent to spring openings and are thought to have stenothermal tolerance profiles. The other two, Heterelmis vulnerata and Microcylloepus pusillus are surface stream species with more cosmopolitan distributions and are assumed to be less sensitive to variation in environmental conditions. We examined performance and survival of elmids in response to increasing temperatures using dynamic and static assays. Additionally, changes in metabolic rate in response to thermal stress were assessed for all four species. Our results indicated that spring-associated H. comalensis is most sensitive while the more cosmopolitan elmid M. pusillus is least sensitive to thermal stress. However, there were differences in temperature tolerances among the two spring-associated species: H. comalensis had relatively narrow thermal tolerance in comparison to H. cf. glabra. This could be due to differences in the climatic and hydrological conditions in the geographical regions which the respective riffle beetle populations reside. However, despite these differences, H. comalensis and H. cf. glabra showed a dramatic increase in their metabolic rates with increasing temperatures indicating that these species are indeed spring specialists and likely have a stenothermal profile.

Production, purification, characterization, and applications of α-galactosidase from Bacillus flexus JS27 isolated from Manikaran hot springs.

α-Galactosidase hydrolyzes the α-1,6-linkage present at the non-reducing end of the sugars and results in the release of galactosyl residue from oligosaccharides like melibiose, raffinose, stachyose, etc. In the present study we report, α-galactosidase from Bacillus flexus isolated from Manikaran hot springs (India). Maximum enzyme production was obtained in guar gum and soybean meal after 72 h at 150 rpm. While, the temperature/pH of production was optimized at 50 °C and 7.0, respectively. Isoenzymes (α-gal I and II) were obtained and characterized based on temperature/pH optima along with their stability profile. JS27 α-Gal II was purified with a final purification fold of 11.54. Native and SDS-PAGE were used to determine the molecular weight of the enzyme as 86 and 41 kDa, respectively, indicating its homodimeric form. JS27 α-Gal II showed optimum enzyme activity at 55 °C and pH 7 (10 min). The enzyme displayed Km value of 2.3809 mM and Vmax of 2.0 × 104 µmol/min/ml with pNPG as substrate. JS27 α-Gal II demonstrated substrate hydrolysis and simultaneous formation of transgalactosylation products (α-GOS) with numerous substrates (sugar/sugar alcohols, oligosaccharides, and complex carbohydrates) which were verified by TLC and HPLC analysis. α-GOS are significant functional food ingredients and can be explored as prebiotics.

Spatial distribution of radon contamination in hot springs water and its cancer and non-cancer risks in the Hunza-Nagar valley, Pakistan.

Radon (222Rn) is a ubiquitous radioactive gas and could threaten human life due to its potential for cancer and non-cancer risks. This study examined the measurement of 222Rn concentration and associated health risks in the hot springs of Hunza-Nagar valley. For this purpose, the hot springs water of Hunza and Nagar districts and the background sites were analyzed for 222Rn concentration using the RAD7 detector (Durridge Company, USA). The average concentrations of 222Rn were 46.1 ± 0.94, 65.3 ± 0.45, and 5.47 ± 0.25 Bq/L in the Hunza district, Nagar district, and background sites, respectively. Results showed that 222Rn concentrations of hot springs water were multifold higher than the background sites. 222Rn concentrations for hot springs water in Hunza-Nagar valley had surpassed the maximum contamination level set by the US environmental protection agency (USEPA). Humans' annual mean exposure dose rates of various age groups were calculated for the estimated lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and non-cancer risks. The total annual mean exposure doses from 222Rn in water (EwTotal) values were (187 ± 3.80, 265 ± 1.84, and 22.2 ± 1.02 µSv/a) for infants (143 ± 2.92, 203 ± 1.40, and 17.0 ± 0.78 µSv/a) children, and (138 ± 2.80, 196 ± 1.35, and 16.4 ± 0.76 µSv/a) adults in the Hunza district, Nagar district, and background, respectively. Among the age groups of humans, infants showed a higher risk than others. Results showed that hot springs water consumption surpassed the world health organization threshold of 100 µSv/y for chronic or non-cancer and USEPA 0.1 × 10-3 for ELCR risks. The concentration of 222Rn showed a positive correlation (> 0.68) with hot springs' water temperature and pH suggesting a common origin.

Force degradation of two orthodontic accessories analyzed in vivo and in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To compare force degradation of elastomeric chains and NiTi coil springs in vivo and in vitro, and evaluate the effects of pre-stretched and reused elastomeric chains in the oral cavity during the time. METHODS: In the in vitro groups, 4-unit elastomeric chains and NiTi coil springs with an initial force of 200 g were placed in dry air and artificial saliva. The volunteers wore clear retainers which were used to hold the sample of 4-unit chains, pre-stretched 4-unit chains, and NiTi coil springs with the initial force of 200 g in the in vivo groups. After the first 4 weeks, 4-unit specimens were stretched to 200 g again for another 4 weeks in vivo. The force value and the percentage of force degradation were recorded at each measurement time interval in the in vivo and in vitro groups. RESULTS: The force degradation of elastomeric chains was greatest within the initial 4 hours, followed by a more stable phase after 1 week. The average force degradation of 4-unit elastomeric chains after 4 weeks was in vivo (64.8%) > artificial saliva (55.0%) > dry air (46.42%) (P < 0.05). The force degradation of NiTi coil springs in vivo (15.36%) or in artificial saliva (15.8%) was greater than in dry air (7.6%) (P < 0.05). NiTi coil springs presented a gentler force decay than elastomeric chains during the period (P < 0.05). In vivo, the force degradation of pre-stretched and reused elastomeric chains decreased less than the regular style(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The force degradation of the elastomeric chains and NiTi coil springs varied in different environments. NiTi coil springs presented a gentler force decay than elastomeric chains during the period. Orthodontists should consider the force degradation characteristics of orthodontic accessories in clinical practice.

Water quality, criticality, and sustainability of mountain springs-a case study from the Nepal Himalaya.

In the hilly terrain of Nepal, springs are the main source of drinking water. With the increasing population, rapid urbanization, and unabated climate change, springs are under the risk of survival. There is increasing evidence that springs in the mid-hills of Nepal are drying up, or are reducing in discharge, or are deteriorating by water quality. As a result, local communities are facing unprecedented water stress. On this background scenario, assessment of water quality of the springs in the Marin Watershed of Sindhuli district of Nepal was carried out in this study. Spring water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon of 2020 and their hydrochemistry was analyzed. Further, springs' discharge was measured in situ and their criticality and sustainability were studied through community interaction. Results have revealed seasonal variation in spring discharge and spring water quality. Out of 39 flowing springs, water quality of 13, 8, and 6 springs, respectively, was very poor, poor, and unsuitable for drinking in the pre-monsoon. The count of springs with very poor, poor, and unsuitable drinking water quality during the post-monsoon was 8, 3, and 1, respectively. Occurrence of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli) was identified in five spring samples which makes the spring water unsafe for drinking. Again, out of 51 springs studied, 12 are already dried up, and another 12 of the 39 flowing springs have become seasonal with very low discharge (0.03-0.07 L/s). The study highlights and emphasizes the need to protect the flowing springs and rejuvenate the dying springs of the Himalaya and of other parts of the world.

Evaluation of physicochemical and microbiological parameters, and their correlation in Himalayan Spring Water Systems: A case study of District Kulgam of Kashmir Valley, India, Western Himalaya.

Total coliforms, E. coli, and fecal streptococci are the important indicators linked to the human health. This study investigated presence of these indicator bacteria in the Himalayan springs at various locations in the district Kulgam of Kashmir valley. A total of 30 spring water samples were collected from rural, urban, and forest areas during post-melting season 2021 and pre-melting season 2022. The springs in the area originate from the alluvium deposit, Karewa, and hard rock formations. The physicochemical parameters were found within the acceptable limits. However, nitrate and phosphate were found above the permissible limit at few sites, thus indicating the presence of anthropogenic activities in the area. Majority of the samples during both the seasons were found highly loaded with total coliforms with maximum limit of greater than 180 MPN/100 ml. E. coli and fecal streptococci were found in the range of less than 1 to more than 180 MPN/100 ml. The results of Pearson correlation of physicochemical parameters with indicator bacteria showed that chemical oxygen demand, rainfall, spring discharge, nitrate, and phosphate are the main factors affecting the concentration of indicator bacteria in the spring water at each site. Principal component analysis showed the most influencing factors of water quality in most of the spring sites are total coliforms, E. coli, fecal streptococci, rainfall, discharge, and chemical oxygen demand. The results of this study showed that the spring water is unfit for drinking purpose because of high concentration of fecal indicator bacteria.

Production of antibacterial compounds using Bacillus spp. isolated from thermal springs in Saudi Arabia.

Seventeen water samples were collected from four different thermal springs in Saudi Arabia. Microbiological assays were used to assess the antibacterial activities of bacterial colonies against antibiotic-resistant and susceptible-bacterial strains, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify the genus and species of these antibiotic-producing bacteria. Chromatography and spectroscopy were used to separate the active compounds and help figuring out what their structures were. Four compounds were isolated using bacteria: N-acetyltryptamine (1), isovaleric acid (2), ethyl-4-ethoxybenzoate (3) and phenylacetic acid (4). Compounds 1, 2 and 4 were produced from Bacillus pumilus and 3 was from Bacillus licheniformis (AH-E1). The outcomes of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) showed that all pure compounds produced in this work had antibacterial activities against Gram-positive pathogens (between 128 mg/L and 512 mg/L compared to the control) and compound 2 had activity against E. coli.

Potential Association of Legionnaires' Disease with Hot Spring Water, Hot Springs National Park and Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA, 2018-2019.

Legionella pneumophila is the cause of Legionnaires' disease, a life-threatening pneumonia that occurs after inhalation of aerosolized water containing the bacteria. Legionella growth occurs in stagnant, warm-to-hot water (77°F-113°F) that is inadequately disinfected. Piped hot spring water in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, USA, has naturally high temperatures (>135°F) that prevent Legionella growth, and Legionnaires' disease has not previously been associated with the park or other hot springs in the United States. During 2018-2019, Legionnaires' disease occurred in 5 persons after they visited the park; 3 of these persons were potentially exposed in spa facilities that used untreated hot spring water. Environmental testing revealed Legionella bacteria in piped spring water, including 134°F stagnant pipe water. These findings underscore the importance of water management programs to reduce Legionella growth in plumbing through control activities such as maintaining hot water temperatures, reducing stored water age, and ensuring adequate water flow.