La influencia de distintas prácticas agrícolas en la estructura genética de Lumbricus terrestris, Arion lusitanicus y Microtus arvalis

Little attention has been given to date to the potential influence of agricultural land use methods or farming practice on the genetic variability of native species. In the present study, we measured the genetic structure of three model species —Microtus arvalis, Arion lusitanicus and Lumbricus terrestris— in an agricultural landscape with a diversity of land use types and farming practices. The aim of the study was to investigate whether different management strategies such as the method of land use or type of farming practice (conventional and ecological farming) have an impact on the species’ genetic structure. We used RAPD markers and multilocus DNA fingerprints as genetic tools. Genetic similarity was based on the presence or absence of bands, which revealed a wide range of variability within and between the analysed populations for each model species. Cluster analysis and Mantel tests (isolation by distance) showed different genetic structures in the populations of M. arvalis from sampling sites with different land use. However, the main factors influencing the genetic variability of these vole populations were geographic distances and isolation barriers. The genetic variability observed in A. lusitanicus populations correlated with geographic distance and the type of land use method, but no correlation was found with different farming practices. Our preliminary results suggest that the genetic structure of L. terrestris populations is influenced by the agricultural land use method used at the different sampling sites but not by the geographic distance.Hasta la fecha se ha prestado poca atención a la influencia potencial de las distintas formas de uso del suelo o de las prácticas agrícolas en relación a la variabilidad genética de las especies autóctonas. En el presente estudio se analizó la estructura genética de tres especies representativas —Microtus arvalis, Arion lusitanicus y Lumbricus terrestris— en suelos agrícolas sometidos a distintos usos del suelo y prácticas agrícolas. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar si las distintas estrategias de gestión tales como el método de cultivo o el tipo de práctica agrícola empleada (convencional o ecológica) pueden influir en la estructura genética de las especies. Como herramienta de análisis genético se aplicaron las técnicas RAPD (RAPD markers) y de las huellas genéticas multilocus del DNA (multilocus DNA fingerprinting). La semejanza genética fue evaluada en base a la presencia o ausencia de bandas, que reveló una amplia variabilidad dentro y entre las poblaciones analizadas de cada especie modelo. A través del análisis de conglomerados y del test de Mantel (aislamiento por la distancia) se comprobó que las poblaciones de M. arvalis procedentes de muestreos en suelos con distintos usos presentaban distintas estructuras genéticas. Sin embargo, la distancia geográfica y el aislamiento por barreras fueron los principales factores influyentes sobre la variabilidad genética de estas poblaciones de topillo de campo. En el caso de A. lusitanicus se pudo observar que la variabilidad genética de sus poblaciones estaba correlacionada con las distintas formas de uso del suelo y la distancia geográfica, pero no se halló correlación alguna con las distintas prácticas agrícolas. Nuestros resultados preliminares sugieren que la estructura genética de las poblaciones de L. terrestris se ve influida por el tipo de uso del suelo de los distintos lugares de muestreo, pero no por la distancia geográfica

Population genetic structure in natural and reintroduced beaver (Castor fiber) populations in Central Europe

Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758 is the only indigenous species of the genus Castor in Europe and Asia. Due to extensive hunting until the beginning of the 20th century, the distribution of the formerly widespread Eurasian beaver was dramatically reduced. Only a few populations remained and these were in isolated locations, such as the region of the German Elbe River. The loss of genetic diversity in small or captive populations throughgenetic drift and inbreeding is a severe conservation problem. However, the reintroduction of beaver populations from several regions in Europe has shown high viability and populations today are growing fast. In the present study we analysed the population genetic structure of a natural and two reintroduced beaver populations in Germany and Austria. Furthermore, we studied the genetic differentiation between two beaver species, C. fiber and the American beaver (C. canadensis), using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) as a genetic marker. The reintroduced beaver populations of different origins and the autochthonous population of the Elbe River showed a similar low genetic heterogeneity. There was an overall high genetic similarity in the species C. fiber, and no evidence was found for a clear subspecific structure in the populations studied

Estructura genética en poblaciones naturales y reintroducidas de castor (Castor fiber) en Europa Central

Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758 is the only indigenous species of the genus Castor in Europe and Asia. Due to extensive hunting until the beginning of the 20th century, the distribution of the formerly widespread Eurasian beaver was dramatically reduced. Only a few populations remained and these were in isolated locations, such as the region of the German Elbe River. The loss of genetic diversity in small or captive populations through genetic drift and inbreeding is a severe conservation problem. However, the reintroduction of beaver populations from several regions in Europe has shown high viability and populations today are growing fast. In the present study we analysed the population genetic structure of a natural and two reintroduced beaver populations in Germany and Austria. Furthermore, we studied the genetic differentiation between two beaver species, C. fiber and the American beaver (C. canadensis), using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) as a genetic marker. The reintroduced beaver populations of different origins and the autochthonous population of the Elbe River showed a similar low genetic heterogeneity. There was an overall high genetic similarity in the species C. fiber, and no evidence was found for a clear subspecific structure in the populations studied. Key words: Beaver, Castor fiber, Castor canadensis, Genetic diversity, RAPD, Reintroduction.Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758 is the only indigenous species of the genus Castor in Europe and Asia. Due to extensive hunting until the beginning of the 20th century, the distribution of the formerly widespread Eurasian beaver was dramatically reduced. Only a few populations remained and these were in isolated locations, such as the region of the German Elbe River. The loss of genetic diversity in small or captive populations through genetic drift and inbreeding is a severe conservation problem. However, the reintroduction of beaver populations from several regions in Europe has shown high viability and populations today are growing fast. In the present study we analysed the population genetic structure of a natural and two reintroduced beaver populations in Germany and Austria. Furthermore, we studied the genetic differentiation between two beaver species, C. fiber and the American beaver (C. canadensis), using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) as a genetic marker. The reintroduced beaver populations of different origins and the autochthonous population of the Elbe River showed a similar low genetic heterogeneity. There was an overall high genetic similarity in the species C. fiber, and no evidence was found for a clear subspecific structure in the populations studied. Key words: Beaver, Castor fiber, Castor canadensis, Genetic diversity, RAPD, Reintroduction.El castor euroasiático (Castor fiber Linnaues, 1758) es la única especie autóctona del género Castor en Europa y Asia. Debido a la intensa presión cinegética a la que fue sometido hasta principios del siglo XX, su amplia distribución se vio drásticamente reducida. Tan sólo sobrevivieron algunas poblaciones en áreas aisladas, como por ejemplo en la zona del río Elba en Alemania. La pérdida de diversidad genética en poblaciones pequeñas o criadas en cautividad, causada por la deriva genética y la endogamia, supone un grave problema para la conservación de esta especie. Por otro lado, los ensayos de su reintroducción en distintas zonas de Europa han puesto de manifiesto que las poblaciones poseen una gran viabilidad y altas tasas de crecimiento. En el presente estudio se ha analizado la estructura genética de una población natural y dos reintroducidas en Alemania y Austria. Además, se muestra la diferenciación genética entre dos especies de castor, el castor euroasiático y el castor americano (C. canadensis), utilizando RAPD (polimorfismo de fragmentos de ADN amplificados al azar) como marcador genético. La población de castor reintroducida a partir de diferentes orígenes y las poblaciones autóctonas del río Elba muestran una baja heterogeneidad genética. Existe una alta semejanza genética en la especie C. fiber, no hallándose evidencias de una estructura subespecífica en las poblaciones estudiadas. Palabras clave: Castor, Castor fiber, Castor canadensis, Estructura genética, RAPD, Reintroducción

Copper stress response of aspergillus niger spores and the implications for antifungal surface functionalization

Microbial life has been an enduring presence in various environments, prompting research into understanding the interactions between microorganisms and antimicrobial agents. Not only in terrestrial settings but even in human spaceflight related environments, Aspergillus niger has been identified alongside Penicillium ssp. as predominant species in HEPA filters and dust within the international space station. As especially fungal contaminations could have detrimental effects on built materials and negatively affect not only the structural integrity of a confined built environment, but cause negative effects on human health, it underscores the need to understand especially fungal responses to stress. Within this study we particularly researched the fungal stress response from novel functionalized copper surfaces. This study delves into the interaction between A. niger and innovative antimicrobial surfaces, combining actively antimicrobial copper and copper-alloys with microtopographies through Ultrashort pulses Direct Laser Interference Patterning (USP-DLIP). The preliminary findings of contact – killing assays using spores from a wildtype and melanin deficient mutant strain, reveal an unexpected heterogeneity in A. niger spore germination responses to copper stress, shedding light on the sophisticated regulation of copper homeostasis by this fungus. The results of those assays were further investigated using varied microscopy methods (Fluorescence and SEM) and will undergo detailed RNA profile analyses to discern the molecular mechanisms underlying any observed damage, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of A. niger's response to copperinduced stress. Understanding how A. niger reacts to copper stress is crucial for developing effective antimicrobial strategies with broader applications, addressing fungal contamination challenges across diverse settings

Update on Cosmic Kiss project “Touching Surfaces”: Developing a tool for interdisciplinary health and space habitat research

The human skin is inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, which play an important role in maintaining health and integrity of the skin itself. While the environment affects the human microbiome, the human microbiome also affects its environment. Besides beneficial microorganisms, also opportunistic pathogens reside on the skin, which can be spread to our environment. Hereby, especially frequently touched surfaces can pose as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, microorganisms can compromise functionality of onboard systems. Hence, consideration and evaluation of microbial dispersal, growth and adaptation of microorganisms to monitor and prevent microbial contamination of harmful bacteria is crucial, especially in the context of space travel. One promising approach to reducing microbial contamination is the use of antimicrobial surfaces. In “Touching Surfaces” novel copper-based antimicrobial surfaces were tested under real space conditions on the ISS, in schools, and in clinical settings. Touching Surfaces was part of the Cosmic Kiss mission of ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer and tested onboard the ISS. The hardware of Touching Surfaces -so-called Touch Arrays- was designed for application-based testing and allows easy implementation and testing of different surfaces. One key objective of Touching Surfaces is the evaluation of antimicrobial surfaces to reduce microbial contamination on the ISS. Five Touch Arrays were installed on the ISS and touched from September 2021 to March 2022 by ESA astronauts Matthias Maurer and Thomas Pesquet. Upon return to Earth, the Touch Arrays were analyzed regarding their microbial community and material integrity to determine antimicrobial efficiency, which be then related to the environmental conditions on the ISS. Touch Arrays represent an easily implementable tool for future interdisciplinary health and space habitat research. Using application-based strategies for testing antimicrobial surfaces will help gain deeper understanding of underlying interactions of surface and microorganisms, as well as design of antimicrobial contact surfaces

Current status of the BIOFILMS ISS experiment: testing functionalized antimicrobial surfaces in space

Microbial biofilms are universally present in our environment. However, biofilms can be problematic since they can damage materials and pose a health risk. Especially during space travel, where crew health is top priority and failure of equipment is detrimental, methods for preventing biofilm formation are vital. Antimicrobial active metals, such as copper, have already shown their potential on Earth [1]. Furthermore, additional surface functionalization of copper surfaces through direct laser interference patterning using ultra short pulses (USP-DLIP) can increase the antimicrobial efficiency and biofilm inhibition for certain types of bacteria [2]. The spaceflight project “BIOFILMS” investigates the antimicrobial effect of these functionalized copper surfaces in microgravity by using a unique experimental setup on board the ISS. For this, three bacterial species Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis, Cupriavidus metallidurans and Acinetobacter radioresistens were selected. Copper and brass were selected as antimicrobial metals and steel is used as an inert reference. All three metals are tested with and without surface functionalization. For the experiment, specific hardware was developed that allows bacterial biofilm formation in liquid medium in immediate contact to the different surfaces. The first results from the Science Verification Test and Experiment Sequence test showed that the hardware is biocompatible with the selected bacterial species and is suitable for the scientific requirements and proposed experimental sequence. The first launch for BIOFILMS was in August 2021 with SpX 23 with the first set of samples. Aboard the ISS, the hardware was integrated into the KUBIK incubator inside the Columbus laboratory. In this incubator, the experiment was incubating at 20 °C for 14 days in microgravity (Space), 0.4 x g (Mars) and 1 x g (Earth) as control. The second and third set of samples will be launched in 2022. Preliminary experiments on Earth indicated that the functionalized copper surfaces have altered antimicrobial effects on the selected bacteria

Preliminary results from the BIOFILMS experiment on the ISS testing laserpatterned antimicrobial surfaces against bacterial biofilm formation

Biofilms are agglomerates of microorganisms that envelop themselves with a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. As a result, biofilms protect themselves against environmental influences and are highly resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants. Biofilms can damage materials through biocorrosion and biofouling and can harbor pathogenic organisms. Therefore, biofilms are not only undesirable in hospitals and industry, but also in spacecraft for human health and spacecraft integrity. With the help of antimicrobial copper surfaces, the formation of biofilms can be prevented or at least reduced, as these surfaces kill the microorganisms on contact and thus prevent the first step of biofilm formation, adhesion. Since the interaction between cells, surrounding medium and surface is altered under space conditions, the influence of microgravity on the effect of antimicrobial surfaces required to be investigated further. The aim of the ESA spaceflight experiment “BIOFILMS” is to test the antimicrobial effect of copper and brass on bacterial biofilm formation (Staphylococcus capitis, Cupriavidus metallidurans, Acinetobacter radioresistens) under altered gravitational conditions (pg and 0.4 x g). Within the experiment, not only smooth surfaces were used, but also surfaces with a modified topography that can increase their antimicrobial efficacy. The different bacteria were incubated on different surfaces inside a dedicated experiment hardware to allow biofilm formation under controlled conditions in Space. In total, the BIOFILMS experiment consisted of three flights to the International Space Station (August 2021, June 2022 and March 2023) in order to accommodate all sample configurations (metal type, surface topography, type of bacteria, gravity conditions). Here we present preliminary results from the experiment while post-flight analysis of all samples from the three flights is ongoing. The results of the experiment will help make spaceflight safer and more sustainable by providing new insights into appropriate surfaces and functionalization processes that help reduce biofilm formation. Aut

Update on the spaceflight experiment “BIOFILMS”: Testing laser-structured antimicrobial surfaces under space conditions

A major concern during human space missions is microbial contamination. Biofilms are of particular importance as a potential hazard because they damage equipment and pose a health risk to astronauts. Biofilm formation can be inhibited by using antimicrobial active metals such as copper for contact surfaces. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of copper surfaces can be increased by additional surface functionalization using ultrashort pulsed direct laser interference patterning (USP-DLIP). The antimicrobial efficacy of these surfaces under altered gravity conditions is investigated in the spaceflight experiment “BIOFILMS” onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Using the KUBIK facility in the Columbus laboratory on board the ISS, the antimicrobial efficacy of Cu/ CuZn37 surfaces with different surface topographies is tested under three different gravity levels (µg, 0.4 x g, 1 x g) and compared to inert stainless steel. Staphylococcus capitis, Cupriavidus metallidurans and Acinetobacter radioresistens were selected as bacterial model organisms that are incubated during the experiment in a specialized hardware that allows biofilm formation to occur under controlled conditions. BIOFILMS experiments will be conducted during three flights on board the ISS to accommodate the complete set of sample configurations. The first launch of BIOFILMS was in August 2021 with SpX-23, the second in June 2022 with SpX-25 and the last flight is planned for 2023 with SpX-27. The preliminary data gathered suggest that the functionalized copper surfaces are effective as antimicrobial surfaces under altered gravity conditions for the organisms tested. Here we present preliminary results from the first flight with the caveat that a complete interpretation and evaluation of the data can only be made after the completion of all three flights and post flight investigations. The results of BIOFILMS will help to make space travel safer and more sustainable by providing new insights and design capabilities in contamination control

UPDATE DLR-ESA EXPERIMENT „BIOFILMS“

ESA spaceflight experiment: BIOFILMS. BIOFILMS: Biofilm inhibition on flight equipment and on board the ISS using microbiologically lethal metal surfaces. Aim: Study effects of reduced gravity conditions on: ▪ Biofilm structure & morphology on inert surfaces ▪ Antimicrobial activity of copper and copper alloys

Efficacy of antimicrobial copper surfaces under spaceflight conditions: Preliminary results of the BIOFILMS experiment

Biofilms are a significant challenge in environments such as hospitals and industrial facilities, but also in space environments. Microbial induced corrosion due to biofilm formation, biofouling and clogging of pipes are serious threats to the integrity of spacecraft. In addition, biofilms can harbor and act as reservoirs for opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms, which could pose a threat to astronaut health, especially since astronauts exhibit a compromised immune system during spaceflight. Antimicrobial surfaces are one of many mitigation strategies against microbial biofilm formation. Copper has been known for its antimicrobial properties since ancient times, and additional surface modification using Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) has been shown to increase antibacterial efficacy. However, the interplay between cells, their environment and surfaces under space conditions requires further investigation, as fluid dynamics, mass transport and sedimentation are different in microgravity. The BIOFILMS experiment was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to test antimicrobial coppercontaining surfaces against bacterial adhesion and biofilm under reduced gravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS). The BIOFILMS experiment included three flights to the ISS from August 2021 to March 2023, during which the bacterial model organisms Staphylococcus capitis, Cupriavidus metallidurans, and Acinetobacter radioresistens were incubated on various surfaces inside specially designed hardware to ensure a controlled environment. Preliminary results show no negative effect of reduced gravity on the antimicrobial efficacy of copper and no clear effect of gravity conditions on adhesion and biofilm formation on the reference stainless steel surfaces. The final results of the project will provide valuable insights into selecting suitable surfaces and functionalization techniques to reduce biofilm formation, increase safety, and improve the sustainability of space travel