Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences

About: Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences is a education organization based out in Wrocław, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & GNSS applications. The organization has 3108 authors who have published 6672 publications receiving 57774 citations.

Deciphering minimal antigenic epitopes associated with Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei lipopolysaccharide O-antigens

Abstract: Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) and Burkholderia mallei (Bm), the etiologic agents of melioidosis and glanders, respectively, cause severe disease in both humans and animals. Studies have highlighted the importance of Bp and Bm lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as vaccine candidates. Here we describe the synthesis of seven oligosaccharides as the minimal structures featuring all of the reported acetylation/methylation patterns associated with Bp and Bm LPS O-antigens (OAgs). Our approach is based on the conversion of an L-rhamnose into a 6-deoxy-L-talose residue at a late stage of the synthetic sequence. Using biochemical and biophysical methods, we demonstrate the binding of several Bp and Bm LPS-specific monoclonal antibodies with terminal OAg residues. Mice immunized with terminal disaccharide-CRM197 constructs produced high-titer antibody responses that crossreacted with Bm-like OAgs. Collectively, these studies serve as foundation for the development of novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccine candidates to combat diseases caused by Bp and Bm.Melioidosis and glanders are multifaceted infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. Here, the authors synthesize a series of oligosaccharides that mimic the lipopolysaccharides present on the pathogens' surface and use them to develop novel glycoconjugates for vaccine development.

Variability and relationships between Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in soil solutions and forest floor leachates at heavily polluted sites

Abstract: Seasonal variability of Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in litter leachates and soil solutions was examined in an afforested zone surrounding a copper smelter in SW Poland. Litter leachates (with zero-tension lysimeters) and soil solutions (with MacroRhizon suction-cup samplers, installed at a depth of 25–30cm) were collected monthly at three sites differing in contamination levels in the years 2009 and 2010 (total Cu: 2380, 439, and 200 mgkg–1, respectively). Concentrations of Cu in the litter leachate were correlated with dissolved organic C (DOC), whereas Zn and Pb were mainly related to leachate pH. Metal concentrations in the soil solution were weakly influenced by their total content in soils and the monthly fluctuations reached 300, 600, and 700% for Cu, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Metal concentrations in soil solutions (Cu 110–460 lg L–1; Zn 20–1190 l gL –1; Pb 0.5–36 l gL –1) were correlated with their contents in the litter leachates. Chemical speciation, using Visual Minteq 3.0, proved organically-complexed forms even though the correlations between metal concentrations and soil solution pH and DOC were statistically insignificant. The flux of organically-complexed metals from contaminated forest floors is believed to be a direct and crucial factor affecting the actual heavy metal concentrations and their forms in the soil solutions of the upper mineral soil horizons.

Assessing the impact of wastewater effluent diversion on water quality

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the change of water quality in the Trzemna River after modernisation of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Gołuchów and wastewater effluent diversion (WED) to the Prosna River in 2008. Data was acquired from the State Environmental Monitoring database for the period before and after changing the location of discharge from the treatment plant. The before-after (BA) and before-after-control-impact (BACI) analyses were used to determine the effectiveness of applied solutions. The BA study covered 12 physicochemical parameters and showed improvement of water quality in terms of phosphorous compounds, EC, ammonium nitrogen, TKN, TN, and BOD5. Lack of statistically significant differences for nitrates, pH, and TOC were noted. The BACI analysis was only applicable for six physicochemical parameters, and statistically significant differences were shown for TN, TKN, ammonium nitrogen, and TP. There were no differences in the case of nitrates and DO. After wastewater effluent diversion, a high concentration of nitrates in Trzemna water was still observed, with a statistically confirmed increasing trend. This is an effect of the negative impact of agricultural diffuse pollution. Modernisation of a WWTP and wastewater effluent diversion positively affected the quality of Trzemna water. The BA and BACI analyses in relation to statistical tests applied in hydrology can be successfully used to evaluate the impact of changes in the environment on water quality. In the case of BA design it was possible to analyse 12 parameters, whereas in BACI analysis it was only half of them. However, this method is recognised as more reliable and eliminates the impact of natural temporary variations.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in introduced raccoons (Procyon lotor)-first evidence from Poland and Germany.

Abstract: The raccoon (Procyon lotor) carnivore native to North America is a fast spreading, invasive species in the Europe now. At the moment, the highest population occupies areas near the German-Polish border. The data on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia in raccoons is limited to North America’s territory and is totally lacking in the case of their introduction to Europe. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microparasites, i.e., Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia in the introduced raccoons obtained from localities in Poland and Germany. A PCR-based approach that permitted genetic characterization via sequence analysis was applied to raccoon fecal samples (n = 49), collected during 2012–2014. All fecal samples were simultaneously tested with the use of genetic markers, and DNA of microsporidia and Cryptosporidium spp. was detected among the examined raccoons. The results of our research confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium skunk genotype and Enterocytozoon bieneusi NCF2 genotype. The results suggest a possible role of raccoons in the contamination of the environment, including urban areas, with pathogens of zoonotic significance as well as their role in the transmission and introduction of new genotypes of microparasites in the areas where P. lotor has not been observed yet. To our knowledge, there has been no literature data on the above genotypes detected previously in humans or animals from the examined study sites so far.

Effect of mannanoligosaccharides, inulin and yeast nucleotides added to calf milk replacers on rumen microflora, level of serum immunoglobulin and health condition of calves

Abstract: The aim of study was to determine effect of applied in calf milk replacer feed additives – mannanooligosaccharides, inulin and yeast nucleotides on rumen microflora, level of serum immunoglobulin and calf health condition. The results of research related to effect of mannanooligosaccharides, inulin and yeast nucleotides added to calf milk replacers on calf rearing and health condition point to higher final body weight as well as higher daily body weight gains, better concentrate intake and feed conversion ratio all rearing long. Feed additives, especially yeast nucleotides had beneficial influence on faeces scores – better consistency (less watery and well formed). It can testify to better calf health condition. Additives applied in calf milk replacers did not clearly affect on morphological and biochemical blood and serum parameters. Merely blood glucose increased while levels of cholesterol and plasma urea N were reduced. The higher level gamma-globulin as well as better passive immunity transfer were stated in calves receiving mannanooligosaccharides and yeast nucleotides in amount 4 g/day/head in milk replacer. Applied in calf milk repalcers mannanooligosaccharides, inulin and yeast nucleotides, especially inulin in amount 6 g/day/head increased calf rumen pH and decreased level of rumen ammonium nitrogen. Concentration of total volatile fatty acids in rumen, especially acetate and propionate were higher in calves receiving in milk replacer prebiotic feed additives, especially mannanooligosaccharides and yeast nucleotides what was confirmed by higher body weight gains. Moreover the total bacteria count increased while the concentration of protozoa in the rumen fluid decreased, particularly in calves receiving inulin.