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The capacity of marine sponges to cope with environmental changes is often attributed to the specific composition of their bacterial communities. In this study, we assessed the bacterial microbiome of two dominant sponges, Rhabdastrella globostellata (Rg) and Hyrtios erectus (He), living in the Bouraké lagoon (New Caledonia), where abiotic conditions daily fluctuate according to the tide. Sponge specimens, sediment and seawater samples were collected at 2–3 m depth. The bacterial communities were assessed using 16S rRNA metabarcoding, and variations between the two sponges were compared using PCA biplots. Chloroflexi was the dominant phyla in both He and Rg with an average relative abundance of 41.2% and 53.2%, respectively, while it was absent in sediment and seawater. Among the phylum Chloroflexi, SAR202 clade was dominant in both sponges, reaching an average relative abundance of 53.2% (He) and 78.7% (Rg). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the main variables driving the bacterial community structure in both sponges. The results indicated that the bacterial community structure in both sponges was strongly associated with Chloroflexi (70.9% of the phyla variance) and SAR202 clade (86.6% of the clade variance). The high relative abundance of the phylum Chloroflexi and the SAR202 clade observed in this study is the highest reported so far in the literature in marine sponges. Such a high relative abundance of these bacteria could suggest their involvement in the well-being of sponges in the extreme environmental conditions of Bouraké.

During the last decade, the world faced record-breaking giant fires as observed in Australia and California, a trend that is expected to increase in the forthcoming years due to climate change (Palinkas, 2020; Sharples et al., 2016; van Oldenborgh et al., 2021). In addition to their large ecological impacts, wildfires are more and more regarded for their potential threat to human health through air pollution (Xu et al., 2020). However, water pollution resulting from wildfires represents an underestimated pathway for wildfires-induced health risk (Abraham et al., 2017). This latter impact is related to the heat generated by wildfires that can propagate towards several centimeters in the soil and transform/destroy soil components. In addition to weakening soil physical stability, such transformation/destruction can change the speciation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that are associated with these soil components, leading to enhanced mobility towards waterways (Abraham et al., 2017; Terzano et al., 2021). One notable PTE is chromium, which is naturally present in soils mostly as trivalent Cr(III), but can represent an environmental and health issue when occurring as hexavalent Cr(VI). Recent studies reported Cr(III) oxidation to Cr(VI) upon laboratory-heating of Cr(III)-doped Fe-oxyhydroxides (Burton et al., 2019a; 2019b). Besides, Cr(III) oxidation to Cr(VI) upon controlled heating was also demonstrated for different types of soils (Burton et al., 2019b; Rascio et al., 2022; Thery et al., 2023). All these considerations suggest a significant effect of wildfires on Cr(III) oxidation to Cr(VI) in soils, with a possible influence on Cr mobility that could further impact freshwater quality. This risk of freshwater Cr(VI) pollution is expected to particularly concern ultramafic catchments because of the related occurrence of Cr-rich soils.We have tried to address this question by performing laboratory-heating of several soils types (Ferralsols, Cambisols and Vertisols) developed on various geological settings (ultramafic, mafic and volcano-sedimentary) in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory which is a good representative of wildfires-threatened tropical ultramafic catchments (Toussaint, 2020). The results obtained revealed a significant influence of soil heating on Cr(III) oxidation to Cr(VI), followed by an enhanced Cr(VI) mobility, in all soil types. However, the magnitude of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) oxidation and Cr mobility depended on the actual nature of the soil, Ferralsols showing the highest Cr(VI) release compared to Cambisols and Vertisols. These differences were further interpreted on the basis of the changes in Cr speciation (including redox) induced by laboratory-heating of the investigated soils, as revealed by synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy analyses. Finally, a simple risk assessment relying on the hypothesized concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) issued from burned soils in the related waterways allowed to emphasize a risk of wildfires-induced freshwater Cr(VI) pollution for ultramafic catchments composed of Ferralsols (Thery et al., 2023). Beyond the single case of New Caledonia, the results of this study point to the need to foster collaborative studies in order to further evaluate this risk of wildfires-induced freshwater Cr(VI) pollution at tropical ultramafic catchments on a global scale.

In the context of global warming, environmental forcing of wildfires on continental ecosystems is on a growing trend. Among other environmental impacts, wildfires can enhance trace metals concentration in freshwater systems. In this regard, chromium is of particular environmental and health concern because the temperature-induced oxidation of the less mobile and toxic Cr(III) form to the most mobile and toxic Cr(VI) one might represent a risk of freshwater pollution. The aim of the present study was to make a first assessment of this risk in New Caledonia by quantifying the influence of soil heating on Cr(VI) mobility in Cr-rich Ferralsols that cover about 1/3 of this French overseas territory. The results obtained indicated an enhanced Cr(VI) mobility upon soil heating from 200 °C, with a marked turnaround from 400 °C. Based on these results, a solid/solution mass balance approach allowed to confirm the risk of freshwater Cr(VI) pollution as a function of suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration issued from burned Cr-rich Ferralsols. In addition, the results obtained revealed an apparent control of the Fe-oxides/silicates ratio on Cr(VI) mobility upon soil heating. Since this ratio decreases from the top to the bottom of ultramafic catchments, this latter result suggests that the risk of freshwater Cr(VI) pollution could depend on the actual location of the wildfires at the top or slope/base of these catchments. Since freshwaters represent the major water resource for the inhabitants of New Caledonia, these results point to the need for a larger evaluation of the risk of wildfires-induced freshwater Cr(VI) pollution at other catchments composed of Cr-bearing soils like Cambisols and Vertisols. At the larger scale, they also point to the need to foster studies aimed at better evaluating the risk of wildfires-induced freshwater Cr(VI) pollution at Cr-bearing pedological settings worldwide.

International audience; Nowadays, ecological restoration is considered the best solution for the rehabilitation of mining-degraded areas, particularly when it concerns valuable ecosystems. This is the case in New Caledonia, a hot spot of biodiversity, with 82% of endemic plant species in ultramafic soils. The use of topsoil to restore mined areas is an important practice. However, topsoil stockpiling can reduce soil fertility. We studied the evolution of different properties of two topsoils stored in 10 m height piles on mined areas, in order to characterize possible degradations. The effects of storage duration, depth, and topsoil origin were analyzed, focusing mainly on bacterial and fungal diversity assessed after bar-coded pyrosequencing, and expressed by operational taxonomic units (OTU). Microbial activity (carbon dioxyde production), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spore numbers, bulk density and different other physicochemical characteristics were also determined. The studied ultramafic soils were characterized by a relatively high microbial diversity with 45 bacterial phyla and 7 fungal phyla. Bacterial and fungal OTU numbers did not vary significantly after 12 months of storage, but the community structures of these groups were changed. AMF diversity was significantly reduced by the storage. Microbial activity, AMF spore numbers, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) decreased significantly starting from 3 to 9 months of topsoil storage. In contrast, soil bulk density and pH increased, and extractable concentrations of potentially toxic metals varied only slightly. All the changes induced by topsoil stockpiling in microbial population structure, AMF diversity, and other biotic and abiotic traits may negatively affect soil functions and create perturbations of the reconstructed ecosystems after revegetation. It is then necessary to reduce the storage of ultramafic topsoils as far as possible. In all cases, the stockpiling should not exceed six months before its use in ecosystem restoration. It is also recommended to reduce the height of the stockpiles, when possible, to 1 m or less to minimize the compaction and the anaerobiosis.

The ecological restoration of nickel mining-degraded areas in New Caledonia is strongly limited by low availability of soil mineral nutrients, metal toxicity, and slow growth rates of native plant species. In order to improve plant growth for restoration programs, special attention was paid to interactions between plant and soil microorganisms. In this study, we evaluated the influence of inoculation with Curtobacterium citreum BE isolated from a New Caledonian ultramafic soil on arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and growth of Tetraria comosa, an endemic sedge used in restoration programs. A greenhouse experiment on ultramafic substrate was conducted with an inoculum comprising two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species isolated from New Caledonian ultramafic soils: Rhizophagus neocaledonicus and Claroideoglomus etunicatum. The effects on plant growth of the AMF and C. citreum BE inoculated separately were not significant, but their co-inoculation significantly enhanced the dry weight of T. comosa compared with the non-inoculated control. These differences were positively correlated with mycorrhizal colonization which was improved by C. citreum BE. Compared with the control, co-inoculated plants were characterized by better mineral nutrition, a higher Ca/Mg ratio, and lower metal translocation. However, for Ca/Mg ratio and metal translocation, there were no significant differences between the effects of AMF inoculation and co-inoculation.

In New Caledonia, one third of the main island is covered by ultramafic soils characterized by high levels of metals and low levels of plant nutrients. In these soils, metal tolerant bacteria may play a role in plant adaptation to the edaphic constraints. Recently, two new bacteria species belonging to the genus Burkholderia sensu lato were isolated from rhizospheric roots of pioneer plant growing in New Caledonian ultramafic soils and were able to tolerate high metal concentrations. The purpose of this study was to determine the major mechanisms by which these two bacteria were able to tolerate metals and if they were able to reduce metal absorption by plants from which they were isolated. Bioaccumulation, adsorption on cell surface, ability to form biofilm and production of exopolysaccharides were assessed. A focus was carried out on Ni, generally the most toxic metal in New Caledonian ultramafic soils. All experiments were performed in comparison with a reference strain isolated from a non-ultramafic habitat, Paraburkholderia caribensis MWAP64T. The two ultramafic bacterial species showed a high tolerance to Ni with a Ni–IC50 of 5 mM for Caballeronia novacaledonica STM10272T and 30 mM for Paraburkholderia ultramafica STM10279T, values significantly higher than those of P. caribensis MWAP64T (2 mM). The major mechanism involved in the bacterial Ni tolerance was related to biofilm formation for C. novacaledonica STM10272T and to acidic exopolysaccharide production for P. ultramafica STM10279T. Both species alleviated metal contents in roots of Tetraria comosa, an endemic pioneer herbaceous species growing on New Caledonian ultramafic soils.

The present study focused on the characterization of 10

The present study focused on the characterization of 10 Curtobacterium citreum strains isolated from the rhizosphere of pioneer plants growing on ultramafic soils from New Caledonia. Taxonomic status was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Three strains (BE, BB, and AM) were selected in terms of multiple-metal resistance and plant-growth-promoting traits. They were tested on sorghum growing on ultramafic soil and compared with the reference strain C. citreum DSM20528T. To better understand the bacterial mechanisms involved, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biofilm formation were investigated for the representative strain of the ultramafic cluster (strain BE) versus C. citreum DSM20528T. The polyphasic approach confirmed that all native isolates belong to the same cluster and are C. citreum. The inoculation of sorghum with strains BE and BB significantly reduced Ni content in shoots compared with inoculation with C. citreum DSM20528T and control values. This result was related to the higher Ni tolerance of the ultramafic strains compared with C. citreum DSM20528T. Ni biosorption and bioaccumulation showed that BE exhibited a lower Ni content, which is explained by the ability of this strain to produce exopolysaccharides involved in Ni chelation. We suggested that ultramafic C. citreum strains are more adapted to this substrate than is C. citreum DSM20528T, and their features allow them to enhance plant metal tolerance.

Acacia spirorbis subsp. spirorbis Labill. is a widespread tree legume endemic to New Caledonia that grows in ultramafic (UF) and volcano-sedimentary (VS) soils. The aim of this study was to assess the symbiotic promiscuity of A. spirorbis with nodulating and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia in harsh edaphic conditions. Forty bacterial strains were isolated from root nodules and characterized through (i) multilocus sequence analyses, (ii) symbiotic efficiency and (iii) tolerance to metals. Notably, 32.5% of the rhizobia belonged to the Paraburkholderia genus and were only found in UF soils. The remaining 67.5%, isolated from both UF and VS soils, belonged to the Bradyrhizobium genus. Strains of the Paraburkholderia genus showed significantly higher nitrogen-fixing capacities than those of Bradyrhizobium genus. Strains of the two genera isolated from UF soils showed high metal tolerance and the respective genes occurred in 50% of strains. This is the first report of both alpha- and beta-rhizobia strains associated to an Acacia species adapted to UF and VS soils. Our findings suggest that A. spirorbis is an adaptive plant that establishes symbioses with whatever rhizobia is present in the soil, thus enabling the colonization of contrasted ecosystems.

Island biogeography theory is one of the most influential paradigms in ecology. That island characteristics, including remoteness, can profoundly modulate biological diversity has been borne out by studies of animals and plants. By contrast, the processes influencing microbial diversity in island systems remain largely undetermined. We sequenced arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal DNA from plant roots collected on 13 islands worldwide and compared AM fungal diversity on islands with existing data from mainland sites. AM fungal communities on islands (even those >6000 km from the closest mainland) comprised few endemic taxa and were as diverse as mainland communities. Thus, in contrast to patterns recorded among macro-organisms, efficient dispersal appears to outweigh the effects of taxogenesis and extinction in regulating AM fungal diversity on islands. Nonetheless, AM fungal communities on more distant islands comprised a higher proportion of previously cultured and large-spored taxa, indicating that dispersal may be human-mediated or require tolerance of significant environmental stress, such as exposure to sunlight or high salinity. The processes driving large-scale patterns of microbial diversity are a key consideration for attempts to conserve and restore functioning ecosystems in this era of rapid global change.

This study aims to characterize the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) communities associated with Acacia spirorbis, a legume tree widely spread in New Caledonia that spontaneously grows on contrasted edaphic constraints, i.e. calcareous, ferralitic and volcano-sedimentary soils. Soil geochemical parameters and diversity of ECM communities were assessed in 12 sites representative of the three mains categories of soils. The ectomycorrhizal status of Acacia spirorbis was confirmed in all studied soils, with a fungal community dominated at 92% by Basidiomycota, mostly represented by/tomentella-thelephora (27.6%), /boletus (15.8%), /sebacina (10.5%), /russula-lactarius (10.5%) and /pisolithus-scleroderma (7.9%) lineages. The diversity and the proportion of the ECM lineages were similar for the ferralitic and volcano-sedimentary soils but significantly different for the calcareous soils. These differences in the distribution of the ECM communities were statistically correlated with pH, Ca, P and Al in the calcareous soils and with Co in the ferralitic soils. Altogether, these data suggest a high capacity of A. spirorbis to form ECM symbioses with a large spectrum of fungi regardless the soil categories with contrasted edaphic parameters.

Acacia spirorbis subsp. spirorbis Labill. is a legume tree that grows on calcareous, metalliferous and siliceous soils and is endemic to New Caledonia. The present study assesses the nitrogen-fixing potential of A. spirorbis in its contrasted natural environments. Soil samples, the leaves of A. spirorbis and of co-occurring non-N2-fixing reference plant species were collected from nine study sites across New Caledonia. Soil properties were analyzed by ICP-AES. Nitrogen (N) content and natural 15N abundance (δ15N) were measured in A. spirorbis and in reference plants. The percentage of N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) fixed by A. spirorbis was also assessed and correlated with soil parameters. Remarkably, mean N contents in A. spirorbis showed no significant differences whatever the soil categories (20.2 ± 3.5 g kg−1) whereas major differences were found in N contents in the reference plants. The average δ15N value of A. spirorbis was close to zero (+0.29‰), while that of the reference species ranged from −4.83 to +7.05‰. In eight of the nine sites studied, A. spirorbis %Ndfa was above 70%, regardless of the soil category. Unlike in the reference species, no statistical correlations were found between A. spirorbis N content and δ15N abundance and soil parameters. Despite the difficulty of using the δ15N abundance method in such contrasted environments, the resulting data show that A. spirorbis has the highest N2-fixing potential yet recorded in the genus Acacia and its nitrogen fixation is effective almost throughout its natural range.

Nickel (Ni)-tolerant ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus albus was isolated from extreme ultramafic soils that are naturally rich in heavy metals. This study aimed to identify the specific molecular mechanisms associated with the response of P. albus to nickel. In presence of high concentration of nickel, P. albus Ni-tolerant isolate showed a low basal accumulation of nickel in its fungal tissues and was able to perform a metal efflux mechanism. Three genes putatively involved in metal efflux were identified from the P. albus transcriptome, and their overexpression was confirmed in the mycelium that was cultivated in vitro in the presence of nickel and in fungal tissues that were sampled in situ. Cloning these genes in yeast provided significant advantages in terms of nickel tolerance (+ 31% Ni EC50) and growth (+ 83% u) compared with controls. Furthermore, nickel efflux was also detected in the transformed yeast cells. Protein sequence analysis indicated that the genes encoded a P-type-ATPase, an ABC transporter and a major facilitator superfamily permease (MFS). This study sheds light on a global mechanism of metal efflux by P. albus cells that supports nickel tolerance. These specific responses to nickel might contribute to the fungal adaptation in ultramafic soil. (Resume d'auteur)

International audience; Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) isolates of Pisolithus albus (Cooke and Massee) from nickel-rich ultramafic topsoils in New Caledonia were inoculated onto Acacia spirorbis Labill. (an endemic Fabaceae) and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (used as a Myrtaceae plant host model). The aim of the study was to analyze the growth of symbiotic ECM plants growing on the ultramafic substrate that is characterized by high and toxic metal concentrations i.e. Co, Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni, deficient concentrations of plant essential nutrients such as N, P, K, and that presents an unbalanced Ca/Mg ratio (1/19). ECM inoculation was successful with a plant level of root mycorrhization up to 6.7%. ECM symbiosis enhanced plant growth as indicated by significant increases in shoot and root biomass. Presence of ECM enhanced uptake of major elements that are deficient in ultramafic substrates; in particular P, K and Ca. On the contrary, the ECM symbioses strongly reduced transfer to plants of element in excess in soils; in particular all metals. ECM-inoculated plants released metal complexing molecules as free thiols and oxalic acid mostly at lower concentrations than in controls. Data showed that ECM symbiosis helped plant growth by supplying uptake of deficient elements while acting as a protective barrier to toxic metals, in particular for plants growing on ultramafic substrate with extreme soil conditions. Isolation of indigenous and stress-adapted beneficial ECM fungi could serve as a potential tool for inoculation of ECM endemic plants for the successful restoration of ultramafic ecosystems degraded by mining activities.

New Caledonian serpentine (ultramafic) soils contain high levels of toxic heavy metals, in particular nickel, (up to 20 g kg−1) and are deficient in essential elements like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus while having a high magnesium/calcium ratio. Although previous studies showed that ectomycorrhizal symbioses could play an important role in the adaptation of the endemic plants to ultramafic soils (FEMS Microbiol Ecol 72:238–49, 2010), none of them have compared the diversity of microbial communities from ultramafic vs non-ultramafic soils in New Caledonia. We explored the impact of edaphic characteristics on the diversity of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi associated with different endemic species of Tristaniopsis (Myrtaceae) growing under contrasting soil conditions in the natural ecosystems of New Caledonia. ECM root tips were thus sampled from two different ultramafic sites (Koniambo massif and Desmazures forest) vs two volcano-sedimentary ones (Arama and Mont Ninndo). The molecular characterization of the ECM fungi through partial sequencing of the ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence of different dominant fungal genera including, both soil types combined, Cortinarius (36.1%), Pisolithus (18.5%), Russula (13.4%), Heliotales (8.2%) and Boletellus (7.2%). A high diversity of ECM taxa associated with Tristaniopsis species was found in both ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary soils but no significant differences in ECM genera distribution were observed between both soil types. No link could be established between the phylogenetic clustering of ECM taxa and their soil type origin, thus suggesting a possible functional—rather than taxonomical—adaptation of ECM fungal communities to ultramafic soils.

The design, simulation and implementation of a dedicated Class-E driver for inductive power transfer is presented. Whereas focus is placed on wireless endoscopy, other upper body monitoring applications can be powered simultaneously. The driver is developed to generate a sinusoidal current signal through a coil, for the generation of an alternating magnetic field at 1 MHz with a field intensity of about 300 μT. The volume within the coil, implemented in a Helmholtz configuration, wherein this magnetic field is guaranteed, allows to cover a volume up to ∼0.2 m 3 . This is an improvement by a factor of 20 compared to previous work [1] and sufficiently large to cover the full upper body of patients. The magnetic field thereby generated, is adequate to provide up to 300 mW of power to previously developed capsules, in all possible orientations. Patient safety and solutions to reduce parasitic influences are addressed briefly.

The design, fabrication and integration of capacitive void fraction sensors for microfluidic applications in silicon microchannels of 100 μm wide and 500 μm deep are described. Microfabrication steps such as electrode deposition, glass dicing and drilling and the anodic bonding process are elucidated. A read-out circuit was designed to convert capacitive input signals into a large-swing analog output signal. The signal processing algorithm is discussed. Measurements showing the variation of the output signal in function of the gas content in the air/water-mixture that was pumped through the microchannels are presented. ispartof: pages:643-646 ispartof: Procedia Engineering vol:47 pages:643-646 ispartof: Eurosensors location:Kraków, Poland date:9 Sep - 12 Sep 2012 status: published

International audience; This study focuses on the chemotaxis, colonization and rice growth promoting ability of indole acetic acid (IAA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-producing rhizobacteria Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii SN10, previously isolated from root nodules of Trifolium alexandrium L. We show here that R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii SN10 promote the growth of four different rice varieties grown in India in terms of biomass, root branching and N content. In addition, using scanning electron microscopy and viable cell counts, we provide evidence that the bacteria successfully colonize the root surface of the rice variety which showed maximum growth promotion upon inoculation. Not only this, R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii SN10 exhibit a strong chemotaxis response towards the rice seed and root exudates despite the presence of a bacteriostatic phenolic compound, 7-hydroxycoumarin (umbelliferone). Further, R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii SN10 secretion of phytohormones such as IAA and ACC deaminase suggest the potential of the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to be used as biofertilizer to enhance rice crop production in the subcontinent.

This paper introduces the BladderPill: an in vivo sensor system which is inserted into the bladder cavity through minimal invasive cystoscopy. It allows the autonomous monitoring and logging of the internal bladder pressure. Prototype circuits have been realized and tested in various layouts, to gradually approach the final pill-shaped form, measuring 40 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter. Constructed out of off-the-shelf components and embedded into silicone as a protective encapsulation, a low-cost flexible implant is created. The circuits fit on a double-sided flex measuring 4.2 mm × 18 mm and consume on average 350 μ A. Operation for over 24 h is thus assured on a 13 mAh lithium cell with a diameter of 3 mm.

A system is presented that monitors two of the most vital physiological parameters integrated in a wearable textile garment. Emphasis is put on the selection of sensing systems that are mechanically robust to suit the use in clothing. One application is with newborns suffering from an elevated risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Heart and breathing rate are measured by sensing systems implemented on flexible substrates, integrated onto textile. Breathing rate is assessed by extracting accelerometer signals, which can also be used to detect the posture of the baby. The accelerometers have an accuracy of 1 mg and consume less than 2 mA, interface circuit included. Heart rate is assessed through ECG measurement with dry electrodes and a three-stage differential amplifier with a CMRR of 106 dB at 50 Hz. The system operates on a flexible 3.7 V battery and sends its acquired data wirelessly (at 2.4 GHz with a bandwidth of 770 Hz) to a computer, which processes and visualises the two parameters. Processing involves filtering and peak detection algorithms to extract the breathing and heart rate in Matlab. Because the presented work focuses on the two most important vital signs, the system already proves more robust than common home monitoring SIDS applications, typically focusing on a single parameter. Moreover, the use of accelerometers enables a safe and hermetic packaging technique that excludes unwanted interference.

This paper presents the design and implementation of an advanced system on flexible and stretchable technology. The technology platform consists of a matrix of flexible non-stretchable functional islands linked together by a net of elastic interconnections. Several technologies have been developed and tested in the design of simplified demonstrators before studying the design of an advanced system. The target system is a wireless battery charger which supplies power and supports bidirectional data transfer during recharge. The system is intended to serve as a general purpose platform for biomedical parameter monitoring and the design is focused on the embedding in clothes. ispartof: Sensors and Actuators A, Physical vol:156 issue:1 pages:79-87 ispartof: location:GERMANY, Dresden status: published

A system was designed on flexible substrates to measure two of the most important physiological parameters in human life: breathing rhythm and ECG. A promising feature is the adoption of accelerometers to quantify the breathing cycle. The realised designs were placed on a T-shirt and tested on adults, keeping in mind the parameter variability when used with infants. Data is sent to a computer wirelessly for analysis. Future work includes the integration of the system with an earlier developed wireless battery charger, to ultimately create a textile integrated, fully silicone embedded, infant monitoring system for all vital functions.

A miniature battery powered internal bladder pressure monitoring system is presented, implantable through minimal invasive catheterisation. Prototype circuitry and battery fit into a flexible cylindrical pill measuring o 5 mm x 40 mm. The device is intended for off-line monitoring of behaviour and evolution of bladder pressure under normal life circumstances. No external devices are mandatory during examination, ensuring maximal ‘unawareness’ of the system for the patient. Power is distributed from a pin-type o 3 mm lithium cell. The sensor interface was calibrated in a dedicated test-chamber. Finally the circuitry was assembled and successfully tested on two Kapton foils measuring 4.2 x 18 mm2.

The taxonomic status of eleven rhizospheric bacterial strains belonging to the genus Burkholderia and isolated from roots of Costularia (Cyperaceae), tropical herbaceous pioneer plants growing on ultramafic soils in New Caledonia, was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The genetic analyses (16S rRNA genes, gyrB, recA, nreB and cnr) confirmed that all strains are Burkholderia and cluster into two separated groups. The DNA hybridization results showed low relatedness values to the closest relatives Burkholderia species. The phenotypic analyses confirmed that the two groups of strains could be differentiated from each other and from other known Burkholderia species. This polyphasic study revealed that these two groups of strains represent each a novel species of Burkholderia, for which the names Burkholderia novacaledonica sp. nov. (type strain STM10272(T)=LMG28615(T)=CIP110887(T)) and B. ultramafica sp. nov. (type strain STM10279(T)=LMG28614(T)=CIP110886(T)) are proposed, respectively. These strains of Burkholderia presented specific ecological traits such as the tolerance to the extreme edaphic constraints of ultramafic soils: they grew at pH between 4 and 8 and tolerate the strong unbalanced Ca/Mg ratio (1/19) and the high concentrations of heavy metals i.e. Co, Cr, Mn and Ni. Noteworthy B. ultramafica tolerated nickel until 10mM and B. novacaledonica up to 5mM. The presence of the nickel (nreB) and cobalt/nickel (cnr) resistance determinants encoding for protein involved in metal tolerance was found in all strains of both groups. Moreover, most of the strains were able to produce plant growth promoting molecules (ACC, IAA, NH3 and siderophores). Such ecological traits suggest that these new species of Burkholderia might be environmentally adaptable plant-associated bacteria and beneficial to plants.

Microbial species richness and assemblages across ultramafic ecosystems were investigated to assess the relationship between their distributional patterns and environmental traits. The structure of microorganism communities in the Koniambo massif, New Caledonia, was investigated using a metagenetic approach correlated with edaphic and floristic factors. Vegetation cover and soil properties significantly shaped the large phylogenetic distribution of operational taxonomic unit within microbial populations, with a mean per habitat of 3,477 (± 317) for bacteria and 712 (± 43) for fungi. Using variance partitioning, we showed that the effect of aboveground vegetation was the most significant descriptor for both bacterial and fungal communities. The floristic significant predictors explained 43% of the variation both for the bacterial and fungal community structures, while the edaphic significant predictors explained only 32% and 31% of these variations, respectively. These results confirm the previous hypothesis, that the distribution of microorganisms was more structured by the vegetation cover rather than the edaphic characteristics and that microbial diversity is not limited in ultramafic ecosystems.

Nickel (Ni)-tolerant ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus albus was isolated from extreme ultramafic soils that are naturally rich in heavy metals. This study aimed to identify the specific molecular mechanisms associated with the response of P. albus to nickel. In presence of high concentration of nickel, P. albus Ni-tolerant isolate showed a low basal accumulation of nickel in its fungal tissues and was able to perform a metal efflux mechanism. Three genes putatively involved in metal efflux were identified from the P. albus transcriptome, and their overexpression was confirmed in the mycelium that was cultivated in vitro in the presence of nickel and in fungal tissues that were sampled in situ. Cloning these genes in yeast provided significant advantages in terms of nickel tolerance (+ 31% Ni EC50) and growth (+ 83% μ) compared with controls. Furthermore, nickel efflux was also detected in the transformed yeast cells. Protein sequence analysis indicated that the genes encoded a P-type-ATPase, an ABC transporter and a major facilitator superfamily permease (MFS). This study sheds light on a global mechanism of metal efflux by P. albus cells that supports nickel tolerance. These specific responses to nickel might contribute to the fungal adaptation in ultramafic soil.

Le projet ECOMINE BIOTOP est centré sur le fonctionnement des topsoils et leur gestion lors de l’exploitation minière. Il propose à la fois des petit Poum - Verse Fredoexpérimentations sur le terrain, des travaux de recherche in situ et des expérimentations en serre et en laboratoire sur les topsoils, la caractérisation et le suivi de la banque de graines, l’activité microbienne, le potentiel mycorhizogène et son amélioration par inoculation. Les résultats obtenus permettent d’améliorer la gestion et l’utilisation des topsoils miniers néocalédoniens. Une étude sur la maîtrise de la diversité génétique des espèces végétales complète le projet. Ce programme aboutira à des recommandations pratiques sur les méthodes de gestion du topsoil, de mycorhizogène des plantes, de l’activité microbienne et de gestion de l’activité microbienne et de la dynamique des métaux en relation avec l’activité microbienne pour la restauration écologique après exploitation minière. Ce programme aboutit à des recommandations pratiques sur l’utilisation et la gestion du topsoil dans une optique de restauration écologique.

Eight Frankia-Gymnostoma nitrogen-fixing symbioses endemic to New Caledonia were studied using a range of techniques including molecular typing of Frankia , infectivity/effectivity and host spectrum of the isolates. The study was conducted on 128 Frankia isolates from the eight Gymnostoma species. The RFLP analysis of the rRNA 16S-23S ITS allowed us to cluster the strains in four groups. Symbiotic characterization of the four groups failed to reveal any host specificity both in term of infectivity or effectivity. The characteristics of the strains were those of Eleagnaceae -infective Frankia strains. Co-inoculation of two Gymnostoma species with mixtures of strains evidenced 11 % of mixed RFLP profiles. In such controlled conditions, this was interpreted as co-infections. This work evidenced original features of these Gymnostoma isolates: (i) they were closer to Eleagnaceae -infective Frankia than Casuarina -infective Frankia ; (ii) closer to atypical Frankia from Casuarina ; (iii) poorly host-specific; and (iv) they had a tendency of co-infection. They could represent a primitive group of Frankia able to survive in a wide range of habitats.

Metal-rich soils, especially heavy metal-polluted soils and ultramafic soils, are generally toxic to non-adapted plants and microorganisms. The role of mycorrhizal fungi in the metal tolerance of adapted plant species has become clear in the last decade. This review aims to synthesize the findings of representative studies of the effects of mycorrhizas on the alleviation of heavy metal toxicity on plants and on the absorption/accumulation of heavy metals in their roots and shoots. The adaptation to heavy metals by mycorrhizal symbionts is associated with their efficiency in metal-rich soils. More than 80 % of the studies have indicated a positive role of mycorrhizal fungi in the adaptation of plants to heavy metals in these soils, but the relationships between plant tolerance to heavy metals and the absorption of metals are complex and depend on a range of biological, physical and chemical factors.

Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from Costularia spp., pioneer sedges from ultramafic soils in New Caledonia, which is a hotspot of biodiversity in the South Pacific. Genus identification, ability to tolerate edaphic constraints, and plant-growth-promoting (PGP) properties were analysed. We found that 105colony-forming units per gram of root were dominated by Proteobacteria (69%) and comprised 21 genera, including Burkholderia (28%), Curtobacterium (15%), Bradyrhizobium (9%), Sphingomonas (8%), Rhizobium (7%), and Bacillus (5%). High proportions of bacteria tolerated many elements of the extreme edaphic conditions: 82% tolerated 100 μmol·L–1chromium, 70% 1 mmol·L–1nickel, 63% 10 mmol·L–1manganese, 24% 1 mmol·L–1cobalt, and 42% an unbalanced calcium/magnesium ratio (1/16). These strains also exhibited multiple PGP properties, including the ability to produce ammonia (65%), indole-3-acetic acid (60%), siderophores (52%), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (39%); as well as the capacity to solubilize phosphates (19%). The best-performing strains were inoculated with Sorghum sp. grown on ultramafic substrate. Three strains significantly enhanced the shoot biomass by up to 33%. The most successful strains influenced plant nutrition through the mobilization of metals in roots and a reduction of metal transfer to shoots. These results suggest a key role of these bacteria in plant growth, nutrition, and adaptation to the ultramafic constraints.

International audience; The complete and assembled genome sequences were determined for six strains of the alphaproteobacterial genus Methylobacterium, chosen for their key adaptations to different plant-associated niches and environmental constraints.

The fungus Pisolithus albus forms ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations with plants growing on extreme ultramafic soils, which are naturally rich in heavy metals such as nickel. Both nickel-tolerant and nickel-sensitive isolates of P. albus are found in ultramafic soils in New Caledonia, a biodiversity hotspot in the Southwest Pacific. The aim of this work was to monitor the expression of genes involved in the specific molecular response to nickel in a nickel-tolerant P. albus isolate. We used pyrosequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approaches to investigate and compare the transcriptomes of the nickel-tolerant isolate MD06-337 in the presence and absence of nickel. A total of 1,071,375 sequencing reads were assembled to infer expression patterns of 19,518 putative genes. Comparison of expression levels revealed that 30% of the identified genes were modulated by nickel treatment. The genes, for which expression was induced most markedly by nickel, encoded products that were putatively involved in a variety of biological functions, such as the modification of cellular components (53%), regulation of biological processes (27%) and molecular functions (20%). The 10 genes that pyrosequencing analysis indicated were induced the most by nickel were characterized further by qPCR analysis of both nickel-tolerant and nickel-sensitive P. albus isolates. Five of these genes were expressed exclusively in nickel-tolerant isolates as well as in ECM samples in situ, which identified them as potential biomarkers for nickel tolerance in this species. These results clearly suggest a positive transcriptomic response of the fungus to nickel-rich environments. The presence of both nickel-tolerant and nickel-sensitive fungal phenotypes in ultramafic soils might reflect environment-dependent phenotypic responses to variations in the effective concentrations of nickel in heterogeneous ultramafic habitats.

International audience; Crotalaria are plants of the Fabaceae family whose nodulation characteristics have been little explored despite therecent discovery of their unexpected ability to be efficiently nodulated in symbiosis with bacteria of the genusMethylobacterium. It has been shown that methylotrophy plays a key role in this unusual symbiotic system, as it isexpressed within the nodule and as non-methylotroph mutants had a depleting effect on plant growth response.Within the nodule, Methylobacterium is thus able to obtain carbon both from host plant photosynthesis and frommethylotrophy. In this context, the aim of the present study was to show the histological and cytological impacts ofboth symbiotic and methylotrophic metabolism within Crotalaria podocarpa nodules. It was established that ifCrotalaria nodules are multilobed, each lobe has the morphology of indeterminate nodules but with a differentanatomy; that is, without root hair infection or infection threads. In the fixation zone, bacteroids display a sphericalshape and there is no uninfected cell. Crotalaria nodulation by Methylobacterium displayed some very unusualcharacteristics such as starch storage within bacteroid-filled cells of the fixation zone and also the complete lysis ofapical nodular tissues (where bacteria have a free-living shape and express methylotrophy). This lysis could possiblyreflect the bacterial degradation of plant wall pectins through bacterial pectin methyl esterases, thus producingmethanol as a substrate, allowing bacterial multiplication before release from the nodule.

International audience; In New Caledonia, a hot spot of biodiversity, plants from the Cyperaceae family are mostly endemic and considered pioneers of the nickel-rich natural serpentine ecosystem. The aim of the study was to highlight the mycorrhizal status of these Cyperaceae and to bring new insights into the role of this symbiosis in plant tolerance to ultramafic soils. Nine Cyperaceae species were studied and presented evidence of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs), with frequencies ranging from 8% to 57%. The highest level of AM colonization was observed in plants from the endemic dominant genus Costularia. Molecular evidence demonstrated the presence of Glomus species inside the roots. In a controlled greenhouse assay, AM inoculation of Costularia comosa grown under ultramafic conditions significantly enhanced plant growth, with an increase in biomass by up to 2.4-fold for shoots and 1.2-fold for roots, and also reduced nickel content in roots by 2.5-fold, as compared with the controls. All these data support our hypotheses (i) that a relationship exists between the mycorrhizal status of Cyperaceae and their habitat, and (ii) that AM have a positive role in plant tolerance to ultramafic soils (mineral nutrition and metal tolerance), suggesting the use of these pioneer plants with AM management as potential tools for nickel mine site rehabilitation in New Caledonia.; En Nouvelle-Calédonie, un point chaud de la biodiversité, les plantes appartenant à la famille des Cypéracées sont principalement endémiques et sont considérées comme pionnières de l’écosystème naturel de la serpentine riche en nickel. Cette étude visait à éclaircir le statut mycorhizien de ces Cypéracées et d’apporter un nouvel aperçu de rôle de cette symbiose dans la tolérance des végétaux aux sols ultrabasiques. Neuf espèces de Cypéracées ont été étudiées et la colonisation des racines par des mycorhizes arbusculaires (MA) a été mise en évidence avec des fréquences variant de 8 % à 57 %. Le niveau de MA le plus élevé a été noté chez les plantes du genre endémique dominant Costularia. Les données moléculaires ont démontré la présence de Glomus sp. à l’intérieur des racines. Lors d’un essai en serre contrôlée, l’inoculation de MA chez Costularia comosa cultivée en conditions ultrabasiques a significativement accru la croissance des plants, avec une augmentation de la biomasse des pousses de 2,4 fois et des racines de 1,2 fois, réduisant aussi le contenu en nickel des racines de 2,5 fois, tout cela par rapport au contrôle. Toutes ces données plaident en faveur de l’hypothèse (i) d’une relation entre le statut en mycorhize des Cypéracées et leur habitat, et (ii) du rôle positif des MA dans la tolérance aux sols ultrabasiques (nutrition minérale et tolérance aux métaux), suggérant que ces plantes pionnières parallèlement à la gestion des MA puissent constituer des outils potentiels de réhabilitation des sites miniers de nickel en Nouvelle-Calédonie.

International audience; Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Pisolithus albus (Cooke & Massee), belonging to the ultramafic ecotype isolated in nickel-rich serpentine soils from New Caledonia (a tropical hotspot of biodiversity) and showing in vitro adaptive nickel tolerance, were inoculated to Eucalyptus globulus Labill used as a Myrtaceae plant-host model to study ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Plants were then exposed to a nickel (Ni) dose-response experiment with increased Ni treatments up to 60 mg kg (- 1) soil as extractable Ni content in serpentine soils. Results showed that plants inoculated with ultramafic ECM P. albus were able to tolerate high and toxic concentrations of Ni (up to 60 mu g g (- 1)) while uninoculated controls were not. At the highest Ni concentration tested, root growth was more than 20-fold higher and shoot growth more than 30-fold higher in ECM plants compared with control plants. The improved growth in ECM plants was associated with a 2.4-fold reduction in root Ni concentration but a massive 60-fold reduction in transfer of Ni from root to shoots. In vitro, P. albus strains could withstand high Ni concentrations but accumulated very little Ni in its tissue. The lower Ni uptake by mycorrhizal plants could not be explained by increased release of metal-complexing chelates since these were 5- to 12-fold lower in mycorrhizal plants at high Ni concentrations. It is proposed that the fungal sheath covering the plant roots acts as an effective barrier to limit transfer of Ni from soil into the root tissue. The degree of tolerance conferred by the ultramafic P. albus isolates to growth of the host tree species is considerably greater than previously reported for other ECM. The primary mechanisms underlying this improved growth were identified as reduced Ni uptake into the roots and markedly reduced transfer from root to shoot in mycorrhizal plants. The fact that these positive responses were observed at Ni concentrations commonly observed in serpentinic soils suggests that ultramafic ecotypes of P. albus could play an important role in the adaptation of tree species to soils containing high concentrations of heavy metals and aid in strategies for ecological restoration.

Monitoring the breathing rhythm of infants during sleep can be life saving. But today, most monitoring systems lack patient comfort. In this paper an innovative biomedical monitoring system with textile integrated sensors is developed and tested. Monitoring breathing activity is used as a case study, yet, the platform is extendable by an architecture that can contain up to twenty modular sensor channels, divided in several sensor islands. It is therefore useful for all kinds of (biomedical) applications. Flexible carriers for the electronic circuit lead to better textile integration and more wearing comfort. Quantification of breathing rhythm and volume is performed by accelerometers. These breathing signals are calculated on the basis of the technique that the angle of the gravitation vector in the coordinate systems of the accelerometers changes, because of movement of the abdomen. Differential use of two accelerometers makes this measurement insensitive for movement and posture. The comparison of these signals with a spirometer yields promising results.

Bladder pressure monitoring devices have been a topic of great interest for the past two decades. Three devices developed at ESAT-MICAS in this time are reviewed, showing the evolution of these devices. Two of these devices are diagnostic tools small enough to be inserted into the bladder cavity through minimal invasive cystoscopy. The third device is a long term bladder pressure monitoring implant that, if used to drive an artificial sphincter muscle, forms a urological pacemaker that could diminish or rule out urinary incontinence. After a summary of the three devices, recent results are presented from one of the diagnostic tools.

Contact: philippe.jourand@ird.fr; International audience; Isolates of ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus albus were sampled from both ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary soils in New Caledonia, a tropical hotspot of biodiversity, to investigate the relationships between genetic diversity and edaphic constraint through tolerance to nickel (Ni). Carpophore description, spore morphology and phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences confirmed that all isolates belong to P. albus and are closely related to other Australasian specimens. Using molecular tools, ITS-restriction fragment length polymorphism and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, we showed the existence of two distinct genetic clusters within P. albus: ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary. Mycelia response to Ni toxicity supports such a population structure. Pisolithus albus from ultramafic soils included isolates with a high diversity of in vitro Ni tolerance, with both Ni-tolerant isolates (average Ni EC(50) at 575 mu M) and Ni-sensitive isolates (average Ni EC(50) at 37 mu M). In contrast, all isolates from volcano-sedimentary soils were found to be Ni sensitive (average Ni EC(50) at 32 mu M). We highlight that (1) P. albus population from ultramafic soils of New Caledonia are genetically structured in ecotype, and that (2) Ni tolerance among ultramafic isolates suggests an adaptive physiological response to Ni toxicity.

Some legume species of the Crotalaria genus are specifically nodulated by methylotrophic bacteria belonging to the Methylobacterium nodulans species. The feature of this symbiotic bacterium is its ability to oxidize methanol, a property based on the presence of a methanol dehydrogenase enzyme. Despite a good knowledge of this property and its implication in symbiosis, the molecular dialogue between M. nodulans and crotalaria podocarpa leading to symbiosis is largely unknown, except the presence of a nodA nodulation gene in the genome of M. nodulans ORS 2060. To investigate if M. nodulans ORS 2060 produces Nod factors, molecules considered as the major bacteria-to-plant signals essential for the establishment of rhizobia–legume symbiosis, we identified and sequenced a nodDABCUIJHQ cluster from a genomic library of ORS 2060. Phylogenetic analyses of nod genes revealed that M. nodulans ORS 2060 form a branch together with Burkholderia tuberum STM678 and a strain of Methylobacterium sp. (4-46) isolated from Lotononis , and distinct from all the other rhizobia. To analyse the regulation of ORS 2060 nod genes, we constructed a nodA–LacZ promoter fusion to monitor the nod gene expression with various flavonoids. The flavone apigenin was found to be the strongest inducer of nod gene expression in M. nodulans ORS 2060. This latter flavonoid was used to induce ORS 2060, and Nod factors were purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and further characterized by mass spectrometry. One major Nod factor structure was identified as a pentamer of chitin substituted by C18:1 or C16:0 acyl chains on the non-reducing end and 6-O-sulphated on the other end, suggesting a classic symbiotic dialogue between M. nodulans and C. podocarpa .

This paper presents the design, implementation and measurements of a spirometer based on differential pressure sensing. A system which fulfills the last medical standard specifications has been designed exploiting the Venturi tube principle. A fully operating prototype has been tested, and data have been subsequently analyzed. Air flows up to 14 L/s can be measured with an accuracy of 0.2 L/s. Data acquisition software and user interface were developed.

Some rare leguminous plants of the genus Crotalaria are specifically nodulated by the methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacterium nodulans. In this study, the expression and role of bacterial methylotrophy were investigated during symbiosis between M. nodulans, strain ORS 2060T, and its host legume, Crotalaria podocarpa. Using lacZ fusion to the mxaF gene, we showed that the methylotroph genes are expressed in the root nodules, suggesting methylotrophic activity during symbiosis. In addition, loss of the bacterial methylotrophic function significantly affected plant development. Indeed, inoculation of M. nodulans nonmethylotroph mutants in C. podocarpa decreased the total root nodule number per plant up to 60%, decreased the whole-plant nitrogen fixation capacity up to 42%, and reduced the total dry plant biomass up to 46% compared with the wild-type strain. In contrast, inoculation of the legume C. podocarpa with nonmethylotrophic mutants complemented with functional mxa genes restored the symbiotic wild phenotype. These results demonstrate the key role of methylotrophy during symbiosis between M. nodulans and C. podocarpa.

Aerobic photosynthetic bacteria possess the unusual characteristic of producing different classes of carotenoids. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of two distinct crt gene clusters involved in the synthesis of spirilloxanthin and canthaxanthin in a Bradyrhizobium strain. Each cluster contains the genes crtE, crtB, and crtI leading to the common precursor lycopene. We show that spirilloxanthin is associated with the photosynthetic complexes, while canthaxanthin protects the bacteria from oxidative stress. Only the spirilloxanthin crt genes are regulated by light via the control of a bacteriophytochrome. Despite this difference in regulation, the biosyntheses of both carotenoids are strongly interconnected at the level of the common precursors. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the canthaxanthin crt gene cluster has been acquired by a lateral gene transfer. This acquisition may constitute a major selective advantage for this class of bacteria, which photosynthesize only under conditions where harmful reactive oxygen species are generated.