High-frequency monitoring of the genetic diversity and the potential toxicity of a Microcystis aeruginosa bloom in a French shallow lake.

During cyanobacterial blooms, processes influencing the population dynamics of blooming species remain partially unexplained. To provide new information, we performed a high-frequency monitoring – every 2 days at six sampling points – of a Microcystis aeruginosa population blooming in a shallow lake. At each sampling date, there was no spatial heterogeneity in the ITS genotypic composition of the population and in the proportion of potentially microcystin- producing (mcyB+) cells, whereas high variations were recorded in cell abundances.

Influence of sampling strategies on the monitoring of cyanobacteria in shallow lakes: lessons from a case study in France.

Sampling cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems is a crucial aspect of monitoring programs in both basic and applied research. Despite this, few papers have dealt with this aspect, and a high proportion of cyanobacteria monitoring programs are still based on monthly or twice-monthly water sampling, usually performed at a single location. In this study, we conducted high frequency spatial and temporal water sampling in a small eutrophic shallow lake that experiences cyanobacterial blooms every year.

Spatiotemporal variations in microcystin concentrations and in the proportions of microcystin-producing cells in several Microcystis aeruginosa populations.

With the aim of explaining the variations in microcystin (MC) concentrations during cyanobacterial blooms, we studied several Microcystis aeruginosa populations blooming in different freshwater ecosystems located in the same geographical area. As assessed by real-time PCR, it appeared that the potentially MC-producing cells (mcyB(+)) were predominant (70 to 100%) in all of these M. aeruginosa populations, with the exception of one population in which non-MC-producing cells always dominated.

Spatiotemporal changes in the genetic diversity in French bloom-forming populations of the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa.

Microcystis aeruginosa is a toxic cyanobacterium, which is able to bloom in a wide range of freshwater ecosystems. By sequencing the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal operon, we compared the genetic composition of several French bloom-forming M. aeruginosa populations from two reservoirs located on the Loire River, at two sampling points located between these reservoirs, and finally in two ponds closely linked to this river.

Brain cancer mortality among French farmers: the vineyard pesticide hypothesis.

In this study, the authors assessed the contribution of vineyard pesticides to brain cancer mortality among agricultural workers. A pesticide exposure index (PEI) in vineyards was calculated for 89 French geographical units (départements). The authors estimated standardized mortality ratios among male farmers and farm laborers aged 35-74 y for the years 1984-1986.