Search Results (16,355)

Albic soil, which is generally oligotrophic, is a typical low-yield soil widely distributed in China. It is still unclear how to effectively improve soil fertility and strengthen the sustainable development of agricultural cultivation. For this purpose, 8-year field experiments were performed to determine the effects of continuous rice straw return on soil nutrient characteristics, yield, and the soil microbial community. Straw incorporation into albic soil significantly contributed to nutrient accumulation, containing alkali-hydrolysed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and total organic carbon, thereby increasing rice yield. The number of spikelets per panicle increased from 93.96 to 97.58, and the grain filling value increased from 88.11 to 91.44%. Additionally, rice yield increased over the 8 consecutive years of straw return, and the rice yield of straw return treatments ranged from 10,048.27 to 10,605.18 kg/ha. High-throughput sequencing and classification revealed that the composition of bacterial and fungal communities was similar among treatments, but there were significant differences in species abundance, which was associated with lignocellulose degradation. Overall, the continuous return of straw, a native organic material, is a promising approach for soil amendment, with resource-saving and environmentally friendly characteristics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat. Among the most problematic pathogens are carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are significant causes of mortality in humans, particularly in the context of nosocomial infections. In companion animals, these bacteria have been reported mainly as colonizers of healthy animals or, less frequently, in community-acquired infections. However, no confirmed cases of healthcare-associated infections caused by these species have been documented in this population. This study reports the first confirmed fatal cases of infection with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and KPC-producing K. pneumoniae in dogs. Methods: Three hospitalized dogs developed infections associated with distinct anatomical devices, including a venous catheter, an endotracheal tube, and a Penrose drain. Bacterial isolation followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing identified carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae. The isolates were subsequently subjected to additional antimicrobial resistance tests and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: WGS confirmed the presence of the OXA-23 carbapenemase gene in both A. baumannii isolates and the KPC-2 carbapenemase gene was detected in the K. pneumoniae strain. All three strains exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, including β-lactams (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cephalotin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, ertapenem, imipenem and meropenem), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin), tetracyclines (doxycycline, tetracycline and oxytetracycline), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin), and folate pathway antagonists (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Multilocus sequence typing identified two high-risk clones: K. pneumoniae ST340 (CC258) and A. baumannii ST15 (CC15). Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis confirmed a high degree of genetic similarity between these isolates and strains previously associated with human infections in Brazil. Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence of fatal, healthcare-associated infections caused by these multidrug-resistant pathogens in dogs and underscore the need to strengthen surveillance and infection control practices in veterinary hospitals. Furthermore, the results raise concerns about the potential of companion animals to act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms of public health relevance. Full article

Bacteriophages (phages) are one of the critical biotic drivers of prokaryotic community dynamics, functions, and evolution. Despite their importance in aquatic ecosystems, very few phages have been isolated from freshwater lakes, hampering our understanding of their ecological importance and usage in a variety of biotechnological applications. Limnohabitans, with a ubiquitous distribution, is a metabolically versatile, fast-growing, morphologically diverse freshwater lake bacterial genera. It is especially abundant in pH-neutral and alkaline aquatic habitats, where it represents an average of 12% of freshwater bacterioplankton and plays an important role in funneling carbon from primary producers to higher trophic levels. However, no phages infecting Limnohabitans have been reported to date. Here, we describe, for the first time, three phages infecting Limnohabitans, DC31, DC33, and YIMV22061, isolated from two freshwater lakes in China and characterized using genome content analysis and comparative genomics. DC31 and DC33, recovered from the eutrophic Dianchi Lake, with auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), associated with nucleotide metabolism, whereas YIMV22061, isolated from the oligotrophic Fuxian Lake, carried AMGs involved in antibiotic resistance. The AMGs they carried highlight their impacts on Limnohabitans in different environments. Comparative genomic analyses indicate that DC31, DC33, and YIMV22061 represent three novel species in the Caudoviricetes class. IMG/VR database alignment further reveal that these phages are widely distributed across diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems globally, suggesting their ecological significance. This study provides a basis for better understanding Limnohabitans–phage interactions. Full article

Demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS) disrupts neuronal communication and promotes neurodegeneration. Despite the widespread use of cuprizone-induced demyelination models to study myelin injury and repair, the mechanisms underlying oligodendrocyte apoptosis and regeneration are poorly understood. This study investigated the dynamic cellular and molecular changes that occur during demyelination and remyelination, with a focus on glial cell responses, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and neuroimmune interactions. C57BL/6J mice exposed to cuprizone exhibited weight loss, sensorimotor deficits, and cognitive decline, which were reversed during remyelination. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses revealed reduced myelin protein levels, including myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and decreased oligodendrocyte populations during demyelination, with recovery during repair. The BBB permeability increases during demyelination, is associated with the decreased expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin), and normalizes during remyelination. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed dynamic shifts in glial cell populations and upregulated Psap-Gpr37l1 signaling. Neuroimmune activation and oxidative stress peak during demyelination, characterized by elevated ROS, MDA, and immune cell infiltration, followed by recovery. Transcriptomic profiling revealed key inflammatory pathways (JAK-STAT, NF-κB) and hub genes associated with demyelination and repair. These findings provide insights into myelin repair mechanisms and highlight potential therapeutic targets for treating demyelinating diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Child undernutrition remains a critical public health issue in Nepal, especially in the rural district of Solukhumbu. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of undernutrition, dietary patterns, and related health indicators in school-aged children from the Shree Saraswoti Basic School in Phuleli. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2022. Fifty-four children (51.8% boys; mean age 9.4 ± 2.1 years) were evaluated using anthropometry, clinical examination, hemoglobin measurement, and three-day 24 h dietary recall. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: BMI z-scores indicated that 39% of children were at risk of acute undernutrition, and 2% were at risk of moderate acute undernutrition. After adjusting for altitude, 87% were classified as anemic. Diets were dominated by cereals and vegetables, with a very low intake of fruits and proteins and no dairy consumption. Dental caries affected 59% of participants. Girls presented slightly higher subcutaneous fat percentages; however, 14.8% of the children exceeded the recommended thresholds. A dietary assessment revealed poor eating habits, including excessive intake of simple carbohydrates and insufficient nutrient diversity. Although socioeconomic data were not directly collected, the findings reflect the typical context of the vulnerability of isolated mountain communities. Undernutrition indicators (BMI, clinical signs, anemia) were associated with poorer health outcomes. An unexpected moderate inverse correlation was found between BMI and both systolic (r = −0.601) and diastolic (r = −0.550) blood pressure. Conclusions: The findings reveal a high burden of undernutrition and anemia among children in Solukhumbu, linked to poor diet and structural vulnerability. Urgent, community-based interventions—including nutrition education, agricultural diversification, and improved healthcare access—are needed. Longitudinal monitoring is essential to track progress and design sustainable, multisectoral solutions. Full article

The rumen is a critical organ that facilitates nutrient digestion in ruminant animals. However, the biological mechanisms by which rumen microbiota and its metabolites enable Lactobacillus to modulate rumen structure and maintain functional homeostasis under fattening feeding conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, 80 male Pamir yaks were selected, and a 170-day data collection phase was implemented. Correlation phenotypic data and multi-omics analyses (rumen microbial sequencing and rumen epithelial metabolomics) were conducted to investigate the regulatory effects of Lactobacillus supplementation on rumen microbiota and metabolic processes in a concentrate-based rearing yak model. The results demonstrated that feeding a high-energy diet may impair yak ruminal histomorphology, microbiota composition, and function while negatively modulating rumen microbiota–metabolic profiles associated with specific ruminal microbial communities and functions. Lactobacillus intervention treatment optimized the yak ruminal microbiome composition (mucous layer maturation was promoted, Prevotella and Ruminococcus abundance were reduced, and Fibrobacter and Muribaculaceae abundance were increased), thereby altering metabolite concentrations involved in various metabolic pathways under a high-energy feeding pattern (fatty acid metabolism pathways were upregulated). These alterations elucidated the beneficial impacts of the Lactobacillus supplementation strategy on yak ruminal health without compromising the high-energy intensive rearing pattern. Furthermore, the regulated ruminal microbiome metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for future investigations into the functional impacts of Lactobacillus intervention treatment on healthy feeding strategies for yaks. Full article

Falls are more prevalent in older women than in older men; however, few structural equation analysis studies have focused on the factors contributing to falls in this population, particularly in Asian regions such as Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect associations among fall-related factors in community-dwelling older women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 90 community-dwelling older women aged ≥ 60 years from August to September 2023. Data collection included structured questionnaires on fall incidence as a sociodemographic variable, fear of falling, and gait efficacy, as well as physical measurements of physical function and the amount of physical activity. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized pathways among the variables. The results showed that physical function (β = 0.233, p = 0.02), gait efficacy (β = −0.318, p = 0.001), and amount of physical activity (β = −0.243, p = 0.009) were directly associated with fall incidence. Physical function (β = 0.152) and fear of falling (β = 0.183) were indirectly associated with fall incidence through the mediation of gait efficacy and the amount of physical activity. Furthermore, the amount of physical activity was directly associated with high physical function (β = −0.236, p = 0.038). These findings suggest that, in addition to improving physical function and activity levels, older women require psychometric interventions to prevent falls. Full article

Background: Post-traumatic sequelae have many negative impacts on the health and quality of life of patients, especially for those groups at a high risk of exposure to injuries. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify some factors related to post-traumatic sequelae in people in a mountainous province in Northern Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 228 residents from two communes (Pom Lot and Thanh Minh) in Dien Bien province. The participants had all experienced an injury from any cause within the year preceding the study. The post-traumatic sequelae and potential associated factors were assessed. Result: The rate of post-traumatic sequelae among the study participants was 62.3%. An older age (>40), belonging to an ethnic minority group, a short treatment duration, and a lack of family and social support were factors associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic sequelae. Conclusions: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a significant health burden for people in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam. This study identified vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, ethnic minorities, and those with inadequate treatment or social support. The results highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and focused support policies to reduce the consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder for this high-risk group. Full article

Background/Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely performed procedure to alleviate pain and improve function in patients with hip disorders. However, leg length discrepancy (LLD) remains a prevalent complication. LLD can cause gait disturbances, back pain, postural imbalance, and patient dissatisfaction, along with significant medico-legal implications. This review examines the evaluation, management, and medico-legal aspects of LLD. Methods: The review analyzed literature on the prevalence, evaluation methods, and management strategies for LLD in THA. Radiographic and clinical assessment tools were considered, alongside factors such as pelvic obliquity and pre-existing conditions. The importance of preoperative planning, intraoperative techniques (including computer-assisted methods), and comprehensive documentation was evaluated to address both clinical and legal challenges. Results: The review shows that leg length discrepancy (LLD) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) occurs in 3% to 30% of cases, with mean values ranging from 3 to 17 mm. LLD may result from anatomical or procedural factors, and effective evaluation requires both radiographic imaging and clinical assessment. Preoperative planning plays a critical role in accurately assessing anatomical parameters and selecting appropriate prosthetic components to preserve or restore limb length symmetry. Advanced intraoperative techniques, including computer-assisted surgery, help reduce LLD incidence. While some complications may be unavoidable, proper documentation and patient communication, particularly regarding informed consent, are essential to mitigate medico-legal risks Conclusions: LLD after THA requires a multidimensional approach incorporating clinical, radiological, biomechanical, and legal considerations. Effective preoperative and intraoperative strategies, combined with robust communication and documentation, are essential to minimize LLD and its associated risks. A focus on precision and patient-centered care can improve outcomes and reduce litigation. Full article

The unarmored dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea is a cosmopolitan harmful algal species known for forming intense blooms leading to mass mortality of fish, shellfish, and seabirds. Globally distributed populations of A. sanguinea have been classified into four ribotypes based on their characteristic sequences in LSU rRNA gene and primary geographic distributions. In this study, we compared the bacterial communities co-existing with the six strains of A. sanguinea from China and the USA (belonging to two ribotypes) using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Generally, a bacterial microbiome with high diversity was found to be associated with laboratory-cultured A. sanguinea strains from different geographic origins. Based on ribotype classification, the six samples were divided into two groups (ribotype A: AsCHINA; ribotype C: AsUSA) for subsequent comparative analyses of their bacterial communities. Beta diversity analysis revealed a clear separation between the two groups, reflecting significant differences in bacterial community composition between the two ribotypes. Significantly higher abundance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was found in the AsUSA group, suggesting that ribotype C may benefit from external nitrogen sources provided by their bacterial associates. If this also holds true in natural environments, this nitrogen-fixing partnership likely confers a competitive advantage to ribotype C in oligotrophic offshore waters, and potentially extends bloom duration when environmental nitrogen is depleted. Our study raised the possibility that different ribotypes of A. sanguinea may harbor distinct prokaryotic microbiomes in their phycospheres under stable cultivation conditions. Further comprehensive comparison among more isolates across all four ribotypes is highly necessary to validate this hypothesis. Full article

This project assesses the feasibility of employing mobile air pollutant concentration monitoring along fixed routes within an urban community to evaluate near-road exposure. Continuous mobile air monitoring measurements of four pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃) were collected using high-quality air monitors paired with a GPS device to track coordinates and vehicle speed. Simultaneous near-road measurements of the same pollutants were taken at two stationary sites to establish correlations with the mobile air monitoring data. The results indicate that pollutant concentrations recorded by mobile air monitors align closely with those from near-road stationary sites. This study demonstrated strong concordance between mobile and stationary monitoring for particulate matter concentrations, with PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ showing high correlation coefficients (R² = 0.74 and 0.75, respectively). Ozone (O₃) exhibited particularly consistent spatial distributions across all measurement platforms—mobile, near-road, and community stationary sites—as reflected in even stronger correlations (R² = 0.93 and 0.89 for the two near-road sites). These robust associations suggest that mobile monitoring could serve as a viable alternative to stationary approaches for O₃ assessment. In contrast, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) measurements displayed greater variability, with mobile concentrations consistently exceeding near-road stationary values and demonstrating weaker correlation (R² = 0.19), indicating potential limitations in mobile NO₂ monitoring reliability. This study highlights that mobile air pollutant monitoring in less congested communities can effectively capture exposure concentrations representative of both the community and near-road receptors represented by stationary air monitoring sites. Future research should explore how mobile air monitoring data can be utilized in exposure and health assessments, as well as how this technique can be applied in areas where stationary monitoring is impractical or prohibited due to cost or access limitations. Full article

Background: The vaginal microbiota, a critical determinant of women’s health, is influenced by hormonal and metabolic parameters across the lifespan. While Lactobacillus species are beneficial markers of vaginal health, microbial composition undergoes pronounced alterations after menopause. This study aimed to elucidate the associations between vaginal microbiota composition, vaginal pH, menopausal status, and metabolic parameters in Asian women. Methods: Vaginal secretion samples were collected from 40 women (20 premenopausal, 20 postmenopausal). Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the microbiota, categorized into Community State Types (CSTs): CST-I + II (Lactobacillus crispatus/gasseri, protective), CST-III (Lactobacillus iners, neutral), and CST-IV (anaerobic bacteria, harmful). Vaginal pH and clinical data were assessed in relation to microbial profiles. Results: CST distribution differed significantly by menopausal status and vaginal pH. Harmful-type CST-IV was more prevalent in postmenopausal women (70% vs. 40%, p < 0.05), while CST-III was dominant in premenopausal women (45% vs. 5%). CST-IV was associated with elevated pH (median 6.00, p = 0.026) and increased abundance of anaerobes including Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Streptococcus. Oral antibiotic use reduced both beneficial and harmful CSTs, shifting toward neutral CST-III (75%, p = 0.048). Use of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in postmenopausal women was associated with a higher prevalence of protective CST-I + II (57.14% vs. 8.33%, p < 0.05), though no significant impact on pathogen presence was observed. Conclusions: This study highlights the dynamic interplay between menopausal status, metabolic interventions, and vaginal microbiota composition. Findings may inform targeted strategies to maintain vaginal health in aging populations. Full article

In Mexico, hospital wastewater (HWW) is a source of chemical and microbiological contamination, and it is released into the municipal sewage system without prior treatment. This water may contain pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes, which represent a risk to Public Health and the environment. So far, there are no studies that analyse this problem comprehensively, relating bacterial population structures, chemical contaminants, and seasonality. The aim of this work was to seasonally characterise the bacterial communities of HWW, including clinically relevant bacteria and resistance genes in Hospital Juárez de México (HJM), and to evaluate the impact of physicochemical factors on their composition. A one-year observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at five HWW discharge points of HJM. Fourteen physicochemical parameters were determined by using standard methodologies, and statistical differences between discharges and seasons were evaluated. Bacterial communities were analysed by targeted amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. In addition, the presence of eight antimicrobial resistance genes of local epidemiological importance was assessed. Data were analysed using alpha and beta diversity indices, principal component analysis, and multivariate statistical tests. HWW showed high taxonomic diversity, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes standing out. Clinically relevant bacteria were identified in 73.3% of the analyses, with Enterobacter and Escherichia-Shigella predominating. Total and dissolved solids, temperature, nitrate, and pH significantly influenced the bacterial composition of HWW. Seven out of the eight genes evaluated were identified, with bla_KPC, bla_OXA-40, and mcr-1 being the most frequent, showing significant seasonal differences. This study underlines the microbiological and chemical complexity of HWW, highlighting the impact of clinically relevant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes on Public Health. The findings emphasise the need to implement hospital waste management programmes and ideally specific treatment plants to minimise the associated risks and protect the environment and human health. Full article

Rhizospheric fungi are emerging as a critical research component in dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) production systems. Introducing beneficial non-native fungi is increasingly common due to their positive effects on plant growth, yield, and pathogen suppression. However, this practice may disrupt soil microbial communities, and commercial isolates often show limited adaptation to local conditions. This study aimed to identify native beneficial soil fungi associated with dragon fruit cultivation on the Ecuadorian coast and evaluate their effect on commercial production. Fungal isolates from four dragon fruit plantations were identified using microscopy and genetic sequencing (ITS, EF-1α, and beta-tubulin). The selected fungi were isolates closely related to Talaromyces tumuli, Trichoderma asperellum, and Paecilomyces lagunculariae. All isolates were tested for pathogenicity using detached cladode assays at the laboratory, and non-phytopathogenic monomorphic cultures were further evaluated in the field under a randomized complete block design consisting of T. asperellum, Talaromyces tumuli, a combination of both, and a water control. The combination of T. asperellum and Talaromyces spp. showed a favorable trend in terms of the plants’ vegetative development. However, inoculating Talaromyces tumuli into the commercial plants exhibited a slow response during the first 20 days of the field evaluations. Still, it resulted in a significant increase in the fruit’s diameter and weight, with increases of 88.23% and 67.64%, respectively, compared to those in the control. T. asperellum presented a lower number of fruits per plant, although it showed an increase in fruit diameter and weight. In conclusion, using the native beneficial fungi T. asperellum and T. tumuli contributes positively to the dragon fruit production system. Full article

Albic soils in Northeast China are characterized by low fertility due to factors such as high viscosity, acidity, and carbon depletion. To address these challenges and promote sustainable crop production, biochar and manure have been suggested as soil amendments. However, the mechanisms behind these improvements remain unclear. This study involved a pot experiment to explore how varying levels of biochar application (0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%), alone or combined with cow manure (0.5%), affect soil properties. The dual application of biochar (2.0%) and manure (0.5%) elicited synergistic improvements in soil functionality, surpassing individual treatments. The total organic carbon (TOC) increased by 10.4% and 54.9% relative to that associated with biochar-only (2.0%) and manure-only (0.5%) amendments, respectively, with concurrent structural shifts toward stabilized carbon forms—evidenced by elevated alkyl C content (16.3%) and alkyl C/O–alkyl C ratios (22.8%). Soil physical structure was enhanced, as total porosity (5.64%) rose by 2.0% and pH (6.0) increased by 4.7% compared to sole biochar application. Microbial community analysis revealed that the combined treatment amplified bacterial diversity (Chao1 index 26.9%) and catalase activity (67.0%) while reducing Acidobacteria dominance (24.0%), which was indicative of improved metabolic adaptation. These findings demonstrate that biochar–manure coupling drives carbon sequestration through dual mechanisms: (1) physical stabilization via pore architecture modification and (2) biochemical modulation through microbial network complexity. Full article