Search Results (8,093)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaves are rich in nutrients and bioactive constituents, with great potential for fermented tea development. It has been demonstrated that Fuzhuan brick tea processing can improve sea buckthorn leaf tea flavor, but the underlying microbial succession remains unexplored. Therefore, we characterized the dynamic succession and interrelationships of bacterial and fungal communities via Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing. β-diversity analysis revealed successive shifts in microbial community structure, with fungal communities changing mainly in the early stage and bacterial communities varying more in the late stage of fermentation. The relative abundance of Pseudomonas, a genus frequently associated with flavor formation and tea quality, increased steadily. Fungal taxonomic analysis revealed that the genus Aspergillus, particularly the species Aspergillus chevalieri, remained dominant throughout the fermentation process. Linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated an enrichment of microbial taxa typical of fermentation, accompanied by a relative reduction in putative opportunistic microbes. Additionally, Aspergillus exhibited significant negative correlations with five key differentially abundant bacterial genera. Interestingly, microbial co-occurrence networks suggested an overall tendency toward coexistence rather than mutual exclusion between the bacterial and fungal communities. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the development of novel fermented sea buckthorn leaf tea products. Full article

Morchella sextelata a species of high nutritional and economic value, is widely cultivated. To investigate how different cultivation environments affect the soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities associated with common morel, this study established cultivation plots under three distinct settings: apple orchard canopies, dry upland fields, and paddy fields. The objective was to compare the differential impacts of common morel cultivation on soil environmental conditions across these habitats. The results indicate that cultivating common morel effectively enhances soil fertility. Across all environments, soil hydrolyzable nitrogen (HN), available potassium (AK), and organic matter content were higher than in the control. In apple orchard and dryland soils, total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available phosphorus (AP), and pH values were also elevated compared to the control, with most differences reaching significant levels. Solid Sucrase (S-SC) activity increased in all environments compared to the control, with values of 17.52 mg/d/g in PG, 17.39 mg/d/g in HD, and 21.68 mg/d/g in DT soils. Soil Amylase (S-AL) activity was higher in PG (451.28 μg/h/g) and HD (475.38 μg/h/g) soils. In contrast, Soil-acid phosphatase (S-ACP) activity was significantly elevated in DT soil (2922.08 nmol/h/g). PG soil exhibited significantly higher activities of Solid-Catalase (S-CAT), Solid polyphenol oxidase (S-PPO), and Solid Urease (S-UE), with S-CAT reaching 952.5 μmol/h/g. Following common morel cultivation, bacterial richness and diversity decreased across all conditions, while fungal richness increased but diversity declined. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria remained the dominant bacterial group, accounting for 26.78% in PG, 28.27% in HD, and 20.05% in DT soils. Ascomycota was the predominant fungal phylum, comprising 68.03% in PG, 72.16% in HD, and 68.94% in DT soils. Predicted bacterial functional pathways were primarily associated with metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing, and cellular processes. Key metabolic pathways included carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. fungal functional guilds were mainly classified as pathotrophic, pathotrophic–saprotrophic, pathotrophic–saprotrophic–symbiotrophic, and saprotrophic. Among these, saprotrophic and pathotrophic guilds showed higher abundance compared to the control. This shift is characterized by a reduction in both the diversity and abundance of beneficial microorganisms, alongside an increase in the richness of harmful microbial taxa. The combined effect of these factors disrupts the soil microbial equilibrium. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the cultivation of common morel and the management of associated soils. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to human and animal health and is recognized as a global One Health issue. Strategies to reduce its impact include judicious usage of antibiotics guided by accurate bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers a DNA-based diagnostic approach that profiles the bacteria microbiota and can help support more informed antibiotic selection. We utilized NGS to identify Fusobacterium gonidiaformans in the neck abscess of a wild California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) undergoing rehabilitation. Initially, NGS revealed that the microbial population was dominated by F. gonidiaformans. Following treatment, the microbial profile shifted over the following eight weeks, during which 13 other bacterial species were detected, demonstrating the need for repeated testing to monitor changes in persistent lesions. Despite effective treatment to eliminate F. gonidiaformans from the abscess, the patient died during treatment due to suspected unrelated causes. Necropsy and histopathology identified bacterial pneumonia and sepsis associated with a large squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and neck, all contributing to a deadly outcome. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of the use of longitudinal NGS sampling with the identification of Fusobacterium gonidiaformans associated with an abscess in the neck in a California sea lion. These findings support the utility of NGS in monitoring microbial dynamics to allow informed decision-making in antimicrobial selection in complex infections. Full article

With the increasing popularity of seafood in human diets, managing allergic reactions to shellfish has become more critical. The objective of this review is a comprehensive analysis of critical knowledge gaps for shellfish allergies based on the relationship of shellfish allergens to global shellfish production and market presence. The methodological approach included the integration of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) production data and allergen databases, as well as official legal documents on allergen labeling. According to FAO data, global Mollusca production exceeds that of Crustacea. Despite this, progress in molecular allergen characterization and the development of diagnostic and analytical tools for Mollusca remains underdeveloped. Additionally, food allergen labelling regulations for shellfish are inconsistently applied across countries. Key allergens have been identified in several shellfish species, particularly Crustaceans, but more allergens must be discovered to enhance diagnostic tools. Within Mollusca, Cephalopoda remains understudied, with only one allergen identified despite dominating the shellfish trade. The lack of molecular studies on molluscan allergens hinders the further development of diagnostic tools and accurate allergen detection. Given the high consumption rates and the prevalence of molluscan allergies, large populations are at risk. Therefore, systematic research on molluscan allergens is essential for improving diagnostics, food safety regulations, and public health measures worldwide. Our review summarizes the knowledge gaps of the economically most relevant species of shellfish based on their market presence and trade and provides guidance for further research in the area. Full article

Introduction: Microplastic (MP) contamination can endanger marine ecosystems and indirectly affect the well-being of humans through the ingestion of marine species. While most research investigates the digestive system, such as the gills and gastrointestinal tract of fish, it still fails to address a major oversight in understanding MP deposition in edible tissues, which is the primary route of human exposure. The differences in contamination levels among pelagic, demersal, and benthic fish in Malaysian waters remain poorly understood. This preliminary study uses Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR), a new, high-resolution, automated technique, to examine synthetic MP contamination in the edible portion of fish. Materials and Methods: The MPs were extracted from the edible tissue of three fish species representing pelagic (Fish A), benthic (Fish B), and demersal (Fish C) using KOH and sieved onto a gold mesh filter before analysis using LDIR. Results and Discussion: LDIR identified 162 MP particles, revealing clear differences by polymer type and habitat. Pelagic species mostly contained polyethylene (PE) and rubber (n = 8). Demersal species had mostly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with small amounts of PE and rubber (n = 57). Benthic species showed the highest load, dominated by PET and polypropylene (PP) (n = 97). The morphological assessment of the MPs indicated that the polymers in pelagic fish were smaller, with an area of 2047.82 µm² and a circularity range of 0.14–0.74, indicating consistent shape. Conversely, MPs are irregular and larger in benthic fish, with areas up to 38,837.50 µm² and circularities ranging from 0.02 to 0.81. This pattern reflects specific accumulation related to habitat and potential environmental degradation processes. Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrates the effectiveness of LDIR for detecting MPs in edible fish tissues. The findings provide a fundamental dataset on MP contamination in edible tissue and emphasize its distribution across ecological zones. Nevertheless, broader research is required to substantiate these data and assess the implications of MP contamination for the environmental stability of human and marine well-being. Full article

Understanding the drivers of arthropod community diversity is essential for effective biodiversity conservation, particularly in human-dominated landscapes. True bugs (Hemiptera) are morphologically and ecologically diverse, differing in feeding strategy, specialization, and mobility, and thus occupy a wide range of habitats. We sampled true bugs using sweep nets across 257 plots in the Xishuangbanna Biodiversity Priority Area, Southwest China, including natural forests, planted forests, cultivated lands, and complex habitats comprising mosaics of these land-use types. We quantified morphological traits and assessed how habitat type and surrounding landscape structure at multiple spatial scales influence taxonomic and functional diversity. Species richness and abundance were lowest in cultivated lands, whereas functional diversity remained relatively consistent across habitats. Landscape composition and configuration significantly shaped community structure, with effects varying by habitat type and spatial scale. Overall, landscape heterogeneity promoted species richness and abundance, while connectivity and fragmentation showed contrasting effects depending on habitat context. Complex habitats and forests generally supported higher diversity under heterogeneous and well-connected landscapes. These results demonstrate that habitat characteristics and landscape structure jointly regulate true bug diversity, highlighting the need for habitat-specific landscape management that enhances heterogeneity and connectivity in natural and complex habitats while reducing isolation and simplification in human-modified systems. Full article

(1) Pholidoptera griseoaptera (De Geer, 1773) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) is a common and widespread inhabitant of forest edges in Europe and may therefore serve as a suitable model species for understanding past and future changes in forest wildlife. (2) We recorded the presence or absence of the species in 189 forest and forest-edge plots within the Kaluga Region using acoustic observations and pitfall trapping, and analysed the data using logistic regression. (3) Across the region, the main positive factor affecting species presence was the dominance of nemoral herbs in the herb layer. The main negative factors were habitat isolation caused by physical barriers and location within moraine plains formed during the late stage of the Moscow glaciation. The presence of coniferous tree species and spatial autocovariation were also significant factors, although their contributions were relatively small. The abundance of Ph. griseoaptera was higher in forests located within river valleys. Within Kaluga, the long-term persistence of tree vegetation and habitat isolation were the main significant factors affecting species occurrence. The smallest urban habitat occupied by the species covered approximately 13 ha, whereas the total area of unmown patches within this habitat was only about 0.2 ha. (4) Ph. griseoaptera may be used as an indicator of the long-term persistence of broadleaved deciduous (nemoral) forests. Under conditions of high urbanization, however, the species may become threatened. Full article

The Mediterranean limpet (Patella caerulea, Linnaeus, 1758) is a native species in Türkiye that is not yet a major commercial species but has potential for future commercialisation, particularly given the country’s substantial mollusc export market. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal and station-level variation in trace-element burdens in P. caerulea collected from the Sinop inner harbour (southern Black Sea coast, Türkiye) and to assess the associated trace-element–related non-carcinogenic health risks under a precautionary consumption scenario. Spatial and seasonal variations in the concentrations of 10 trace elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and total As) were analysed in specimens collected seasonally from autumn 2022 to summer 2023. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed that season was the primary factor influencing trace element concentration variability, accounting for 76.9% of the total variance, followed by station (11.2%) and the season × station interaction (7.2%). All elements varied significantly among seasons (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.001), with maxima in autumn and minima in winter. Spatial differences were significant only for Mn, Co, Pb, Zn, and Hg, indicating localised sources. A human health risk assessment was performed for 6-year-old children, 12-year-old children, and adults. Total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values were <1 across all groups; however, Cd was the dominant contributor, with the highest value observed in children (max TTHQ = 0.94). TTHQ followed the seasonal contamination pattern, peaking in autumn. Even under the high-consumption scenario, TTHQ for P. caerulea from the Sinop inner harbour remained below the non-carcinogenic risk threshold. The strong seasonal signal supports its use in locally focused biomonitoring, while the health-risk assessment should be limited to the analysed trace elements and associated non-carcinogenic effects. Full article

Ostrinia furnacalis is one of the most important agricultural pests in Asia. Previous studies utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing have established a foundational understanding of the taxonomic composition of its gut microbiota; however, the dynamic functional transitions across the host’s entire life cycle remain poorly understood. In this study, we used metagenomic sequencing to systematically characterize the gut microbiome across six groups representing different life stages and sexes of O. furnacalis: first-instar, third-instar, and fifth-instar larvae, pupae, and adults (both males and females). Microbial richness and evenness vary significantly across six groups representing different life stages and sexes. Species richness is highest in the first-instar larvae (L1D2), while evenness is relatively high in both first- and third-instar larvae (L1D2 and L3D2). Additionally, no sex-based differences were observed in either indicator during the adult stage. Enterococcus mundtii is the primary species driving community succession and rapidly achieves dominance after the third-instar stage. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the first-instar larval network exhibits the highest complexity, with positive correlations accounting for 96.6% of all edges. Conversely, the fifth-instar larvae exhibits the greatest proportion of negative correlation edges at 29.13%, while the pupal stage network is the most dispersive, indicating microbial reorganization during metamorphosis. Functional annotation reveals that carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways are significantly enriched during the larval stage. In contrast, the pupal stage is characterized by enrichment in environmental information processing and a notable increase in polysaccharide lyases (PLs). This shift indicates that the microbiota transitioned from degrading plant polysaccharides to foraging host-derived glycans. The number of resistance genes in the first-instar larvae is significantly higher than that in all other groups representing different life stages and sexes. Collectively, this study systematically reveals the dynamic succession patterns of the gut microbiome throughout the life cycle of O. furnacalis and provides a theoretical foundation for the development of microbiome-based pest management strategies. Full article

This study aimed to reveal the rhizosphere microbial community structure, carbon–nitrogen–phosphorus (C-N-P) nutrient cycling processes, and functional gene characteristics of Pinus massoniana and Schima superba in mixed forests. Furthermore, we sought to elucidate the microbial mechanisms by which mixed-species afforestation enhances soil quality improvement, providing a theoretical basis in soil microbiology for the cultivation of these mixed forests. The research subjects included pure P. massoniana plantations (CLPs), pure S. superba plantations (CLSs), and individual P. massoniana (HJP) and S. superba (HJS) trees within mixed plantations (HJLs). We collected rhizosphere and bulk soil samples to analyze their physicochemical properties and enzyme activities. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to profile the rhizosphere microbial communities and functional genes involved in C-N-P cycling. Furthermore, by integrating a functional gene co-occurrence network analysis with structural equation modeling (SEM), we systematically elucidated the coupling relationships among the stand types, soil properties, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling. Mixed planting significantly improved soil quality; compared to the CLP and CLS forests, the nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) content in the mixed forest soils increased by 121.01% and 120.10% (p < 0.05), and the activity of urease (URE) also significantly increased by 123.99% and 49.56%, respectively. Mixing significantly altered the microbial community structure. In the bacterial community of the mixed forests, the abundance of nitrogen-fixing and potentially phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria from the genera Paraburkholderia and Burkholderia increased. In the fungal community, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus, which possesses a nutrient absorption advantage, exhibited absolute dominance, with its relative abundance ranging from 14.84% to 88.81%. The abundances of genes associated with denitrification and phosphorus starvation regulation were significantly upregulated in the mixed forests; notably, the abundance of phosphorus starvation regulation genes in the HJSs was 18.84% higher than that in the CLSs. A co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated that the proportion of positive correlation edges in the HJP nitrogen cycling network reached as high as 75.0%, and the average degree of the HJS phosphorus cycling network (2.691) surpassed that of the CLSs. The structural equation modeling further revealed that the association strength between the fungi and phosphorus cycling genes in the mixed forests increased to R² = 0.915 (p < 0.01) from R² = 0.213 in the pure forests. This mixed planting practice transforms nutrient cycling from a resource-competitive mode to a microbially synergized mode, thereby forming an efficient endogenous nutrient cycling system. This synergistic rhizosphere microbial effect is a key internal mechanism for overcoming nutrient bottlenecks and should serve as a diagnostic indicator of soil recovery in the ecological restoration of degraded pine forests. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing resistance of Candida species to conventional antifungals, particularly azoles, poses a critical public health challenge due to high mortality rates associated with candidemia. This study aimed to describe the chemical composition of the essential oil from Haplopappus foliosus (EO-BAI) and evaluate its antifungal properties, along with its nanoemulsion (NE-BAI) and major constituents, against a panel of clinical Candida isolates. Methods: EO-BAI was extracted via steam distillation and analyzed using GC-MS. A nanoemulsion was synthesized through ultrasonic emulsification and characterized by DLS and microscopy (SEM/STEM). Antifungal activity (MIC/MFC) was determined following CLSI M27-A3 guidelines. Time–kill kinetic studies were conducted on C. albicans, and an in silico approach was used to describe interactions with Als9-2 and CYP51 targets. Results: The EO-BAI profile was dominated by terpinen-4-ol (27.27%) and α-bisabolol (10.40%). The NE-BAI exhibited a droplet size of approximately 22 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 88.72%. Among the tested samples, α-bisabolol emerged as the core bioactive driver (MIC = 16 µg/mL against C. albicans). While NE-BAI showed reduced initial activity at 24 h, it demonstrated enhanced efficacy by 48 h, matching fluconazole’s potency and maintaining a definitive fungicidal effect. Docking analysis confirmed that α-bisabolol establishes stabilizing interactions with key virulence and membrane homeostasis targets. Conclusions: The NE-BAI provides a sustained delivery of its bioactive terpenes, preserving their fungicidal nature and positioning them as robust therapeutic alternatives to conventional treatments. Full article

Background: Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) is the treatment of choice for early and acute hematogenous periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), but its success rates vary widely. The primary outcome of this study was to assess 1-year implant survival and treatment failure among DAIR patients. The secondary aims were to identify the causative pathogens and potential predictors of failure. Methods: Patients treated with DAIR for PJI in a single center between 2017 and 2025 were included. Implant survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and univariate analysis was performed to explore potential associations between baseline variables and treatment failure. Results: 57 patients (58 hips/knees) were included. The mean age at surgery was 67.5 ± 11.5 years, and most procedures involved the hip (93.1%, n = 54). During follow-up, 7 patients (12.06%) experienced treatment failure. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a 1-year implant survival of 87.9%, with most failures occurring in the early postoperative months. The microbiological profile was dominated by Staphylococci (51.7%, n = 14) and polymicrobial (24.1%, n = 14) species, while Gram-negative bacteria and Enterococci were less frequently identified. Culture-negative infections were observed in 17.2% of cases (n = 10). Univariate analysis identified preoperative glucose levels and BMI as significantly different between groups, although these findings should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: DAIR achieved favorable short-term outcomes in this cohort. Failures occurred mainly early after treatment, and the microbiological spectrum was consistent with the typical epidemiology of PJI. BMI and perioperative glucose levels may represent potentially modifiable factors associated with treatment failure. Full article

Selenium plays a crucial role in estuarine biogeochemistry, balancing essential nutrient functions with potential environmental toxicity. This study examines the seasonal distribution of dissolved Se species, including volatiles, in the Adour estuary in relation to anthropogenic influences. To characterize major Se inputs from upstream watersheds to downstream tributaries, water samples were collected at low tide during three different seasons in upstream freshwaters, industrial/urban effluents and downstream estuarine waters. A tidal-cycle sampling campaign was conducted under low discharge conditions to assess Se dynamics during downstream estuarine mixing. Total dissolved Se (TDSe) concentrations ranged from 71 (pristine river) to 656 ng L⁻¹ (industrial/urban-impacted tributaries). TDSe correlated strongly with nitrate (r = 0.84) in upstream waters, indicating significant agricultural and livestock contributions at the watershed scale. Selenate was the dominant species, followed by Se(-II+0) fraction and selenite. Volatile Se compound concentrations varied from 51 to 2757 pg L⁻¹. Seasonal changes suggest that Se speciation is mainly controlled by watershed inputs derived from land use (agricultural and livestock practices) rather than downstream estuarine inputs. This speciation study further indicates that Se reactivity/bio-availability in estuarine systems can be largely influenced by anthropogenic activities, although further characterization of the aqueous reduced Se fraction is still needed. Full article

Aedes mosquitoes are among the most important vectors of arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Mapping their geographic and temporal patterns is essential for understanding disease risk and guiding vector control. This systematic review provides an updated synthesis of the spatial and temporal distribution of Aedes species across Iran. A comprehensive search of international (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and national (SID, IranMedex, Magiran) databases was performed for studies published between 1980 and 2025. Eligible publications reporting the occurrence or distribution of Aedes mosquitoes were screened according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively to identify long-term spatial and temporal trends. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, covering more than 20 provinces and examining over 390,000 mosquito specimens. Aedes caspius was the dominant species nationwide, reflecting its high ecological adaptability. Invasive vectors, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, were recorded mainly in southern coastal provinces and, more recently, in the humid northern regions. Over time, surveys have evolved from scattered faunistic reports to systematic nationwide monitoring, revealing clear patterns of ecological expansion driven by climatic and environmental factors. Increasing reports, broader geographic distribution, and adaptability to diverse ecological settings indicate an ongoing expansion of Aedes mosquitoes in Iran. While these developments reflect successful entomological surveillance and public health efforts, enhanced preparedness and continuous monitoring are essential to manage potential Aedes-borne outbreaks effectively. Full article

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions exhibit strong process-level heterogeneity, yet regional source characterization still commonly relies on sector-average profiles, introducing substantial uncertainty into source identification and control prioritization. In this study, process-resolved VOC source profiles were established for five representative industrial sectors in Deyang, a typical industrial city in the Chengdu–Chongqing region, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial coating, chemical industry, food manufacturing, and the textile industry. A total of 19 organized emission samples were collected from 9 enterprises, and 123 VOC species were quantified. These measured profiles were further integrated with literature-derived profiles and a bottom-up emission inventory to construct an emission-weighted regional composite source profile for 17 major industrial sectors. An emission-based hydroxyl radical (OH) reactivity-weighted framework was then introduced to compare mass-dominant and chemically dominant VOC sources. The results showed pronounced process- and sector-specific differences in composition. Pharmaceutical manufacturing was mainly dominated by oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs), industrial coating by low-carbon halocarbons, the chemical industry by methanol and reactive low-carbon compounds, food manufacturing by alkenes and OVOCs, and the textile industry by light alkanes. At the regional scale, industrial VOC emissions were dominated by OVOCs (35.67%), followed by alkanes (19.01%) and aromatics (15.99%). Ethyl acetate, 1,4-dioxane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, and m/p-xylene were identified as the most abundant species. However, OH reactivity was largely dominated by alkenes, and substantial discrepancies were observed between emission contribution and OH-reactivity-weighted contribution across sectors. In particular, the chemical industry contributed 21.10 ± 8.43% of reactive organic gas emissions but 28.82 ± 11.61% of OH-weighted emissions, whereas printing contributed 13.55 ± 13.42% of mass emissions but only 7.66 ± 13.08% of OH-weighted emissions. These findings demonstrate that regional VOC management should move beyond bulk mass reduction and prioritize high-reactivity sectors and process units to maximize O₃ mitigation benefits. Full article