Search Results (9,876)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated condition of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by dysregulated inflammatory responses throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It includes two major phenotypes, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which present with varying gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. The pathophysiology of IBD is multifactorial including genetic predisposition, mucosal and epithelial dysfunction, environmental injury, and both innate and adaptive immune response abnormalities. Several predisposing genetic factors have been associated with IBD explaining the strong hereditary risk for both CD and UC. For example, Caspase Recruitment Domain 9 (CARD9) variant rs10781499 increases risk for IBD, while other variants are specific to either CD or UC. CD is related to loss-of-function mutations in the nucleotide oligomerization domain containing the protein 2 (NOD2) gene and Autophagy-Related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1) gene. UC risk is increased particularly in Chinese populations by the A-1661G polymorphism of the Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) gene. This abnormal CTLA-4 interferes with B- and T-cell responses causing predisposition to autoimmune conditions. Previous studies suggested that IBD results from breakdown of the adaptive immune system, primarily of T-cells. However, new evidence suggests that a primary breakdown of the innate immune system in both CD and UC increases susceptibility to invasion by viruses and bacteria, with a compensatory overactivation of the adaptive immune system as a result. When this viral and microbial invasion continues, further damage is incurred, resulting in a downward cycle of further cytokine activation and epithelial damage. Released biomarkers also affect the permeability of the epithelial membrane, including lactoferrin, nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its activation of hypochlorous acid, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9, omentin-1, and others. Increased macrophage and dendritic cell dysfunction, increased neutrophil activity, increased numbers of innate lymphoid cells, increased T-cells with decreased regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and changes in B-cell populations and immunoglobulin (Ig) functions are all associated with IBD. Finally, treatment of IBD has typically consisted of medical management (e.g., aminosalicylates and corticosteroids) and lifestyle modification, and surgical intervention in extreme cases. New classes of medications with more favorable side effect profiles include anti-integrin antibodies, vedolizumab, etrolizumab, and carotegrast methyl. Additionally, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a newer area of research for treatment of IBD along with TNF-blockers, JAK inhibitors, and S1PR modulators. However, expense and long preparation time have limited the usefulness of FMT. Full article

Soil lead (Pb) contamination poses a severe threat to agricultural sustainability and food security. Phytoremediation offers a green alternative for remediation, yet its efficiency is limited by poor plant tolerance and restricted metal uptake. In this study we investigated the functional roles of the microbial inoculants Trichoderma guizhouense NJAU4742 and Bacillus velezensis SQR9 in enhancing the performance of Salix suchowensis P1024 grown in Pb-contaminated soil. NJAU4742 significantly increased plant biomass by 34% (p < 0.05), accompanied by increased soil microbial biomass and higher activities of urease, acid phosphatase, and sucrase. In contrast, SQR9 strongly enhanced Pb accumulation by 19% (p < 0.05), which was accompanied by upregulated antioxidant enzymes, reduced lipid peroxidation, and elevated cysteine levels. Random forest and correlation analyses demonstrated that soil nutrient cycling indices (urease, MBC, sucrase) were key predictors of biomass, whereas antioxidant defenses (POD, CAT) primarily explained Pb accumulation. These findings provide new insights into the distinct contributions of NJAU4742 and SQR9 to willow growth and Pb remediation, and provide a basis for developing more effective microbe-assisted phytoremediation strategies. Full article

Food spoilage and contamination remain pressing global challenges, undermining food security and safety while driving economic losses. Conventional preservation strategies, including thermal treatments, refrigeration, and synthetic additives, often compromise nutritional quality and raise sustainability concerns, thereby necessitating natural, effective alternatives. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a promising candidate for food preservation. However, its poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability limit direct applications in food systems. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanoformulated curcumin, enhancing solubility, stability, controlled release, and functional efficacy. This review examines the antimicrobial mechanisms of curcumin and its nanoformulations, including membrane disruption, oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species, quorum sensing inhibition, and biofilm suppression. Applications in active and smart packaging are highlighted, where curcumin nanoformulation not only extends shelf life but also enables freshness monitoring through pH-responsive color changes. Evidence across meats, seafood, fruits, dairy, and beverages shows improved microbial safety, oxidative stability, and sensory quality. Multifunctional systems, such as hybrid composites and stimuli-responsive carriers, represent next-generation tools for sustainable packaging. However, challenges remain with scale-up, migration safety, cytotoxicity, and potential promotion of antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) transfer. Future research should focus on safety validation, advanced nanocarriers, ARG-aware strategies, and regulatory frameworks. Overall, nanoformulated curcumin offers a natural, versatile, and eco-friendly approach to food preservation that aligns with clean-label consumer demand. Full article

Terpenoids, as a class of natural products with extensive biological activities, hold broad application prospects in the fields of medicine, food, materials, and energy, with the global market scale projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2030. Traditional chemical synthesis and plant extraction methods rely on petroleum and plant resources, suffering from problems such as environmental pollution, cumbersome procedures, low yields from plant sources, enantioselectivity, geographical constraints, and competition for resources. Biocatalytic conversion of biomass feedstocks via microbial cell factories serves as an environmentally friendly alternative for the synthesis of terpenoids, but current production mostly depends on starch-based glucose, which triggers issues of food security and competition for arable land and water resources. This review focuses on the biocatalytic conversion of non-food alternative carbon sources (namely lignocellulose, acetate, glycerol, and waste oils) in the microbial synthesis of terpenoids, systematically summarizing the current research status and cutting-edge advances. These carbon sources exhibit potential for sustainable production due to their low cost, wide availability, and ability to reduce resource competition, but they also face significant technical bottlenecks. We systematically analyze the current problems in the biocatalytic conversion process and put forward some available solutions. It is hoped that this study will provide theoretical and technical suggestions for breaking through the bottlenecks in the biocatalytic conversion of non-food carbon sources and promoting the efficient and sustainable production of terpenoids. Full article

To avoid continuous cropping problems with Bupleurum, we screened suitable preceding crops for rotation with Bupleurum through different crop rotations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the relationships between microbial community characteristics, soil properties, and enzyme activities under four different rotation patterns, including fallow-Bupleurum (CK), maize-Bupleurum (M), soybean-Bupleurum (So), and sunflower-Bupleurum (Su). Results indicated that under all four rotation patterns, So treatment significantly enhanced soil nutrients and enzyme activities compared to CK. So not only optimized the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities but markedly enhanced microbial α diversity. Additionally, So exhibited high similarity in bacterial and fungal community composition with M, and featured complex symbiotic relationships within the soil microbial network. While no clear discrepancies were detected in the abundance of the top twenty metabolic pathways in the predictive functions of bacterial and fungal communities across four rotation patterns, the metabolic pathway function MET-SAM-PWY (methionine synthesis pathway) in bacterial communities and the metabolic pathway function VALSYN-PWY (valine synthesis pathway) in fungal communities were particularly prominent under the So rotation pattern. RDA suggested that soil properties (available phosphorus and pH) and enzyme activities (sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities) were the driving forces for bacterial community composition, while soil properties (soil organic matter and available potassium) and enzyme activities (sucrase and catalase activities) regulated fungal community composition. Hence, the soybean-Bupleurum rotation pattern represents a cultivation practice more beneficial for the sustainable development of the bupleurum industry, which can significantly improve soil fertility and the micro-ecological environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metagenomic analyses are an important tool for understanding ecological effects, particularly in sites exposed to antimicrobial treatments. Marine sediments host diverse microbial communities and may serve as reservoirs for microbial resistance. Although it is known that antimicrobials can alter microbial composition, specific impacts on sediments surrounding salmon farms remain poorly understood. This study analyzed bacterial community structure in marine sediments subjected to florfenicol treatment from salmon farms in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile. Methods: Sediment samples were collected and examined through DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region). Sequences were analyzed using a bioinformatics pipeline, and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were taxonomically classified with a Naïve Bayesian classifier. The resulting ASV abundance were then used to predict metabolic functions and pathways via PICRUSt2, referencing the MetaCyc database. Results: Significant differences in bacterial phyla were observed between the control farm and two farms treated with florfenicol (17 mg kg⁻¹ body weight per day) for 33 and 20 days, respectively. Farm 1 showed notable differences in phyla such as Bacteroidota, Bdellovibrionota, Crenarchaeota, Deferrisomatota, Desulfobacterota, Fibrobacterota, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteriota, while Farm 2 exhibited differences in the phyla Bdellovibrionota, Calditrichota, Crenarchaeota, Deferrisomatota, Desulfobacterota, Fusobacteriota, Nanoarchaeota, and Nitrospirota. Shannon Index analysis revealed a reduction in alpha diversity in the treated farms. Comparative analysis between the control and the treated farms showed pronounced shifts in the relative abundance of several bacterial phyla, including statistically significant differences in Chloroflexi and Firmicutes. Predicted functional pathways revealed a notable enrichment of L-methionine biosynthesis III in Farm 2, suggesting a shift in sulfur metabolism potentially driven by antimicrobial treatment. Additionally, increased activity in fatty acid oxidation pathways indicates a higher microbial potential for lipid degradation at this site. Conclusions: These findings highlight the considerable influence of florfenicol on sediment microbial communities and reinforce the need for sustainable management strategies to minimize ecological disruption and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract with rising global incidence and limited treatment options. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic mutations, epigenetic dysregulation, inflammatory signaling, and environmental influences. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of the gut–liver axis and microbiota dysbiosis in shaping biliary homeostasis and disease progression. Alterations in microbial composition disrupt apoptosis and autophagy, two key processes regulating cell survival and death, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Specific taxa, including Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus, demonstrate strain-dependent effects, acting either as tumor promoters through genotoxic metabolites and immune evasion or as potential tumor suppressors by inducing apoptosis and immune activation. These findings underscore the context-dependent roles of microbiota in CCA biology. Importantly, microbiota modulation offers novel therapeutic opportunities. Dietary interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and nutritional strategies, alongside innovative microbiome-targeted therapies, hold promise for restoring microbial balance, enhancing antitumor immunity, and improving patient outcomes. This review integrates current molecular and microbiological evidence to propose the gut microbiota as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in CCA, opening avenues for precision medicine approaches in hepatobiliary oncology. Full article

Different types of organic materials demonstrate varying efficacy in ameliorating saline–alkali soils, while the combined application of organic materials can potentially enhance the remediation effects on saline–alkali land. To verify this assumption, our study conducted a pot experiment with spinach in saline–alkali soil, observing the improvement effect of saline–alkali soil and the growth of crops when acid fermentation products of vegetables, humic acid-like substances, and corn straw were applied either individually or in combination. The results revealed that both the sole and combined application of organic materials could enhance the yield of spinach. Particularly, humic acid-like substances increased spinach yield to six times that of the chemical fertilizer treatment. Although the application of organic materials led to a decline in the diversity and richness indices of the microbial community in saline–alkali soil (except fungal richness), the combined use of organic materials contributed to a healthier trend in the soil microbial community structure. Beyond its effects on soil nutrients such as total carbon and total nitrogen, the improvement in soil organic matter activity caused by the joint application of organic materials was identified as the primary factor responsible for enhancing the health of the soil microbial community and the remediation effects on saline–alkali soil. Full article

Fruit is an important source of bioactive compounds, and making full use of them can contribute to the development of natural alternatives to microbial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of bioactive compounds and their relationship with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in the pulp, peel, and seeds of Salacca zalacca at three stages of ripeness (M1, 30 days after flowering; M2, 90 days after flowering; and M3, 120 days after flowering). The physicochemical characteristics (weight, size, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, and minerals) and the bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenolic compounds) were determined using liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The results showed that the pulp had the highest concentrations of malic acid (8018.6 mg/100 g DW in M1); the peel in M1 had the highest concentrations of chlorogenic (705.0 mg/100 g DW), caffeic (321.0 mg/100 g DW) and ferulic acids (173.5 mg/100 g DW); and the seeds had the highest levels of vitamin C (16.81 mg/100 g DW in M2). The pulp in M2 and M3 and the peel in M2 exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (5.5 mmol ET/100 g DW by DPPH), as well as the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, the peel, in addition to the edible pulp, represents a relevant source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods and natural products. Full article

Soil degradation and poor fertility severely constrain vegetation growth in urban ecosystems, particularly in compacted and nutrient-depleted tree pits. Mulching has emerged as an effective strategy to improve soil quality and regulate soil–microbe–plant interactions, yet the combined use of organic and inorganic mulching in urban landscapes remains underexplored. In this study, a one-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of four mulching treatments on soil bacterial community diversity and functional potential. Four treatments were applied green waste compost + wood chips (GW), green waste compost + wood chips + volcanic rocks (GWV), green waste compost + wood chips + pebbles (GWP), and a non-mulched control (CK). Organic mulching (GW) effectively reduced bulk density, enhanced cellulase and protease activities, increased bacterial community richness and balance, and enriched microbial genes associated with carbon and nitrogen metabolism, while organic–inorganic mulching further promoted soil nutrition and reshaped bacterial community structure. Soil pH, nitrogen content, and protease activity served as key drivers of bacterial community structure and function. These findings demonstrate that different mulching practices provide distinct ecological advantages, and together highlight the role of mulching in regulating soil–microbe–plant interactions and improving urban tree pit management. Full article

Saline–alkaline soils are becoming prevalent across the globe, decreasing the availability of forage for animals and threatening sustainable animal production. This study evaluated the effects of a NaCl-supplemented alfalfa-based total mixed ration, simulating saline–alkaline soil conditions, on intake, the utilization of nutrients, antioxidant levels, and rumen fermentation. A 60-day feeding trial with 24 AOHU lambs (Australian White × Hu) compared a control diet (0.43% NaCl) with the NaCl-supplemented group (1.71% NaCl). Digestibility trials were conducted in metabolic cages for the collection of total feces and urine. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, and 60 days for serum analysis, and slaughter samples (liver, kidney, rumen tissue, and rumen fluid) were taken for physiological, biochemical, and histological evaluation. The NaCl alfalfa-based TMR markedly increased liver and kidney weights. The rumen muscle layer thickened in the NaCl group. The ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), ruminal microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis, and glucogenic/branched-chain VFAs increased, indicating enhanced proteolysis, microbial protein synthesis, and energetically efficient fermentation. Serum total protein and albumin also rose over time in the NaCl group, reflecting increased nitrogen retention, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity rose considerably by day 60, reflecting increased antioxidant defense. Furthermore, nitrogen intake, digestibility, and retention were improved in the NaCl group along with augmented digestible and metabolizable energy (28.47 vs. 13.93 MJ/d and 24.68 vs. 11.58 MJ/d, respectively) and gross energy digestibility (78.13% vs. 67.10%). Although NaCl-based alfalfa TMR cannot fully emulate naturally salt-stressed forages, these results indicate that the NaCl alfalfa-based diets improved rumen fermentation, energy yields, and antioxidant enzyme activity without impairing electrolyte balance. These findings suggest that NaCl-supplemented alfalfa-based TMRs, with a salt content comparable to that of alfalfa hay grown under saline–alkaline conditions, could support environmentally sustainable meat production in salt-stressed regions. Full article

The incorporation of bioactive natural compounds into biomedical applications offers a promising route to enhance therapeutic efficacy while supporting sustainability. In this study, we investigated the synergistic potential of Sericin, a silk-derived biopolymer, and Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), a medicinal plant with a diverse phenolic profile, in relation to biological activities relevant for wound care and infection control. A combined experimental strategy was applied, integrating detailed chemical characterization of C. majus extracts with antimicrobial and cytocompatibility assays across different Sericin–plant extract ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:2, and 2:1). Phytochemical analysis identified and quantified 57 phenolic compounds, including high levels of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic and ferulic acid). Salicylic acid (123.6 µg/g), feruloyltyramine (111.8 µg/g), and pinocembrin (98.4 µg/g) were particularly abundant, compounds previously reported to disrupt microbial membranes and impair bacterial viability. These metabolites correlated with the strong antimicrobial activity of C. majus against Gram-positive strains (MIC = 5–10 mg/mL). In combination with Sericin, antimicrobial performance was ratio-dependent, with higher proportions of C. majus (2:1) retaining partial inhibitory effects. Cytocompatibility assays with HFF1 fibroblasts demonstrated low antiproliferative activity across most formulations (GI₅₀ > 400 µg/mL), supporting their potential safety in topical applications. Collectively, the results indicate a concentration-dependent interaction between C. majus phenolics and the Sericin protein matrix, reinforcing their suitability as candidates for natural-based wound healing materials. Importantly, the valorization of Sericin, an underutilized byproduct of the silk industry, together with a widely accessible medicinal plant, underscores the ecological and economic sustainability of this approach. Overall, this work supports the exploration of the development of biomaterials with potential for advancing tissue repair and wound management. Full article

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. are microorganisms found in dairy products, bovine mastitis, and human infections. The prevalence of resistant strains from this genus in the food chain is increasing, drawing attention to transmission in the community and highlighting the importance of One Health studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the MIC of oxacillin (OXA) and the sanitizers benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and sodium hypochlorite (HP) against isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp., and to evaluate the possible influence of sub-MIC application of these compounds on bacterial cells, in order to observe possible microbial resistance. Ten isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (S. epidermidis and S. chromogenes) were used. Among the sanitizers, BAC showed greater efficiency during the pre-inhibition test. Increased resistance to OXA was found in isolates of S. chromogenes and S. epidermidis after sub-MICs of 50% and 90% of OXA, while sub-inhibition of HP favored resistance to OXA. The application of HP and OXA, even at low concentrations, induced a reduction in biofilm production. This study shows that sub-inhibitory sanitizer exposure in Staphylococcus spp. induces antimicrobial resistance phenotypes linked to mutations in regulatory, mobile, and DNA repair genes. These findings suggest that selective pressure promotes resistant variants through genomic plasticity and regulatory activation, supporting the hypothesis that sanitizer residues may drive multidrug resistance emergence, although further functional validation is required. Full article

This study examines the effects of the extreme drought and heatwaves that occurred in Romania during the summer of 2024 on the microbiological and mycotoxicological quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum) stored until April 2025, as well as on the quality of wholemeal flour and bread derived from it. Comparative analyses were conducted against the contamination in wheat harvested in 2024. The hot and dry conditions significantly influenced the microbial and mycotoxicological contamination of both freshly harvested and stored wheat, as well as the derived flour and bread, due to their notably reduced moisture content and water activity. Although levels of total fungi, Fusarium-damaged kernels, and mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, aflatoxin B1, and ochratoxin A remained well below regulatory thresholds, higher contamination was observed in Transylvania and Moldavia Moldavia—particularly in the Curvature Carpathians, likely due to their cooler and wetter microclimates. The observed quality changes were strongly associated with alterations in physico-chemical, rheological, and colorimetric parameters, posing potential economic challenges for the milling and baking industries. The study recommends implementing integrated regional strategies to enhance wheat resilience, optimize production systems, and improve contamination control in response to increasing climate stress across Southeastern Europe. Full article

Caries is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting oral health in preschool children. In this 12-month prospective cohort study of 3–4-year-olds, we investigated the community-level bacterial–fungal interkingdom interactome and its role in cariogenic microenvironments, using 16S rRNA gene (bacterial) sequencing and ITS2 gene (fungal) sequencing of unstimulated saliva. Longitudinal analysis identified 19 key bacterial and fungal species that were associated with both caries progression and clinical features. Salivary bacteria Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides heparinolyticus, Alloprevotella, Anaerobiospirillum, and fungus Candida tropicalis not only showed altered abundances during caries development but also correlated with severity of caries, establishing diagnostic microbial signatures for caries prediction. The salivary mycobiome exhibited highly active and complex intra-network interactions in the caries-active state, suggesting that fungal networks may drive the broader community-wide microbiota interaction network in the caries state. Metabolic profiling further revealed distinct pathway shifts before and after caries onset. The findings demonstrate that caries progression follows ecological succession governed by cross-domain interactions. This study highlighted the fungal network’s important role in driving dysbiosis, advancing the current understanding of early childhood caries beyond bacterial-centric models, and also highlighted fungi not only as modulators but as active contributors to cariogenesis, which could guide future antimicrobial strategies. Full article