Search Results (2,973)

Soybean inoculation with nitrogen (N) fixing bacteria can be highly promising for enhancing biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and improving crop productivity. It helps to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and minimizes environmental impacts. Therefore, understanding the specific aspects and conditions is essential for establishing the BNF process in particular environments. In this study, we investigated whether soybean inoculation is an effective strategy in cool-climate regions beyond their typical northern distribution, and which soybean varieties and microbial strains are the most effective for optimizing soybean productivity and performance in relatively cool environments. To address these questions, a natural abundance nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis was conducted on two soybean varieties of different maturity groups, which were inoculated with three Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains, along with organic fertilizer and new promising endophyte treatments. This approach aimed to determine the differences in biological and chemical parameters of soybean, as well as the origin of N sources, its uptake, and the isotopic distribution within the plants. It was demonstrated that inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum was more effective than fertilization, as the strains had a significant effect on nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa), produced stable nitrogen isotope ratios close to 0‰, and substantially increased nitrogen content, particularly in beans. Soybean varieties Laulema and Merlin, representing different maturity groups, exhibited distinct nitrogen uptake patterns. Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain AGF78 consistently produced the greatest effect on biological parameters in both varieties, particularly in seed yield and grain weight, with the later-maturing Merlin achieving the highest average yield of 3066.89 kg ha⁻¹. Notably, the Merlin inoculated with AGF78 resulted in the highest nitrogen fixation in beans, with 66.8%NDFA and 134.0 kg/ha of fixed nitrogen. Similarly, Laulema inoculated with AGF78 resulted in 88.2%NDFA and 123.2 kg/ha of fixed nitrogen. Inoculation with selected bacterial strains significantly increased protein content from 30% to 41%, with the effects being both strain- and variety-specific. Our study showed that establishing effective soybean–microbe interactions by choosing soybean variety and microbial strain is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and improving crop performance, especially in sustainable and environmentally conscious farming systems under cool climatic conditions of Europe. Full article

Propolis is a valuable natural product whose chemical composition and bioactivity are strongly dependent on its geographical and botanical origin. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the volatile profiles and antibacterial properties of propolis from Romania, Australia, and Uruguay, benchmarked against previously published data from samples from Poland and Turkey. Volatile compounds were profiled using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The resulting data were interrogated using multivariate chemometric analyses (HCA, PCA), and antibacterial activity was assessed via the disk diffusion method against five bacterial strains. Chemometric analysis revealed a clear demarcation into two primary chemotypes: a European type (Poland, Romania, Turkey) dominated by aromatic compounds such as benzoic acid, and a non-European type (Australia, Uruguay) characterized by a high abundance of terpenes. The Australian propolis exhibited a complex terpene profile rich in α-copaene and pinenes, while the Uruguayan sample was distinguished by an exceptionally high concentration of α-pinene. All active extracts showed selective, concentration-dependent inhibition against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The terpene-rich Australian propolis displayed the highest antibacterial potency, particularly against S. mutans. Crucially, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a counter-intuitive relationship: the most abundant terpenes in the non-European samples (e.g., α-pinene, verbenone) were significantly negatively correlated with antibacterial activity (r ≈ −0.99). Conversely, less abundant compounds, including linalool and acetic acid, were identified as strong positive predictors of inhibition (r > 0.90). These findings underscore a complex geography-chemotype-bioactivity relationship, where the overall synergistic effect of a mixed chemical profile, rather than the dominance of a single compound, determines antibacterial potency. The initially proposed markers provide a basis for origin-based standardization and highlight Australian propolis as a promising source of natural antibacterial agents. Full article

The study provides valuable insights into the sustainable utilization of edible tuber peels from the high mountains of the Argentinian Puna, which constitutes promising reserves of bioactive phenolic compounds with the potential to enhance the biofunctional properties of lactic acid bacteria. Thirty-two extracts derived from peels of different varieties of tubers, such as Oxalis tuberosa Mol., Ullucus tuberosus Caldas, and Solanum tuberosum L. were incorporated into lactobacilli cultures and individually evaluated. These selectively enhance the development of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 10241 and of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CO1-LVP105 from ovine origin, without promoting the growth of a pathogenic bacteria set (Escherichia coli O157:H12 and ATCC 35218, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and S. corvalis SF2 and S. cerro SF16), in small amounts. To determine the main phenolic group concentrated in the phytoextracts, a bio-guided study was conducted. The most significant results were obtained by O. tuberosa phytochemicals added to the culture medium at 50 µg/mL, yielding promising increases in biofilm formation (78% for Lp. plantarum and 43% for L. paracasei) and biosurfactant activity (112% for CO1-LVP105 strain). These adaptive strategies developed by bacteria possess key biotechnological significance. Furthermore, the bio-detoxification capacity of phenol and o-phenyl phenol, particularly of the novel strain CO1-LVP105, along with its mode of action and genetic identification, is described for the first time to our knowledge. In conclusion, lactobacilli strains have potential as fermentation starters and natural products, recovered from O. tuberosa peels, and added into culture media contribute to multiple bacterial biotechnological applications in both health and the environment. Full article

Brucellosis remains an underreported zoonotic disease in Ecuador. Its control program in cattle integrates diagnostic testing, vaccination, and eradication incentives, although participation is largely voluntary. Since 2025, vaccination has become compulsory nationwide. Human surveillance remains largely passive, and strain-level data are very limited. This study applied an integrated approach, combining serology (Rose Bengal and SAT-EDTA), microbiological culture, and molecular diagnostics, to assess the presence and diversity of Brucella spp. in cattle and pigs from six slaughterhouses in the northern Andean highlands. A total of 2054 cattle and 1050 pigs from Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha were sampled. Among cattle, 133 (6.5%; 95% CI: 5.5–7.6) were seropositive, and viable B. abortus strains were isolated from 17 (12.8%). Genus identification was confirmed by IS711-PCR, while species- and biovar-level differentiation was achieved with AMOS-PCR; additional assays targeting the ery gene and RB51 marker were used to distinguish field from vaccine strains. Biotyping and molecular analysis revealed a predominance of B. abortus biovar 4 (13/17 isolates) over biovar 1, all confirmed as field strains. In pigs, 10 animals (0.95%) tested seropositive, but no isolates were recovered, highlighting limitations of serology in swine. Most livestock, including the positives, originated locally, reinforcing the representativeness of our findings. The successful isolation and molecular characterization of B. abortus demonstrates the value of combining diagnostic strategies beyond serology. These results underscore the utility of active surveillance when supported by traceability systems; this approach may also contribute to guide interventions to reduce infection risk in livestock and humans. Full article

(1) Background: Pigs can be another host of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), suggesting that pork products could be a potential risk to public health. A USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) study revealed that Shiga toxin genes were detected in more than half of samples nationwide but only about a quarter of samples from the state of Illinois. To characterize the presence of STEC in Illinois pigs better and to explore the discrepancy between Illinois and other swine-producing states, we increased the sampling size and collected samples in different regions of the state and in different months to detect Shiga toxin genes in Illinois finisher pigs and subtyped the Shiga toxin genes further to assess any potential risk of STEC originating from Illinois pigs to human health. (2) Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 471 Illinois finisher pigs at different locations from October 2021 to September 2022. DNA samples were extracted from individual fecal samples and PCR-tested for Shiga toxin genes (stx1, stx2) and then toxin subtypes (stx2a, stx2c, stx2d, and stx2e). (3) Results: The data showed that the stx2 gene was detected in 61% of the fecal samples (285/471), whereas stx1 was detected only in 0.4% of the samples (2/471). The data also indicated a lower prevalence of stx genes in the samples collected in certain cold months (36% in October and 19% in March) compared to that in those from warm months (56% to 100% from April to September). Stx2d, a subtype associated with severe human illness, was detected in 2% of the samples (10/471); in contrast, stx2e, which is expressed by E. coli strains causing diarrhea and edema disease in pigs, was the most detected (49%; 229/471). (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of Shiga toxin genes in the fecal samples from Illinois finisher pigs suggests that Stx-positive E. coli strains circulate in Illinois pig farms. However, the highly detected stx2e-positive STEC (or enterotoxigenic E. coli, ETEC) strains are associated with diarrhea and edema disease in pigs, indicating the need for disease prevention or control for pigs but unlikely a safety concern for Illinois pork products or a major risk of human illnesses. Full article

Hyperelastic materials, which include various types of rubber, are widely used in industry (such as the automotive industry). Their main disadvantage is the loss of their original properties over time due to environmental factors (called ageing). The ageing process is long-lasting, which is why so-called accelerated ageing is used when studying the effect of ageing on material properties. Accelerated ageing is realized with a higher intensity of the ageing agent, e.g., by irradiating specimens with UV radiation or by holding them at elevated temperatures. In the literature, there is a lack of parameters for constitutive models that take into account the effect of ageing on material properties. This paper presents the process of determining the parameters for a selected constitutive model using two commonly used rubbers in industry: chloroprene (CR) and ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM). Before determining the material parameters, the samples were subjected to accelerated ageing at 100 °C for periods of 7, 21, and 35 days. Stress–strain curves were then determined from a tensile test and the parameters of the constitutive model were determined using the non-linear least squares method. Finally, numerical validation of the obtained values was also carried out. Full article

Background: Bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. is the most significant animal disease of algal origin, with an increasing number of cases reported worldwide. Currently, there is no effective treatment, so control requires the culling of infected animals. In Chile, information is limited, and a discrepancy remains in the literature regarding the Prototheca species involved in bovine mastitis. Methods: This study aimed to molecularly type and phenotypically characterize Prototheca isolates associated with bovine mastitis in Chile. Sixty-six Prototheca isolates obtained from individual bovine mastitis milk samples and bulk tank milk samples were analyzed through cytochrome b gene (cytb) sequencing, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) analysis, and phenotypic evaluation (morphology, antimicrobial susceptibility, and biofilm formation). Results: Sixty-five isolates were identified as P. bovis and one as P. ciferrii, marking the first report of the latter in bovine mastitis in Chile. RAPD analysis revealed a high genetic diversity in P. bovis. All strains exhibited resistance to the antibiotics tested from the Fluoroquinolone, β-lactam, and sulfonamide groups; however, 100% of the strains showed susceptibility to aminoglycosides, with gentamicin standing out as a potential therapeutic option. Most P. bovis strains formed weak (81.5%, 53/65) or moderate (15.4%, 10/65) biofilms, which could favor the persistence of infection. Conclusions: These findings provide novel insights into the molecular and phenotypic characteristics of Prototheca spp. in Chile, highlighting the predominance of P. bovis, the emergence of P. ciferri, and the implications for antimicrobial management and disease control. Full article

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus pose significant public health challenges, particularly due to antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. In this context, Streptomyces, a genus known for producing natural antibiotics, emerges as a promising source for novel therapeutic agents. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature (2015–2024) on Streptomyces as antibiotic biofactories against S. aureus was performed, aiming to identify publication trends, collaborative networks, and emerging research areas. Using the Web of Science database, searches were performed with descriptors (“Streptomyces” AND “Staphylococcus aureus”), including original articles and reviews in English. Data were analyzed with VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to visualize collaborative networks, keyword co-occurrences, and trends. A total of 755 articles from 3705 authors were analyzed, highlighting significant collaboration (98.7%). Publications showed marked growth, particularly in Microbiology (21.7%), Pharmacology and Pharmacy (16.8%), and Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology (16.1%). China and India led in publication volume, whereas the United States exhibited the highest citation impact. Key emerging research topics include biosynthesis and metabolic optimization, antimicrobial activity and bioprospecting, mechanisms of antibiotic action and bacterial resistance, and genomic analyses. Research on Streptomyces for antibiotic production against S. aureus demonstrates continuous expansion and global interest, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches. Future studies should intensify exploration of biodiverse environments, genetic engineering applications, and combinatorial strategies to effectively address antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Fermented fruit juices are considered functional beverages because they contain bioactive compounds derived from plant materials and produced by the microorganisms involved in fermentation. The composition of these beverages can vary depending on the strain used. This study aimed to determine the effect of different microorganisms conducting lactic acid fermentation on the chemical composition and bioactive component content of naturally cloudy fermented pear and plum juices. The process used Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K7 bacteria, which were isolated during sauerkraut fermentation, as well as Lachancea thermotolerans PYCC6375 and Lachancea fermentati PYCC5883 yeast cultures, which have poor ethanol fermentation capabilities. The pH, acidity, sugars (HPLC), free amino nitrogen, selected organic acids (HPLC), color (CIELAB), polyphenols (HPLC), volatiles (GC-MS), aroma-active volatiles (GC-MS-O), and sensory characteristics were analyzed. The fermented juices obtained were rich in organic acids (of plant and microbial origin), polyphenols, and had a reduced sugar content (with polyols replacing glucose and fructose), as well as a low alcohol content (<0.2%). At the same time, all three microorganisms significantly enhanced the fruity aroma of the juices. Lachancea yeasts proved to be a viable alternative to lactic acid bacteria for producing fermented juices and were significantly better suited to fermenting plum juices. The highest polyphenol content and highest consumer preference rating were obtained with plum juices fermented with L. fermentati yeast. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of P. aeruginosa, some virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance patterns and highlight the potential pathways of horizontal bla_SHV-resistant gene transfer from diverse sources. A total of 220 samples were collected from fish (n = 90), water (n = 30), poultry (n = 50), and humans (n = 50). All samples were isolated, confirmed by the Vitek 2 system, and tested against antimicrobial agents. Some virulence and resistance genes were examined by PCR and sequenced for the bla_SHV-resistant gene from four selected isolates from each source. SPSS v26, with chi-squared tests and Pearson correlations (p < 0.05), was implemented for statistical investigation. P. aeruginosa was isolated at 33.3%, 20%, 14%, and 24% from fish, water, poultry, and humans, respectively. Using the diffusion disk method, extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were detected. All strains harbored the oprL and toxA genes, while the lasB gene was present in 40% of fish samples but not present in human samples. All strains lacked the exoS gene. The tetA, sul1, bla_SHV, and bla_TEM resistance genes were detected at different percentages. The bla_SHV genes from fish and water isolates were closely related to each other and showed similarity to those of the human isolates. The poultry isolates formed a separate phylogenetic lineage. The emergence of XDR and MDR P. aeruginosa highlights a possible public health threat. Based on the gene similarity between fish and water isolates, our results suggest that these isolates have a common origin. The similarity between the human isolates and environmental isolates (fish and water) raises concerns about possible transmission to humans. Full article

The highly fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) that first emerged in 1984 in China has spread worldwide and affects both domestic and wild rabbits. The disease was originally caused by RHD virus (Lagovirus europaeus, L.europaeus) of GI.1 genotype, but over the years, two further pathogenic forms, known as the antigenic and genetic variant RHDVa (GI.1a) and RHDV2 (genotype GI.2), have been identified. RHD was first reported in Poland in 1988, when two RHDV strains were isolated, currently classified as GI.1c, while RHDVa and RHDV2 emerged in 2003 and 2016, respectively. In this study, using virological and molecular methods, we characterized five new RHDV strains belonging to GI.1 (RHDV)/GI.1a (RHDVa) and GI.2 (RHDV2) genotypes isolated in Poland in 2020–2022, in domestic rabbits from backyard farm and companion animals. We showed that two strains of L. europaeus (NRU 2020 and LIB 2020) from 2020 in the phylogenies of nonstructural proteins (NSP) and structural capsid protein (SP-VP60) clustered in a homogeneous GI.1a variant group. We stated that three strains of L. europaeus from 2020 to 2022 (KOB 2020, ZWO 2021, WAE 2022) in the VP60 phylogeny were positioned in the GI.2 (RHDV2) genotype, while in the NSP phylogeny, they are genetically related to recombinants with the GI.3/GI.2 genotype. Unexpectedly, in two RHD cases identified in the same small geographical area of south-eastern Poland (Libusza and Kobylanka), the close coexistence of RHDVa (LIB2020) and RHDV2 (KOB2020) strains capable of causing independent infections at the same time was found. This leads to the conclusion that the close natural coexistence of RHDV strains belonging to different genotypes does not necessarily have to directly lead to the emergence of new genetic or antigenic variants, which confirms the distinctness of both genetic forms and indicates different evolutionary paths leading to the best possible adaptation to the host. Full article

Microstructural analysis of hot-compressed magnesium alloys is crucial for understanding the plastic formability of magnesium alloys during thermo-mechanical processing. Thermal compression tests and finite element simulations were conducted on a low rare-earth (RE) Mg-1.8Nd-0.4Zr-0.3Ca alloy. Multiple microstructural characterization techniques were employed to analyze slip systems, twinning mechanisms, dynamic recrystallization (DRX), and precipitate phases in the hot-compressed alloy. The results demonstrated that the equivalent strain distribution within compressed specimens exhibits heterogeneity, with a larger equivalent strain in the core. After thermal compression, the original microscopic structure formed a necklace-like structure. The primary DRX mechanisms comprise continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX), twin-induced dynamic recrystallization (TDRX), and particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN). Pyramidal slip and recrystallization constitute primary contributors to peak texture weakening and tilting. Mg₄₁Nd₅ and α-Zr phases enhanced dislocation density by impeding dislocation motion and promoting cross-slip activation. Hot compression provided the necessary thermal activation energy and stress conditions for solute atom diffusion and clustering, triggering dynamic precipitation of Mg₄₁Nd₅ phases. Full article

Currently, there is little scientific data to support the importance of selecting non-Saccharomyces yeasts from different wineries in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Andalusia, southern Spain, and how this group of yeasts can affect the sensory properties of wine. Therefore, this research aimed to study some specific microbiological properties and the metabolites they could produce in order to evaluate the oenological potential of two non-Saccharomyces yeast strains isolated from a region of Andalusia (Córdoba, Spain), Hanseniaspora uvarum TJ-27 and Lachancea thermotolerans T-9, isolated from musts with high sugar content. Of 80 yeast isolates selected, these two strains were chosen for their notable β-glucosidase activity (observed in up to 40% of isolates), cellulase activity (present in 24%), and killer phenotype (found in 40%). In this study, strains that displayed characteristics associated with aroma release were selected. Fermentation assays using a high-sugar synthetic medium revealed that neither H. uvarum TJ-27 nor L. thermotolerans T-9 was able to complete alcoholic fermentation independently, achieving ethanol yields of only 5–6% v/v, indicating the need for subsequent fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The originality of this study provides insight into the metabolites contributed by these strains to the wines produced. The best results were obtained when both strains were inoculated together. Furthermore, volatilome analysis showed elevated levels of key compounds such as isoamyl alcohols and 2,3-butanediol. These findings highlight the practical potential of using selected non-Saccharomyces strains from Andalusia to improve fermentation results and wine quality. The novelty of this study lies mainly in confirmation within region-specific isolates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gender (roles as household load and job strain, and identity) represent an effect modifier of the interference between pain experience and sex because it is different between men and women. This study validates a new scale developed to assess how life functioning is impacted by Chronic Non-Cancer Pain (CNCP) due to gender. Methods: A total of 193 Spanish ambulatory CNCP patients (60 [51–73] years old, 69.4% women, 31% retired) were interviewed. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) yielded 3-factor structure: Gender Self-identity, Roles, and Chronic Pain Impact on Social, Familial, Work and Sexual Life. Results: The Gender-Pain Questionnaire, with the presented factor structure, is an evaluation instrument with enough reliability and internal validity for CNCP patients. Conclusions: This study presents the psychometric properties of a scale for assessing the interference of CNCP patients’ experience on gender and how it affects their daily life activities, relationships and self-identity. It represents the first original questionnaire known in Spanish language to date. This measure could potentially help researchers and clinicians to obtain gender key information to design appropriate and equity healthcare interventions. Full article

The Flaviviruses Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Yellow Fever virus (YFV), are mosquito-borne viruses that represent a persistent challenge to global health due to the emergence and re-emergence of outbreaks of significant magnitudes. Their positive-sense RNA genome, about 11,000 nucleotides long, encodes structural and nonstructural proteins. These viruses evolve rapidly through mutations and genetic recombination, which can lead to more virulent and transmissible strains. Although whole-genome sequencing is ideal for studying their evolution and geographic spread, its cost is a limitation. We investigated the genetic variability of DENV, ZIKV, WNV, and YFV to identify genomic regions that accurately reflect the phylogeny of the complete coding sequence and evaluated the utility of these regions in reconstructing the geographic dispersal patterns of viral genotypes and lineages. Publicly available sequences from GenBank were examined to assess variability, reconstruct phylogenies, and identify the most informative genomic regions. Once representative regions were identified, they were used to infer the global phylogeographic structure of each virus. The virus depicted distinct variation patterns, but conserved regions of high and low variability were common to all. Highly variable regions of ~2700 nt offered greater resolution in phylogenetic trees, improving the definition of internal branches and statistical support for nodes. In some cases, combined multiple highly variable regions enhanced phylogenetic accuracy. Phylogeographic reconstruction consistently grouped sequences by genotype and geographic origin, with temporal structuring revealing evolutionarily distinct clusters that diverged over decades. These findings highlight the value of targeting genomic regions for phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis, providing an efficient alternative for genomic surveillance. Full article