@article {pmid41627727,
year = {2026},
author = {Ginger, ML and Karnkowska, A and McCall, LI and Silber, AM and Michels, PAM},
title = {Why Euglenozoans.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3013},
number = {},
pages = {3-22},
pmid = {41627727},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Euglenozoa/physiology/genetics/classification ; Animals ; },
abstract = {To accompany a new collection of methods and protocols, we discuss the relevance of the microbial eukaryotes belonging to the protist phylum Euglenozoa. For those interested by Euglena, applied biology is often relevant: as a starting point for useful natural products including biofuels, nutritional supplements, and metabolites with biomedical potential, or as an environmental agent for bioremediation. Arguably the most widely studied euglenozoans are the parasitic trypanosomatids. Collectively, trypanosomatids cause several serious neglected tropical diseases and economically important diseases of animals and plants; since the early 1900s, drug discovery and disease intervention have been prominent research areas. Yet for those interested in evolution, trypanosomatids and Euglena are host to all sorts of extreme biology either not seen or so pronounced in other eukaryotes. Euglenozoans are also relevant in an ecology context: free-living relatives of the trypanosomatids are abundant in freshwater environments. Moreover, the other major euglenozoan group, the diplonemids, are recently recognized as the most abundant heterotrophic protists in the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance at least comparable to major algal groups. Finally, the long history of euglenozoan study illustrates nicely the evolving nature of scientific discovery and reporting since Van Leeuwenhoek first saw Euglena in the pioneering days of microscopy.},
}

*Euglenozoa/physiology/genetics/classification
Animals

@article {pmid41627051,
year = {2026},
author = {Shoemaker, WR and Grilli, J},
title = {The macroecological dynamics of sojourn trajectories in the human gut microbiome.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0122125},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01221-25},
pmid = {41627051},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {The human gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem. Host behaviors (e.g., diet) provide a regular source of environmental variation that induces fluctuations in the abundances of resident microbiota. Despite these displacements, microbial community members remain highly resilient. Population abundances tend to fluctuate around a characteristic steady-state over long timescales in healthy human hosts. These temporary excursions from steady-state abundances, known as sojourn trajectories, have the potential to inform our understanding of the fundamental dynamics of the microbiome. However, to our knowledge, the macroecology of sojourn trajectories has yet to be systematically characterized. In this study, we leverage theoretical tools from the study of random walks to characterize the duration of sojourn trajectories, their shape, and the degree that diverse community members exhibit similar qualitative and quantitative dynamics. We apply the stochastic logistic model as a theoretical lens for interpreting our empirical observations. We find that the typical timescale of a sojourn trajectory does not depend on the mean abundance of a community member (i.e., carrying capacity), although it is strongly related to its coefficient of variation (i.e., environmental noise). This work provides fundamental insight into the dynamics, timescales, and fluctuations exhibited by diverse microbial communities.IMPORTANCEMicroorganisms in the human gut often fluctuate around a characteristic abundance in healthy hosts over extended periods of time. These typical abundances can be viewed as steady states, meaning that fluctuating abundances do not continue towards extinction or dominance but rather return to a specific value over a typical timescale. Here, we empirically characterize the (i) length (i.e., number of days), (ii) relationship between length and height, and (iii) typical deviation of a sojourn trajectory. These three patterns can be explained and unified through an established minimal model of ecological dynamics, the stochastic logistic model of growth.},
}

@article {pmid41627043,
year = {2026},
author = {Tan, Y and Liang, J and Yi, Q},
title = {Study on geographic differentiation and environment-host synergistic assembly mechanism of root-associated fungal communities in Paphiopedilum purpuratum.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0257325},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02573-25},
pmid = {41627043},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The orchid-fungus symbiosis is fundamental to orchid survival and reproduction; however, the diversity patterns and assembly mechanisms of the root-associated mycobiota in Paphiopedilum purpuratum remain inadequately characterized. We utilized high-throughput sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region to investigate the composition, diversity, sources, and assembly processes of the endophytic fungal communities across eight geographically distinct populations, with complementary profiling of rhizosphere soil fungi. Our results indicated that Ascomycota constituted the dominant phylum within the root mycobiota, while core taxonomic groups exhibited pronounced geographic differentiation at both family and genus levels. Significant inter-population disparities in α-diversity metrics reflected underlying community compositional divergence. Environmental variables, particularly longitude, exerted a stronger influence on community structure than biotic factors. Approximately 44.05% of root fungal operational taxonomic units were soil-derived, and the host plant selectively enriched fungal taxa, most of which possessed unknown trophic modes. Community assembly processes were compartment-specific: the root endophytic mycobiota was primarily governed by stochastic ecological drift, whereas the rhizosphere communities were predominantly shaped by deterministic dispersal limitation. This compartment-specific assembly was evidenced by the prevalence of stochastic processes (|βNTI| < 2) in the root endosphere, contrasting with the dominance of deterministic processes (|βNTI| > 2) in the rhizosphere. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed higher connectivity and robustness in the endophytic mycobiota. The interaction network between orchid mycorrhizal fungi and other root-associated soil fungi formed an efficient and stable functional system whose complexity showed population-specific differentiation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate clear geographic divergence in the root fungal communities of P. purpuratum and underscore a synergistic environment-host assembly mechanism, thereby providing critical ecological insights for informing conservation strategies for this endangered orchid.IMPORTANCEThis study investigates the root-associated fungal communities of the endangered orchid Paphiopedilum purpuratum across its geographical distribution. We identified clear geographical differentiation in community composition and diversity, predominantly driven by abiotic factors-particularly longitude-rather than biotic factors. A key finding reveals that 44% of root fungal taxa originate from the soil, indicating active host-mediated selection. A fundamental dichotomy in assembly mechanisms was observed: stochastic ecological drift dominated within roots, whereas deterministic dispersal limitation prevailed in the rhizosphere. Co-occurrence networks demonstrated that the root fungal community is highly connected and robust, suggesting a stable functional system. Our findings elucidate the synergistic roles of environment and host in shaping fungal assembly, providing novel insights into orchid-fungus symbiosis with theoretical implications for mycorrhizal ecology and practical relevance for conservation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41626752,
year = {2026},
author = {Demeter, K and Savio, D and Kirschner, AKT and Reischer, GH and Kolarevic, S and Parajka, J and Derx, J and Jakwerth, S and Wurzbacher, C and Blaschke, AP and Mach, RL and Blöschl, G and Farnleitner, AH and Eiler, A},
title = {Hydrological regime of a continental river system predicts bacterial macroecological patterns.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag013},
pmid = {41626752},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Modelling bacterial dynamics in large river systems is crucial for predicting continental-scale ecosystem functioning under anthropogenic pressures. Although the River Continuum and Metacommunity concepts have provided theoretical frameworks, quantitative parameters necessary for microbial macroecological models remain scarce. Here, we present results from two whole-river surveys, conducted six years apart along 2600 km of the Danube River. Using bacterial secondary production, cell counts, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we quantified carbon, cell, phylotype, and diversity turnover along the river. Carbon incorporation per cell declined with water travel time by 6,000 - 21,000 atoms per hour. Bacterial cells multiplied every eight days, resulting in four to six doublings during downstream transport. Growth responses at the level of individual phylotypes differed up to a hundredfold from these bulk community estimates. Bacterial diversity dynamics were dominated by phylotype turnover rather than phylotype loss. Turnover ranged 0.92 to 0.96 across the river, indicating an almost complete replacement of phylotypes with 2-11% of headwater-associated ASVs persisting under base-flow conditions. Richness declined gradually downstream at a rate of approximately 0.13 ASVs per hour. Variations in bacterial secondary production, cell abundance, and observed ASVs were best explained by models combining hydrological and water quality parameters, whereas beta diversity followed a gradual development primarily structured by water travel time. Together, these results identify water travel time as the key integrative parameter governing microbial macroecological dynamics along large rivers, with environmental conditions fine-tuning local responses. These models can help predict changes in microbial diversity and functioning under anthropogenic alterations.},
}

@article {pmid41626630,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, L and Neves, ALA and Ominski, KH and Guan, LL},
title = {Metatranscriptomics uncovers diet-driven structural, ecological, and functional adaptations in the rumen microbiome linked to feed efficiency.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf251},
pmid = {41626630},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The rumen microbiome plays a pivotal role in modulating feed efficiency in ruminants, yet the ecological mechanisms mediating the active interactions among microbial adaptations, dietary inputs, and host feed efficiency within the rumen remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we analyzed 120 metatranscriptomic datasets obtained from 30 purebred Angus bulls (each sampled four times) classified as high-feed-efficiency or low-feed-efficiency based on feed conversion ratio, and fed either forage-based (n = 15) or grain-based (n = 15) diets. We constructed a comprehensive active gene catalog comprising 1 744 067 non-redundant genes and compiled a reference set of 25 115 ruminant microbial genomes. Using integrated Neutral Community Model analysis and carbohydrate-active enzyme profiling, we examined how ecological processes and functional capacities differed across host phenotypes and diets. Neutral Community Model fits revealed that stochastic processes broadly governed rumen microbial community structures (R[2] = 0.779 for high-feed-efficiency; R[2] = 0.781 for low-feed-efficiency). Within the predominantly stochastic processes, however, high-feed-efficiency bulls exhibited strong positive selection for diet-responsive microbial lineages: Fibrobacter spp. (positively selected species-level genome bins: 61.3%-76.0%; negatively selected: 0%-1.3%), Butyrivibrio spp. (positively selected: 13.3%-46.0%; negatively selected: 1.0%-11.2%) under forage feeding, and UBA1067 spp. (positively selected: 33.3%-48.5%; negatively selected: 0%-8.3%) under grain feeding. These lineages encoded catalytic domains appended with carbohydrate-binding modules, such as tandem carbohydrate-binding modules linked to glycoside hydrolases, thereby enhancing substrate adhesion and degradation. In contrast, low-feed-efficiency bulls showed more random community structures and reduced functional specialization. Therefore, these suggest that cattle hosts with higher feed efficiency promote microbial populations functionally aligned with dietary inputs, a process we define as efficient host-mediated microbial amplification. These findings offer new insight into how ecological assembly and functional adaptation of the microbiome contribute to feed efficiency and lay the foundation for microbiome-informed strategies to enhance ruminant production sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid41624311,
year = {2026},
author = {Marchal, C and Ballan, D and Azib, S and Innocent, M and Urien, B and Tamaro, A and Gall-Ely, ML and Coton, E and Picot, A and Mounier, J and Coroller, L and Gabriel, P},
title = {Participatory and multi-disciplinary science dataset and surveys for the assessment of the microbiological and behavioural factors influencing fresh fruits and vegetables' waste at home.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {112434},
pmid = {41624311},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {Fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) represent the largest part of food waste at the consumer level. This waste directly results from FFV physiological and microbiological spoilage, itself intricately linked to behavioural factors such as consumer practices, including purchase, storage and hygiene practices, but also consumers' perceptions towards spoilage. Based on a dual approach combining microbiological and behavioural sciences, we examined the link between FFV waste produced by 49 volunteering French households, measured using connected bins, the microbial ecology of their storage compartments, using culture-dependent and -independent approaches, and their consumer behaviour, cleaning and storage practices, through in-depth interviews and a dedicated survey. An exploratory qualitative survey carried out on 17 individuals followed by two quantitative data collections on 1048 and 815 representative French consumers enabled us to identify anti-FFV waste practices and to cluster consumers according to their anti-FFV waste behaviours. Spoilage dynamics of commonly consumed FFV, according to storage temperature, microbial contamination level and the presence or absence of surface wounds, were also performed in controlled conditions. This citizen-science-based dataset covers a wide array of microbiological and behavioural factors related to domestic FFV waste, as well as real measurements of waste volumes thanks to the innovative use of connected bins. Altogether, this data could provide interesting insights into more effective and accessible guidelines for FFV waste reduction at the consumer level, and thus to a potential reduction of global food waste and its related costs.},
}

@article {pmid41624200,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, H and Liu, X and Sun, W and Dong, X and Liu, X and Xie, Y and He, J and Ali, A and Chen, M and Wu, L and Ma, J and Shao, K},
title = {Multi-omics elucidation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NKK20 in preventing PCOS via the gut-ovary axis: SCFAs-mediated microbiota-metabolite-immune crosstalk.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1709581},
pmid = {41624200},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a clinically prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by gut microbial disturbances and chronic low-grade inflammatory responses.

METHODS: This study explores the therapeutic potential and mechanistic insights of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NKK20 (LP) in a PCOS murine model established through high-fat diet (HFD) and letrozole co-induction. By integrating multi-omics profiling (16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics) with histopathological evaluation, we systematically assessed LP-mediated modulations of gut microbiota composition, metabolic signatures, ovarian function, and intestinal barrier integrity.

RESULTS: The results demonstrated that LP administration effectively counteracted metabolic dysregulation in PCOS mice, mitigating body weight gain, ameliorating lipid abnormalities (reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C alongside elevated HDL-C), and lowering fasting glucose levels. Hormonally, LP suppressed hyperandrogenism, as evidenced by decreased testosterone, while rebalancing inflammatory mediators through IL-10 upregulation and concomitant reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1. Ovarian histomorphology revealed attenuated follicular cysts and enhanced luteinization. Critically, LP restored intestinal homeostasis by (i) augmenting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production-particularly butyrate-(ii) fortifying the gut barrier via increased ZO-1 and occludin expression, and (iii) diminishing circulating endotoxin. Microbial sequencing identified enrichment of Bacteroidetes and Muribaculum following LP treatment. Serum metabolomics further uncovered LP-induced normalization of steroid hormone biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism, coinciding with elevated anti-inflammatory mediators such as 6a-prostaglandin I1.

CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings delineate a novel preventive axis through which LP inhibits PCOS progression - namely, via coordinated "gut microbiota-metabolite-ovarian" crosstalk involving SCFA-mediated barrier restoration, microbial ecology stabilization, and suppression of ovarian inflammatory onset. This work advances the translational rationale for probiotic-based strategies in PCOS prevention.},
}

@article {pmid41624197,
year = {2025},
author = {Govaert, M and Duysburgh, C and Kesler, B and Marzorati, M},
title = {Effects of NatureKnit™ organic, a blend of organic fruit and vegetable fibers rich in naturally occurring bound polyphenols, on the metabolic activity and community composition of the human gut microbiome using the M-SHIME[®] gastrointestinal model.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1740906},
pmid = {41624197},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The effects of a proprietary blend of organic fruit and vegetable fibers rich in naturally occurring bound polyphenols (commercially known as NatureKnit™ Organic) on the human gut microbiome were assessed.

METHODS: Short-term (48 h) in vitro colonic simulations using the validated Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME[®]) platform, with fecal inoculum from nine individual healthy human donors, were performed. Purified organic fibers (inulin and psyllium) were evaluated as comparators and a negative control was included. Primary measures included pH, gas pressure, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and microbial community composition.

RESULTS: All test products were well fermented with NatureKnit™ Organic showing slower fermentation kinetics than the purified fibers. SCFAs were significantly increased with all test products versus the negative control (p < 0.0001 for all) and NatureKnit™ Organic reached significance versus both purified fibers (p < 0.0001 for both). While relative abundances in the mucosal compartment were similar among all test conditions, luminal bacterial abundance increased with NatureKnit™ Organic and psyllium versus the negative control. The latter was mainly associated with statistically increased abundance (p < 0.05) of the genera Eisenbergiella and Monoglobus, with an additional strong enrichment of Bacteroidaceae. Furthermore, bacterial species richness was significantly increased with NatureKnit™ Organic versus the negative control (p = 0.0495), which was not observed for the purified organic fibers (p = 0.0567 and p = 0.4285 for inulin and psyllium, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Overall, the obtained results indicate that NatureKnit™ Organic may have a greater and gentler prebiotic effect compared with established purified prebiotic fibers.},
}

@article {pmid41621727,
year = {2026},
author = {De Luca, D},
title = {FastqOrienter: A Python utility for the automated orientation and quality diagnostics of paired-end Illumina metabarcoding reads.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107413},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107413},
pmid = {41621727},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {FastqOrienter is a Python tool that corrects inconsistent read orientations in Illumina paired-end metabarcoding reads using a primer-aware logic and IUPAC-compliant matching. In addition, it provides detailed diagnostics and actionable insights for discarded reads. It ensures data integrity for downstream pipelines like DADA2 and QIIME 2.},
}

@article {pmid41620541,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Han, S and Zhang, W and Shen, W and Dong, B and Wang, N},
title = {Microbial Mediators of Pine Defense Resistance: Stage-Specific Gut Symbionts Enable Acantholyda posticalis to Overcome Terpenoid Barriers.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02641-x},
pmid = {41620541},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {SDAIT-24//Modern Agricultural Technology Industry System of Shandong province/ ; ZR2022MC198//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 2023TSGC0345//Science and Technology of Small and Medium Enterprises Innovation Ability Enhancement in Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Acantholyda posticalis (Matsumura) is a globally significant forest pest that inflicts substantial economic losses through its feeding activity on Pinus species. As an oligophagous insect, A. posticalis relies critically on its gut microbiota to overcome the defensive secondary metabolites of pine needles, particularly α- and β-pinene terpenoids. This study investigated the dynamic compositional changes of gut bacterial communities across different developmental stages of A. posticalis and characterized their functional roles in host adaptation. Through traditional culturing methods, two pinene-degrading bacterial strains-Klebsiella variicola and Enterobacter hormaechei-were isolated from the larval gut. In vitro assays demonstrated their significant capacity to degrade the two pinenes. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed stage-specific bacterial enrichment patterns. Functional prediction suggested these microbial communities participate in critical metabolic processes, including phosphotransferase systems, GST activity, and detoxification pathways. This work advances understanding of insect-microbe symbiosis in oligophagous systems and proposes novel strategies for ecologically sustainable A. posticalis control through manipulation of its gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid41618023,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, D and Hong, HW and Kim, H and Richter-Heitmann, T and Ryu, JS and Yoo, KC},
title = {Unraveling the Complex Planktonic Microbial Community in the Amundsen Sea, Southern Ocean.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02696-4},
pmid = {41618023},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {NRF- 2022R1F1A1065719//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2025-RISE-10-004//the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Gangwon State (G.S.)/ ; KOPRI PE24090//Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries/ ; },
abstract = {Spatial differences in microbial community structure and function were examined across polynyas, sea ice zones (SIZ), and ice-free waters of the Amundsen Sea, Southern Ocean, using 16 S and 18 S rRNA gene-based eDNA metabarcoding and quantitative PCR targeting nitrogen cycling and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) degradation genes. The SIZ exhibited enrichment of psychrophilic bacteria (Colwellia spp.) and dominant eukaryotic taxa such as Diatomea and Prymnesiophyceae, likely linked to sea-ice-driven shifts in nutrient stoichiometry (elevated N: P and positive N*). Network analysis revealed interactions among primary producers, bacteria, and zooplankton, highlighting complementary roles in trophic energy transfer and nutrient recycling. Metabolic pathway predictions implied active bacterial processes related to sulfur and nitrogen cycling in the SIZ, particularly dissimilatory nitrate reduction and DMSP demethylation, suggesting coupling between carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur pathways. Quantitative PCR showed higher copy numbers of nitrogen cycling genes and DMSP degradation genes in the SIZ than in other regions, consistent with enhanced microbial denitrification, nitrogen fixation, and sulfur cycling under cold conditions shaped by sea-ice-driven nutrient dynamics. These findings demonstrate that environmental variation in Antarctic waters influences microbial diversity, reshapes ecological interactions, and modulates biogeochemical functions, with implications for nutrient cycling, food web dynamics, and ecosystem resilience in this climate-sensitive region.},
}

@article {pmid41617658,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, Z and Liu, R and Zhang, ZA and Dai, T and Zhu, D and Zhang, Y},
title = {Intestinal Microplastic Retention Reshapes Gut Microbial Ecology through Surface-Associated Colonization and Additive Leaching.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c16988},
pmid = {41617658},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their potential impacts on the human gut microbiota, yet the mechanisms governing MP-microbiota interactions remain insufficiently resolved. Here, we employed the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem, a dynamic host-free in vitro model, to investigate how intestinally retained poly(ethylene terephthalate) MPs influence gut microbial communities. We show that MP retention is associated with two separable processes: surface-mediated spatial redistribution of microbes and additive-associated perturbations. Compared with additive-eluted MPs and inert SiO2 particles, MPs exhibited greater surface roughness and hydrophobicity, promoting selective colonization by hydrophobic, potentially pathogenic, and organic-degrading taxa. This surface-associated colonization coincided with the displacement of luminal keystone taxa and pronounced restructuring of microbial co-occurrence networks, reflected by reduced negative cohesion and altered community stability. In parallel, leachable MP-associated additives independently shifted microbial composition and predicted functional potential, including enrichment of pathways related to xenobiotic degradation. This work provides mechanistic insight into how retained MPs may condition gut microbial ecosystems and underscores the importance of considering MP-associated microbial perturbations in gut-relevant exposure assessments.},
}

@article {pmid41615200,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, J and Qin, X and Zhang, D and Dong, C},
title = {Microbial landscape: composition and health associations of environmental microbiome in key functional spaces of premium elderly care facilities.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0183725},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01837-25},
pmid = {41615200},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The environmental microbiome in elderly care facilities plays a crucial role in the health of aging populations with immunosenescence; however, its composition and health associations remain underexplored. This study characterizes the microbial ecology of premium elderly care facilities, focusing on key functional spaces, environmental drivers, and implications for resident health. We conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 regions) on 320 surface and air samples from six functional spaces (dining areas, medical facilities, bedrooms, bathrooms, recreational rooms, and corridors) across four premium elderly care facilities. Environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, CO2, and occupancy) were measured concurrently. Bioinformatics analysis (QIIME 2, DADA2, and Silva database) and statistical modeling (permutational multivariate analysis of variance, distance-based redundancy analysis, and PICRUSt2) were employed to assess microbial diversity, taxonomic composition, functional potential, and environmental correlations. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing across four facilities in different geographic regions, we identified significant spatial heterogeneity in microbial diversity and composition, with dining areas and recreational rooms exhibiting higher richness (Shannon index: 6.07 ± 0.37) and human-associated taxa (e.g., Firmicutes), while medical facilities and bathrooms harbored lower diversity but elevated opportunistic pathogens (Pseudomonas and Klebsiella). Environmental parameters-particularly relative humidity (explaining 13.8% of community variation) and occupancy-strongly influenced the microbial structure. A core microbiome dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria was conserved across facilities, while functional predictions revealed space-specific traits, including predicted enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes in medical facilities (ARG Shannon diversity: 4.87 ± 0.42) and carbohydrate metabolism pathways in dining areas. Negative correlations between beneficial (Lactobacillus) and pathogenic taxa (Staphylococcus aureus) were consistent with potential ecological strategies for microbial balance, although validation with absolute quantification is needed. This study highlights the need for space-specific microbial management in elderly care environments, emphasizing humidity control, ventilation, and targeted hygiene to mitigate pathogen risks while preserving beneficial communities. Our findings suggest the potential value of ecologically informed stewardship over pathogen-centric approaches. Future research should integrate multi-omics and longitudinal health data to optimize microbiome-resident health interactions.IMPORTANCEAs people age, their immune systems weaken, making the elderly especially vulnerable to germs in their surroundings. This study reveals that the types and amounts of bacteria living on surfaces and in the air within premium elderly care facilities differ significantly depending on the room's purpose-such as dining areas, medical rooms, or bathrooms. We found that humidity and how many people use a space strongly influence these bacterial communities. Crucially, areas like medical rooms had more bacteria linked to infections and antibiotic resistance, while social spaces hosted more diverse and potentially beneficial bacteria. This shows that a "one-size-fits-all" cleaning approach is not ideal. Instead, tailoring hygiene practices and environmental controls (like managing humidity) to specific spaces could better protect residents' health by reducing harmful germs while supporting helpful ones, offering a smarter way to manage these critical living environments for our aging population.},
}

@article {pmid41615027,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiménez, DJ and Marasco, R and Schultz, J and Rodríguez, CAD and Nogales, J and Rodriguez-R, LM and Overmann, J and Rosado, AS},
title = {Discovery and cultivation of prokaryotic taxa in the age of metagenomics and artificial intelligence.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag012},
pmid = {41615027},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Despite advances in sequencing, microbial genomics, and cultivation techniques, the vast majority of prokaryotic species remain uncultured, which is a persistent bottleneck in microbiology and microbial ecology. This perspective outlines a conceptual framework to improve the transition from genome-resolved metagenomics to the targeted isolation of yet-uncultured prokaryotic taxa. The proposed framework integrates the induced reshaping of microbiomes, genome-based inferences of physiological and phenotypic traits, culture media design, and targeted culturomics, enabling hypothesis-driven cultivation. In addition, this manuscript addresses the critical limitations in the field, including the sequence-to-function gap, and emphasizes the synergistic potential of experimental microbiology, microbial ecology, metagenomics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictions to enhance rational and actionable roadmaps for discovering and cultivating novel prokaryotic lineages.},
}

@article {pmid41614284,
year = {2026},
author = {Karmakar, R and Paul, P and Malik, M and Maity, A and Mishra, MC and Tribedi, P and Ghosh, MM},
title = {In Silico and In Vitro Investigations of Novel Strategies to Combat Drug-Resistant Comamonas aquatica.},
journal = {APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica},
volume = {134},
number = {2},
pages = {e70152},
doi = {10.1111/apm.70152},
pmid = {41614284},
issn = {1600-0463},
support = {BT/INF/22/SP41296/2020//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; IMSXC2022-23/010//St. Xavier's College (Autonomous) Kolkata/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Computer Simulation ; *Benzaldehydes/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Comamonas aquatica, an emerging nosocomial pathogen, poses significant clinical challenges through biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the efficacy of cuminaldehyde combined with tetracycline against C. aquatica biofilms using an integrated approach. In silico predictions (PASS online, SwissADME, PROTOX 3.0, OSIRIS) indicated that cuminaldehyde exhibited favorable oral bioavailability with acceptable toxicity profiles, while tetracycline showed limited oral absorption due to molecular size and polarity constraints. Experimentally, individual minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined as 300 μg/mL for cuminaldehyde and 0.2 μg/mL for tetracycline. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.66 demonstrated additive interactions between the compounds (cuminaldehyde and tetracycline). The result indicated that the combinatorial application of compounds exhibited enhanced antimicrobial potential against the test organism. Furthermore, co-application of cuminaldehyde and tetracycline was found to show increased antibiofilm potential against the same organism. The result showed that the biofilm inhibition under the influence of the combinatorial application could be attributed to the enhancement of bacterial cell membrane permeability and accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. In a nutshell, the findings of this study highlight a promising strategy of using combinatorial therapy involving cuminaldehyde-tetracycline for dealing with biofilm-associated infections caused by C. aquatica.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Tetracycline/pharmacology
Computer Simulation
*Benzaldehydes/pharmacology
Humans
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism

@article {pmid41614084,
year = {2026},
author = {Kwarteng, SA and Mensah, JO and Obuam, PK and Odenteh, EA and Foriwaah, PD and Mbelede, AI and Dziwornu, E and Duker, EO and Boakye, JD and Agbotse, GD and Yanney, JN and Aba Aude Koffi, MC and DeWitt, ME and Addo, SO},
title = {Occurrence of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu Lato From Domestic Dogs in Kumasi, Ghana.},
journal = {Veterinary medicine international},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {8881048},
pmid = {41614084},
issn = {2090-8113},
abstract = {Tick-borne pathogens, transmitted by ticks, infect humans and animals worldwide. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, is a significant vector of a number of pathogens, including Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia and Anaplasma species. In Ghana, there is limited information on the pathogens carried by Rh. sanguineus s.l. As such, Rh. sanguineus ticks taken from domestic dogs in Kumasi were screened for tick-borne pathogens, including Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon species. A total of 204 ticks collected from 56 infested dogs were morphologically identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l. From the 88 pools screened, 36 (40.9%) were positive for pathogen DNA. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia africae (5 pools), Ehrlichia canis (10 pools) and uncultured Anaplasma sp. (21 pools) with maximum likelihood estimates as 2.48% (95% CI: 0.93, 5.38%), 5.22% (95% CI: 2.69, 9.15%) and 11.20% (95% CI: 7.32, 16.29%), respectively. There was no association between the detection of a pathogen and the tick sex or dog breed, age or sex. This study provides important baseline data on the circulation of tick-borne pathogens in Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks in Kumasi, with implications for both veterinary and human health. The presence of uncultured Anaplasma sp. suggests a wider diversity of tick-borne bacteria with unknown pathogenicity. There is a need for integrated tick control, improved diagnosis and additional epidemiological studies to mitigate the impact of tick-borne diseases in Ghana.},
}

@article {pmid41613253,
year = {2026},
author = {Samimi, A and Verdon, N and Allen, RJ and Rosenbaum, MA},
title = {Probing Antibiotic Inhibition in Small Bacterial Populations With Combinatorial Droplet Microfluidics.},
journal = {Small science},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {e202500421},
pmid = {41613253},
issn = {2688-4046},
abstract = {Bacterial infections often involve small, local populations of bacteria, yet antibiotic treatment decisions are generally based on bulk population susceptibility assays. Stochastic variability among local small populations can influence susceptibility, limiting the predictive capability of bulk assays. Therefore there is a need to better understand antibiotic response in small populations. Droplet-based microfluidics enables the high-throughput production of tens of thousands of picolitre droplets, in which small populations of bacteria (e.g., 8 cells) can be encapsulated and their responses to different environmental conditions tracked. Here, we use a combinatorial droplet-generation platform, combined with microscopy and image analysis, to interrogate the responses of small populations of Escherichia coli to different bulk-determined sub-inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics tetracycline, streptomycin, and ampicillin within a single experiment. We observe qualitatively distinct small-population responses for these antibiotics. For the bacteriostatic ribosome-targeting antibiotic tetracycline, growth varies nonmonotonically at low antibiotic concentrations. For the bactericidal ribosome-targeting antibiotic streptomycin, we observe apparent bistability, some replicate populations growing while others die. For the bactericidal cell-wall targeting antibiotic ampicillin, we observe stochastic bacterial filamentation. Our study shows how distinct phenomena impacting antibiotic susceptibility may emerge in small bacterial populations, laying a foundation for deeper studies into potential treatment implications.},
}

@article {pmid41612472,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Shen, Y and Shen, J and Bi, J and Xu, J and Wei, T and Wang, R and Wu, X and Li, F and Bai, J and Jie, Z and Hou, D and Song, Y},
title = {Airway microbiome dysbiosis in severe pneumonia: metagenomic evidence of pathogen expansion and commensal depletion.},
journal = {European journal of medical research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40001-026-03892-1},
pmid = {41612472},
issn = {2047-783X},
support = {ZD2021CY001//Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project/ ; GWVI-11.1-18//Shanghai Three-year Action Plan to Strengthen the Construction of Public Health System/ ; 82130001//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024YFC3044400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; GZNL2024A02003//R&D Program of Guangzhou National Laboratory/ ; W2020-013//The Construction of Multi-Disciplinary Treatment System for Severe Pneumonia/ ; 22Y11900800//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; shslczdzk02201//Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The pulmonary microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of pneumonia severity, yet its clinical implications remain incompletely understood. Disruption of microbial ecology, or dysbiosis, may impair host immune responses and exacerbate disease progression. This study aimed to characterize microbiome alterations associated with severe pneumonia and their correlation with host inflammatory and coagulative parameters.

METHODS: In this multicenter, prospective observational cohort study conducted across nine hospitals in Shanghai (2021-2025), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 306 patients with clinically diagnosed pulmonary infections were analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Patients were stratified into severe (n = 196) and non-severe (n = 110) groups using WHO-derived severe pneumonia criteria at the time of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Microbial taxonomic profiles, diversity indices, co-occurrence networks, and correlations with clinical markers were comprehensively assessed using standard bioinformatic and statistical approaches.

RESULTS: Severe pneumonia was associated with marked microbial dysbiosis, including reorganization of co-occurrence network topology with centrality shifting away from commensals toward opportunistic taxa in severe disease, characterized by reduced α-diversity, altered β-diversity, and enrichment of opportunistic Gram-negative pathogens including Acinetobacter and Klebsiella. In contrast, commensals such as Rothia and Prevotella were depleted. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed fragmentation of microbial interactions in severe cases, with centrality shifting from commensals to opportunists like Corynebacterium striatum. Shannon diversity negatively correlated with SOFA scores, and specific taxa positively associated with systemic inflammation (CRP, PCT) and coagulation abnormalities. Nearly all samples demonstrated polymicrobial infection, with distinct microbial patterns observed across monomicrobial and polymicrobial subgroups.

CONCLUSION: Our multicenter observational analysis suggests that severe pneumonia is associated with marked ecological disruption of the lower-airway microbiome, characterized by commensal loss, opportunist expansion, and fragmented interspecies networks, and with concurrent inflammatory and coagulative abnormalities. These hypothesis-generating findings warrant external validation in independent, multi-region cohorts and longitudinal sampling to test directionality and causality before informing clinical decision-making.},
}

@article {pmid41612032,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Q and Shen, J and Feng, J and Liu, Y and Huang, Z and Wang, X},
title = {Patterns of ARGs and VFs Driven by Short-Term Seasonal Hydro-Environmental Stress Interactions in a Eutrophic Plateau Lake.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02703-8},
pmid = {41612032},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {No. 202303AC100016//the Key Research and Development Program of Yunnan/ ; Project No. 202301AT070001//the Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects/ ; No. 2024YFD1700100//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {With the intensification of human activities, large amounts of antibiotics, heavy metals, and disinfectants enter lakes, exerting continuous selective pressure and driving the enrichment and dissemination of ARGs and VFs in aquatic microbial communities. Previous studies have primarily focused on the occurrence and abundance of ARGs in extreme plateau environments. However, the diversity and abundance of ARGs and VFs in eutrophic plateau lakes under different seasons and environmental pressures remain underexplored. In this study, we analyzed the presence of ARGs and VFs in the eutrophic plateau lake Qilu Lake across different seasons. From the perspective of hydrology and water quality, there is no inflow into the lake during the dry season, while the wet season sees an inflow of 28.1724 million cubic meters. Organic matter and metal ions are significantly higher in the dry season, whereas total nitrogen and pH levels rise notably in the wet season. We found 29 types of ARGs and 601 types of VFs in the dry season, compared to 45 types of ARGs and 637 types of VFs in the wet season. In both seasons, glycopeptide antibiotic resistance genes were the most abundant ARGs. LPS was the most abundant VFs in the dry season, while Type IV pili dominated in the wet season. The primary microbial-driven resistance mechanism strategy in both seasons was Antibiotic target alteration. The microorganism with the highest abundance of ARGs and VFs in both seasons was Pseudomonadota. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between the abundance of ARGs and VFs in both seasons, with this relationship being more pronounced in the dry season. Our findings indicate that the increased diversity and abundance of ARGs during the wet season may be directly linked to the heightened input of exogenous antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the promotion of plasmid conjugation transfer by hydraulic disturbances. Although VFs diversity was higher in the wet season, the low-water concentration effect and metal ion stress during the dry season significantly elevated the relative abundance of core VFs (e.g., type IV pili), resulting in the abundance of VFs per unit volume surpassing that of the wet season.},
}

@article {pmid41611907,
year = {2026},
author = {Capri, FC and Prazzi, E and Casamento, G and Alduina, R},
title = {Influence of Nest Microbiota on Hatching Success of Caretta Caretta on Lampedusa Island.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02699-1},
pmid = {41611907},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Egg hatching success in sea turtle nests can be influenced by multiple abiotic and biotic factors. Although interest in nest microbiota as a determinant of embryo development and viability is increasing, its role has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we profiled the bacterial communities of four Caretta caretta nests on Lampedusa Island: Cala Pisana (P1 and P2) and Spiaggia dei Conigli (C1 and C2), which showed different hatching success rates (P1 = 85.2%, P2 = 1.1%, C1 = 1.1%, C2 = 0.0%). Using 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) sequencing, we analyzed different sample types, including sand from inside and outside the nest chamber, eggshells, and inner membranes. Alpha diversity was highest in sand and lower in eggshells and inner membranes. β-diversity clearly separated the only successful nest (P1) from the others (P2, C1, and C2) (PERMANOVA p < 0.001). Across all nests, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota; notably, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio was lowest in P1 compared with P2, C1, and C2. Nests with low hatching success were Firmicutes-dominated, enriched in Bacillus and Pseudomonas, and harbored hydrocarbon-degrading genera (Pseudoxanthomonas and Devosia), suggesting environmental influences. Opportunistic pathogens (Ochrobactrum and Simkaniaceae), likely associated with vertical transmission, were detected exclusively in C1 and C2 nests. Overall, our findings highlight the potentially critical role of nest microbiota in reproductive success. Both vertical (maternal) and horizontal (environmental and anthropogenic) transmission appear to shape microbial composition, potentially affecting hatchling viability and offering useful insights for conservation monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid41611865,
year = {2026},
author = {Ulloa, MA and Serrano, AV and Camelo, LC and Guyot, R and Vela, D and Muñoz, AR},
title = {Bacterial genome reconstruction and community profiling in Neotropical Drosophila.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-36282-y},
pmid = {41611865},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Drosophila species serve as key models for microbiota research due to their relatively simple microbial communities. However, microbial diversity and dynamics in Neotropical Andean Drosophila remain underexplored. Here we applied shotgun metagenomics to characterize the microbiota of 24 Neotropical Drosophila species from Ecuador, reconstructing 64 high-quality bacterial genomes predominantly from Acetobacteraceae and Enterobacterales. Microbial communities were consistently dominated by yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and Wolbachia. Comparative analyses revealed no strong correlation between host phylogeny and microbial community composition, suggesting environmental factors and microbial interactions shape these communities. Notably, shifts in relative abundances indicate dynamic ecological succession and metabolic cooperation among microbes. These findings expand genomic resources for Drosophila-associated bacteria and highlight the complex ecological processes influencing host-microbiota relationships in natural populations.},
}

@article {pmid41611114,
year = {2026},
author = {Young, RB and Correia, GDS and MacIntyre, DA},
title = {Host, microbial and environmental drivers of vaginal microbiota composition.},
journal = {Fertility and sterility},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.fertnstert.2026.01.020},
pmid = {41611114},
issn = {1556-5653},
abstract = {The human vagina harbours a microbial community that differs markedly in compositional structure from all mammals, including closely related primates. Lactobacilli are the most abundant vaginal species, and their dominance in this niche are associated with protection against adverse health outcomes including preterm birth, sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis. However, the vaginal environment can also support compositions of diverse anaerobic bacteria, which have been linked to poor reproductive health outcomes. Here, we review current knowledge on host and microbial determinants that influence microbial community structure within the vaginal niche, emphasising the interplay between host physiology, immune and metabolic interactions as well as lifestyle factors. This integrated understanding provides a foundation for linking vaginal microbiome compositions to clinically relevant phenotypes and highlights mechanisms that could be exploited to promote improved reproductive health.},
}

@article {pmid41610262,
year = {2026},
author = {Wrightson, I and Man, M and Castañeda-Gómez, L and Srikanthan, N and Tong, H and Knorr, MA and Frey, SD and Nadelhoffer, KJ and Lajtha, K and Simpson, MJ},
title = {Three Decades of Litter Manipulation Distinctly Shifts Soil Organic Matter Composition and Constrains Soil Carbon Sequestration in Temperate Forest Soils.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c11996},
pmid = {41610262},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The capacity of forest soils to sequester carbon (C) is susceptible to shifts in the litter quantity and chemistry. Using measurements from the third decade of a long-term Detrital Input and Removal Treatment (DIRT) experiment at Harvard Forest (MA, USA), extending previously published work from 20 years, we examined how litter inputs shape soil organic matter (SOM) chemistry. Elemental analysis, targeted compound analysis, solid-state [13]C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and microbial biomass and community composition measurements were used. Despite doubled litter inputs over 30 years, no net soil C accumulation occurred, and the SOM decomposition stage was similar to the control, suggesting continuous microbial processing of added inputs. The exclusion of litter, roots, or both led to lower soil C and more advanced SOM decomposition in mineral soils. Shifts in microbial community composition, particularly an increase in Gram (+) to Gram (-) bacteria under exclusion treatments, point to microbial reorganization in response to altered substrate availability. This long-term study underscores the limited potential for long-term soil C sequestration due to sustained microbial decomposition and the role of continuous plant inputs in shaping SOM chemisty under changing detrital regimes in a temperate forest.},
}

@article {pmid41610138,
year = {2026},
author = {Dubey, S and Shukla, S and Gupta, N and Dixit, R and Bhadury, P and Kumar, A},
title = {Effect of perchlorate on biocementation capable bacteria and Martian bricks.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e0340252},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0340252},
pmid = {41610138},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Perchlorates/pharmacology ; *Mars ; *Bacteria/drug effects/metabolism/genetics ; Calcium Carbonate/chemistry ; *Construction Materials/microbiology ; Urease/metabolism ; },
abstract = {With the recent discovery of perchlorate (0.5-1%) in Martian regolith, more experiments related to the impact of perchlorate on microbial life are crucial to understanding the possibility of earth life forms that could sustain on the Martian terrain. While we are familiar with the idea of bioconsolidated Martian bricks made via Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), studies on the effect of perchlorate on Martian bricks & biocementation capable microbes have been obscure. In this work, we investigated the effect of perchlorate (MgClO4- salt) on a lab-isolated biocementation capable bacteria & Martian bricks bioconsolidated by the same, with 1% perchlorate in Mars Global Simulant-1 (MGS-1). The screening of biocementation-capable bacteria involved phenol red assay for urease activity followed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of the precipitate formed through MICP via ureolytic pathway. The biocementation capable bacterium SI_IISc_isolate was found to be phylogenetically closest to Sporosarcina pasteurii strain S2135 with a draft genome size of 3.69 Mb. To understand the effect of perchlorate on SI_IISc_isolate, we majorly relied on Gram-staining & SEM. The negative effect of perchlorate stress on the isolate was evident by its decreased growth in the presence of varying concentrations of perchlorate through plate assays, growth curve studies in broth & live-dead staining. Gram-staining study and SEM both revealed that perchlorate induces the release of extracellular matrix (ECM) and promotes clustering of cells by the bacteria, which we termed as 'multicellularity-like behavior.' Further, we constructed Martian bricks with Martian Global Simulant (MGS-1) along with 1% perchlorate, utilizing the microbially induced calcite precipitation ability of the Sporosarcina sp. strain SI_IISc_isolate via ureolysis, following an established protocol at our lab. The bioconsolidation experiments showed that in the presence of a natural adhesive - guar gum, perchlorate tends to significantly improve the compressive strength of Martian bricks. However, the end result eventually relies on the overall effect of various additives in the regolith.},
}

*Perchlorates/pharmacology
*Mars
*Bacteria/drug effects/metabolism/genetics
Calcium Carbonate/chemistry
*Construction Materials/microbiology
Urease/metabolism

@article {pmid41609879,
year = {2026},
author = {Sánchez Espinosa, KC and Fernández-González, M and Dias-Lorenzo, DA and Rodríguez-Rajo, FJ},
title = {First Report of Alternaria in the Olive Agroecosystem of NW Spain: Aerobiological Characterization and Relationship with Meteorological Factors.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02700-x},
pmid = {41609879},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Alternaria spp. is one of the fungal genera affecting olive cultivation, and its temporal dynamics are influenced by climatic variations occurring throughout the crop's vegetative cycle. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Alternaria spp. in an olive-growing area in northwestern Spain and to examine the relationship between its airborne concentrations and meteorological variables, in order to preliminarily predict its presence in the atmosphere during the olive tree's phenological cycle. To achieve this, a phenological, aeromycological, and meteorological study was conducted from 2021 to 2024. Alternaria spp. conidia were detected in the air throughout all major phenological stages, with peak concentrations occurring mainly during fruit development. The highest percentages of spores were recorded between 11:00 and 22:00, primarily influenced by temperature and sunlight. During the maturity of fruit stages in 2023 and 2024, isolates from the Alternaria section Alternaria were identified as the cause of olive rot. A predictive model was obtained that estimates the atmospheric concentrations of this type of fungus in the study area, based on average temperature values and hours of sunshine. This study constitutes the first report of Alternaria spp. in an olive-growing area of northwestern Spain and provides models that preliminarily predict its presence. These models can inform growers of the pathogen's presence in the air before visible symptoms appear, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection in susceptible plants when environmental conditions favor its development.},
}

@article {pmid41608689,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, W and Du, N and Zhang, K and Yang, P and Guo, J and Xu, L},
title = {Bilirubin-microbiota interaction: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in neonatal jaundice.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1749152},
pmid = {41608689},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Recent studies have revealed a complex interplay between bilirubin metabolism and the gut microbiota. Bilirubin functions as a potent antioxidant and signaling molecule in humans, and its concentration-dependent effects on distinct microbial taxa indicate that the compound exerts selective pressure on the gut ecosystem. The gut microbiota modulates bilirubin metabolism by altering intestinal pH, producing and activating Bilirubin metabolic enzyme, and bile acids. Because perturbations in bilirubin handling are especially common-and potentially neurotoxic-in neonates, a concise synthesis of recent progress is warranted. Here we review how microbial communities reshape bilirubin flux, how bilirubin and its conjugates, in turn, sculpt microbial ecology, and how the dynamic equilibrium between conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in hyperbilirubinaemia is influenced by the microbiome. Regulating gut microbiota to accelerate bilirubin clearance or attenuate its toxicity may therefore offer a tractable therapeutic avenue.},
}

@article {pmid41607130,
year = {2026},
author = {Stewart, JD and Ramirez, DX and Leon-Reyes, A and Barriga, N and Llerena, S and Manley, BF and Carpintero-Salvador, N and Ruiz-Uriguen, M and Raaijmakers, JM and Kiers, ET and Weedon, JT},
title = {Land Use Change Reshapes Climate-Driven Diversity Patterns of Tropical Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70253},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70253},
pmid = {41607130},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {MICROP 024.004.014//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; //Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham Environmental Trust/ ; //Paul G. Allen Family Foundation/ ; //Schmidt Family Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification ; *Biodiversity ; *Soil Microbiology ; Agriculture ; Tropical Climate ; Temperature ; Ecosystem ; Soil ; Climate ; *Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Land use change and agricultural expansion threaten biodiversity yet the effects on soil life remain poorly understood, especially for microbes. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are microbes that form associations with most plant species and are essential for plant nutrient uptake. The diversity of these fungi is also sensitive to both land use change and regional climatic conditions. We therefore asked whether variation in AM fungal diversity is driven by land use change, and whether these effects are further influenced by interactions with temperature and precipitation gradients. To test this, we quantified AM fungal biodiversity in cultivated and adjacent uncultivated soils across a 1700 m elevational gradient (temperature: 7.7°C-16.5°C and precipitation: 1000-3500 mm). We found that conversion of uncultivated soils to agriculture reduced AM fungal richness by 80%, on average. Richness in uncultivated soils increased with the temperature gradient, while richness in farms declined. A similar but inverted trend was found for precipitation, where richness in uncultivated sites declined as precipitation increased. Uncultivated soils contained approximately three-fold more unique AM fungal species compared to cultivated soils. Our findings demonstrate that interactions between climate and land use strongly influence AM fungal biodiversity patterns in tropical mountain ecosystems. Incorporating both factors into conservation and sustainable agriculture strategies will be critical to preserving belowground biodiversity under global change.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification
*Biodiversity
*Soil Microbiology
Agriculture
Tropical Climate
Temperature
Ecosystem
Soil
Climate
*Climate Change

@article {pmid41606790,
year = {2026},
author = {Clutter, CH and Leung, DT},
title = {Tracing MR1 expression across tissues to find the perfect MAIT.},
journal = {Journal of leukocyte biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jleuko/qiag014},
pmid = {41606790},
issn = {1938-3673},
abstract = {Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are part of a T cell subset that is activated upon presentation of B2 vitamin (riboflavin) metabolites by the major histocompatibility complex, class I related (MR1) protein. Though there is a clear relationship between microbial production of riboflavin and MAIT cell development and persistence, little is known about the cells that primarily communicate with MAIT cells and other MR1-restricted T cells. Elegant work by Deng et al demonstrates that it is macrophages from the lung and peritoneum that express the highest amount of MR1 and are the most efficient at presenting vitamin B antigens to MAIT cells. This landmark study not only definitively identifies and maps the key antigen presenting cell populations involved in MAIT cell activation, it also reveals a bidirectional relationship between MR1 expression and the host microbiome. While further work on how these findings translate to human MAIT cell biology is needed, this study has provided us with unprecedented insights into the mechanistic interplay and microbial ecology of MR1 presentation of riboflavin metabolites.},
}

@article {pmid41606115,
year = {2026},
author = {Hao, YQ and Li, BH and Chen, JY and Shu, WS and Zhao, XF},
title = {Bacterial necromass recycling promotes diversity maintenance in bacterial communities via resource partitioning.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41606115},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {32371597//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32271600//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding how high species diversity is maintained in natural bacterial communities is a central question in microbial ecology. Due to the versatile heterotrophic capacities of bacteria and the rich nutrients released by deceased bacterial cells, necromass recycling plays an important role in sustaining bacterial growth. Such nutrient cycling within communities can provide additional resource niches for bacteria, but its potential effects on bacterial diversity maintenance have been neglected. Here we conducted two independent experiments and studied the assembly of 276 soil-derived bacterial communities sustained by a wide range of bacterial necromass combinations, from single-species necromass to combinations of up to nearly 1,000 species. Our results highlight the existence of a species-rich bacterial necrobiome in soil. We found that the composition of necromass-decomposing communities was determined by the various organic compounds in the different necromass combinations, and the increases in necromass-producing species constantly promoted species diversity of necromass-decomposing communities. Moreover, the average niche breadth and overlap of coexisting necromass-decomposing species in utilizing distinct single-species necromass decreased with increases in necromass diversity, supporting the hypothesis of resource partitioning in utilizing different single-species necromass. Our study provides insights into diversity maintenance in bacterial communities from a perspective of internal nutrient cycling.},
}

@article {pmid41605992,
year = {2026},
author = {Dickerson, AL and Jechow, A and Nößler, M and Walles, TJW and Berger, SA and Hölker, F and Nejstgaard, JC},
title = {High-resolution in situ imaging reveals size-specific moonlight responses in zooplankton diel vertical migration.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {4086},
pmid = {41605992},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Zooplankton/physiology ; *Moon ; Copepoda/physiology ; Light ; *Animal Migration/physiology ; Body Size ; Germany ; Cladocera/physiology ; Lakes ; },
abstract = {Light is the primary cue driving zooplankton diel vertical migration (DVM), a strategy that balances predation risk with resource access. However, DVM is often oversimplified, with limited consideration of how light-driven risks and resource needs vary across taxa and life stages. This simplification is partly due to constraints on collecting high-resolution, size-resolved data -especially at night, when subtle shifts in illumination reshape nocturnal risk landscapes. To overcome these limitations, we deployed a high-resolution in situ modular Deep-focus Plankton Imager and an image-recognition approach to quantify fine scale DVM and body sizes of Cladocerans and Copepods in Lake Stechlin, Germany. Data was collected from day into night and across moonrise and was compared with environmental data from vertical profiling sondes. Typical DVM patterns emerged, with deeper daytime distributions, however, moonlight introduced additional behavioural complexity: larger individuals avoided illuminated layers, likely managing predation risk, while smaller individuals moved into these layers, possibly exploiting foraging opportunities and reduced risk. These light-mediated shifts were further shaped by ecological conditions; copepods tracked food-rich layers regardless of light levels at night, while cladocerans showed light-dependent responses to both temperature and food, such that light caused them to avoid otherwise favourable (warm, food-rich) layers. Our approach provides new insight into how zooplankton navigate nocturnal lightscapes, revealing size- and taxon-specific strategies. By establishing size-dependent responses to natural moonlight, this work provides a crucial baseline for predicting how artificial light at night may restructure zooplankton communities and destabilize freshwater food webs.},
}

Animals
*Zooplankton/physiology
*Moon
Copepoda/physiology
Light
*Animal Migration/physiology
Body Size
Germany
Cladocera/physiology
Lakes

@article {pmid41605068,
year = {2026},
author = {Truswell, A and Jordan, D and Pang, S and Cherrington, T and Hampson, DJ and Blinco, J and Adsett, S and Abraham, R and Stegger, M and Abraham, S},
title = {Genomic analysis of a porcine exudative epidermitis outbreak caused by Staphylococcus hyicus.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {314},
number = {},
pages = {110883},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110883},
pmid = {41605068},
issn = {1873-2542},
abstract = {Exudative epidermitis (EE) causes substantial morbidity and mortality in piglets. This study investigated the microbial ecology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and genomic diversity of Staphylococcus hyicus associated with an EE outbreak in an Australian piggery. Lesion swabs from 20 affected piglets yielded 160 bacterial isolates (including S. hyicus and cohabiting species). Isolates underwent species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of S. hyicus for AMR/virulence gene profiling and core-genome SNP analysis to assess genomic relatedness. S. hyicus predominated among lesion isolates. Phenotypic testing showed varied AMR, with frequent resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline. WGS of 27 S. hyicus isolates identified five distinct genotypic AMR profiles, including combinations spanning multiple drug classes. All S. hyicus carried the exfoliative toxin gene shetA, and 24 also carried exhD. Core-genome analysis indicated a highly clonal outbreak: 24/27 genomes differed by 0 core SNPs, with the remaining three closely related. Despite this clonality, resistance gene carriage varied across isolates. Consequently, reliance on a single colony to represent an outbreak could understate resistance and overstate treatability. These findings support routine multi-isolate sampling to capture within-clone AMR variability, bolster antimicrobial selection during EE management, and inform consideration of autogenous vaccines targeting dominant outbreak clones.},
}

@article {pmid41604921,
year = {2026},
author = {De, J and Banerjee, G and De Leon, EV and Martinez, AG and Wong, C and Banerjee, P},
title = {Polystyrene nanoplastics and pathogen plasticity: Toxic threat or tolerated stressor in Salmonella enterica?.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {503},
number = {},
pages = {141264},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141264},
pmid = {41604921},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), a group of increasingly common environmental pollutants, pose emerging risks to microbial ecology and food safety. This study examines the concentration- and time-dependent effects of PS-NPs (low exposure: 2.5-5 mg/L; moderate exposure: 10-20 mg/L; high exposure: 50-100 mg/L) on Salmonella enterica, a major foodborne pathogen. Under realistic environmental conditions, PS-NPs influenced bacterial viability, membrane integrity, and oxidative stress levels, with higher concentrations causing lipid peroxidation and membrane disruption. Gene expression analyses showed early upregulation of stress-related, biofilm-associated, virulence, and adhesion genes, indicating an adaptive response to PS-NP-induced stress. Biofilm formation increased with moderate to high PS-NP exposure, confirmed by exopolysaccharide measurement and confocal microscopy. However, prolonged or high-dose exposure resulted in downregulation of efflux systems (acrB, tolC), quorum-sensing regulators (lsrA, invF), and antimicrobial resistance genes (marR, tetC), suggesting stress-related trade-offs. Notably, transient activation of marA and acrA indicates potential NP-induced cross-resistance mechanisms. These results imply that PS-NPs act as environmental stressors capable of altering bacterial virulence and survival strategies, with significant implications for microbial behavior in plastic-contaminated ecosystems and food processing environments. Collectively, our results emphasize the urgent need to reevaluate NP exposure in the context of public health and antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41604057,
year = {2026},
author = {Silveira, KA and Ramiro-Garcia, J and Lawless, C and Espinosa-Vazquez, JM and Fermoso, FG and Collins, G and O'Flaherty, V},
title = {Mutual dosing of tungsten, molybdenum and selenium impact anaerobic digestion microbiome.},
journal = {Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41604057},
issn = {1572-8773},
support = {861088//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; },
abstract = {Metals are critical in anaerobic digestion, but their co-occurrence effects on microbiome structure and function are underexplored. This study hypothesized that exposure of methanogenic granules to a trace element (TE) mixture alongside molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) or selenium (Se)-would alter (i) extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) protein and carbohydrate content, (ii) microbial composition and function (iii) methanogenic pathways.To test this, anaerobic batch reactors (n = 35) were set up in a fed batch mode, with sacrificial reactors (n = 14) used to collect biomass for analyses, including DNA: RNA co-extraction, amplicon sequencing, and determination of the concentrations of total and soluble metals, Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and EPS extraction over a 24-day period.The results reveal that, Mo and W increased the concentration of soluble Fe in abiotic controls, enhancing Fe and S retention. The presence of W, Mo, W + Se, and Se had a positive effect on methane production, with W + Se and W enhancing acetoclastic methanogenesis. Additionally, Se increased EPS protein and carbohydrate contents in the biomass. Shifts in the microbiome composition were mainly driven by Mo and Se, with typically dominant Anaerolineacaeae, Capriciproducens, Macelibacteroides and Clostridium sensu stricto 5 taxa. Functional potential suggested an enrichment of nucleotide metabolism and, importantly, Vitamin (B12, B6 and B9) metabolic potential.These finding inform Anaerobic digestion (AD) stakeholders about the impacts of Fe, W, Mo, and Se co-dosing on process performance and microbiome structure and function, offering insights to optimize biogas production through tailored metal supplementation combinations, given demonstrations at lab and pilot scales.},
}

@article {pmid41603638,
year = {2026},
author = {Kosztik, J and Baka, E and Táncsics, A and Ábrahám, R and Szabó, G and Nagy, I and Orsini, M and Bata-Vidács, I and Szalontai, H and Kukolya, J and Nagy, I},
title = {Genomic and proteomic analyses of the maize root isolate Rhodococcus erythropolis NI86/21 reveal extensive genome plasticity and parallel evolution of herbicide degradation.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0240725},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02407-25},
pmid = {41603638},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Rhodococcus erythropolis NI86/21, isolated from maize rhizosphere in Hungary, possesses one of the largest genomes (8.046 Mb) within the species. The genome comprises a 6.83 Mb chromosome and 1.22 Mb of extrachromosomal elements, including three circular and two fragmented linear plasmids. Comparative analysis identified five horizontally acquired genomic islands (HGTi), totaling 0.64 Mb with mosaic-like architecture derived from plasmids, phages, and chromosomal segments of other Nocardiaceae. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomic analysis revealed a lower expression of genes located in HGT elements (53%) compared to core chromosomal genes (73%), indicating regulatory silencing of foreign DNA. Nevertheless, an inducible cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP116) responsible for thiocarbamate and atrazine degradation is encoded on HGTi_V and actively expressed upon herbicide exposure. Strikingly, an identical CYP450 locus is present on a conjugative plasmid in Rhodococcus sp. TE1 isolated from thiocarbamate-treated soil in Canada, demonstrating independent acquisition of the same catabolic module from a high GC% content Rhodococcus, under similar selective pressure. Frequent recombination between chromosomal and mobile elements generates the observed mosaic-like HGT structures, which we found common for R. erythropolis strains. These results highlight extraordinary genomic plasticity and rapid adaptive evolution in Rhodococci, enabling efficient colonization of herbicide-contaminated agro-ecosystems.IMPORTANCERhodococcus erythropolis NI86/21 exemplifies how bacterial genomes evolve through horizontal gene transfer and mobile elements. Its unusually large, plastic genome contains extensive HGT islands and a high load of active transposons, which shape mosaic genomic architectures and hinder complete genome assembly. These horizontally acquired regions, although partially silenced, encode key adaptive functions such as an inducible CYP116 monooxygenase enabling thiocarbamate and atrazine degradation. Remarkably, an identical CYP116 module is present in Rhodococcus sp. TE1 from thiocarbamate-treated Canadian soil, demonstrating that similar environmental pressures can drive independent acquisition of the same biodegradation trait. Together, the dynamic transposon activity, mosaic HGT structure, and geographically convergent gene recruitment highlight the extraordinary genomic plasticity of R. erythropolis and underscore its rapid adaptive potential in agro-ecosystems, with implications for microbial evolution and bioremediation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41503489,
year = {2026},
author = {Goddard, TR and Carlson-Jones, JA and Judith, M and Ooi, CY and Andrew, T and Warner, MS and John, W and Evans, IE and Hopkins, E and Iredell, JR and Jersmann, HP and Whiteson, KL and Bouras, G and Doane, MP and Falk, NW and Green, R and Grigson, SR and Mallawaarachchi, V and Martin, B and Roach, MJ and Ryan, FJ and Tarasenko, A and Papudeshi, B and Drigo, B and Giles, SK and Harker, CM and Hesse, RD and Hodgson, RJ and Hussnain, A and Hutton, A and Inglis, LK and Keneally, C and Kerr, EN and Liddicoat, C and Peddle, SD and Watson, CD and Yang, Q and Decewicz, P and Speck, PG and Mitchell, JG and Dinsdale, EA and Edwards, RA},
title = {Microbial Ecological Signatures Predict Pathogen Emergence and Multidrug Resistance in Cystic Fibrosis Airways up to a Year in Advance.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41503489},
abstract = {Chronic infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) emerge from gradual ecological transitions in the airway microbiome, yet early predictive markers remain poorly defined. We developed a new autoencoder-based framework that outperforms read-based or metagenome-assembled genome-based analyses at capturing the continuum from health-associated commensals to pathogen-dominated, antibiotic-tolerant communities. This improvement is achieved by integrating taxonomic and functional data from 127 sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage metagenomes from 64 people with CF into latent "Clusters of Phylogeny and Functions" (COPFs). Coupled with gradient-boosted random forests, COPFs predicted Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation, multidrug resistance, and impending infection up to a year before clinical detection. The multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa signature showed the same resistance-mechanism evolution as found in laboratory experiments. The inclusion of eukaryotic markers revealed persistent Aspergillus fumigatus signatures even during culture-negative intervals. Applying our South Australian-trained model to over 1,000 global metagenomes from 22 independent CF datasets, we achieved 94% accuracy in predicting P. aeruginosa status across platforms and geographies, validating the model's universal utility. Our results demonstrate that combining datasets with deep learning reveals conserved ecological and metabolic mechanisms in disease progression, transforming metagenomics into a predictive framework for managing chronic infections.},
}

@article {pmid41601066,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Cai, S and Zhang, P and Sun, C and Huang, D and Zhang, M and Tian, S},
title = {Effects of soil covering on bacterial communities and C/N functional genes during phytoremediation of copper tailings.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {119639},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119639},
pmid = {41601066},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {*Copper/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; Mining ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Carbon/metabolism ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; China ; Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Genes, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Copper tailings, a mining waste, pose environmental threats, and phytoremediation commonly employs soil covering to improve substrate properties and promote vegetation recovery. This study was conducted at the Yangshanchong Tailings Reservoir in Tongling City, Anhui Province, to comprehensively evaluate changes in soil physicochemical properties, bacterial community structure, and carbon/nitrogen functional genes during copper tailings remediation. We compared areas with and without soil covering, which were vegetated by two dominant species, Imperata cylindrica and Miscanthus floridulus, across profile depths of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm. Results indicated that: (i) soil covering significantly modified substrate pH, elevated levels of organic matter, organic carbon, and ammonium nitrogen, decreased surface total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and selected heavy metals, and altered the depth-dependent distribution of copper, manganese, and cadmium, (ii) soil covering reduced bacterial richness and diversity in I. cylindrica areas, increased the relative abundance of phyla such as Deinococcota, and significantly enriched genera including Brevundimonas, Acidisoma, and Acinetobacter, while enhancing the influence of heavy metals on dominant genera, (iii) soil covering reduced the abundance of genes related to nitrogen cycling (nifH, amoA, nosZ) and methane metabolism (pmoA1), and altered their correlations with specific bacterial genera. Overall, soil covering shapes bacterial community structure and the dynamics of carbon/nitrogen functional genes by altering the physicochemical properties and heavy metal distribution in tailings substrates, thereby playing a key regulatory role in microbial ecology during copper tailings revegetation. This study provides valuable insights for the restoration management of mining areas.},
}

*Copper/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/analysis
*Soil Microbiology
*Soil/chemistry
Mining
Nitrogen/metabolism
Carbon/metabolism
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
China
Metals, Heavy/analysis
Genes, Bacterial

@article {pmid41601011,
year = {2026},
author = {Staley, BT and DeWitt, ME and Wenner, JJ and Sanders, JW and Wierzba, TF and Poehling, K},
title = {Trusted Sources of COVID-19 Vaccine Information by County Characteristics in North Carolina.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines14010096},
pmid = {41601011},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {49927//NC Department of Health and Human Services/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted rural areas across the United States, including rural North Carolina (NC). Consistent with national patterns, COVID-19 vaccination coverage as of December 2022 was higher for non-rural (72%) than rural (58%) NC counties. The role of trusted sources of vaccine information used by rural and non-rural residents is unknown.

METHODS: Using data from two surveys distributed by the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership from 8 June 2021 through 21 December 2021, we compared self-reported sources of trusted COVID-19 vaccine information by non-rural and rural counties and by county-level predominant political vote in the 2020 Presidential election.

RESULTS: While NC respondents were highly vaccinated (94%), fewer residents from rural counties self-reported COVID-19 vaccination than those from non-rural counties (91% versus 95%). The most common reported source of trusted vaccine information was federal health agencies. The proportion citing a federal health agency was higher for respondents from non-rural (80%) than rural (72%) counties and was higher for vaccinated (75%) than unvaccinated (42%) rural respondents. The next two most trusted sources of vaccine information were state/local health officials (48%) and health care providers (42%). Among trusted resources reported by 10-15% of respondents, those from rural counties were less likely to use hospital websites, employers, or news sources than those from non-rural counties. More respondents from counties with >60% vote for the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate cited federal health agencies, state and local officials, and new sources than respondents from counties with >60% vote for the 2020 Republican Presidential candidate.

CONCLUSIONS: By identifying the trusted sources of vaccine information for residents in non-rural and rural NC counties, future vaccine implementation efforts can tailor communication efforts to increase vaccine uptake and potentially reduce the rates of hospitalizations and death from vaccine-preventable diseases such as COVID-19 or other future pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid41600663,
year = {2025},
author = {Polyorach, S and Suphalucksana, W and Klompanya, A and Yuangklang, C and Wanapat, M and Cheas, S and Cherdthong, A and Kang, S and Gunun, P and Gunun, N and Foiklang, S and Kongmun, P and Montri, N and Srikijkasemwat, K},
title = {Ensiling Time and Mixed Microbe Fermented Liquid Modulate In Vitro Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation of Fermented Total Mixed Rations.},
journal = {Veterinary sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vetsci13010006},
pmid = {41600663},
issn = {2306-7381},
support = {Grant No. 2561-01-04-006//Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigated how varying the ensiling period and the level of mixed microbes fermented liquid (MMFL) influences the chemical composition, in vitro degradability, rumen fermentation profile, and microbial ecology of fermented total mixed rations (FTMR). A completely randomized 4 × 4 factorial design was used, incorporating four fermentation durations (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) and four MMFL inclusion rates (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of DM). Both factors exerted significant effects on FTMR quality (p < 0.05). The combination of a 14-day fermentation period with 0.5% MMFL consistently produced the most desirable outcomes. Under these conditions, crude protein concentration rose from 12.0% to 14.3% of DM, while neutral-detergent fiber declined from 54.2% to 49.1%. Improvements were also observed in in vitro digestibility, with DM and OM increasing by 9-12% relative to the untreated control (p < 0.05). Fermentation end-products were enhanced, as total volatile fatty acids increased by 15% (92.4 vs. 80.1 mmol/L), and the molar proportion of propionate increased from 24.5 to 29.2 mol/100 mol, thereby lowering the acetate-to-propionate ratio (2.4 vs. 3.0; p < 0.05). Estimated methane production declined by 18% (p < 0.01). Microbial counts reflected a shift toward a more efficient fermentative community, with bacterial and fungal populations increasing by 21% and 18%, and protozoa decreasing by 25% (p < 0.05). Overall, moderate MMFL supplementation during a 14-day ensiling phase enhanced nutrient conservation and fermentation efficiency, suggesting practical value for improving FTMR utilization in ruminant systems. Further in vivo and economic evaluations remain necessary.},
}

@article {pmid41600038,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, H and Liu, Z and Wang, C and Chu, Y and Zhang, C and Yu, Y and Yang, S},
title = {EDDS-Enhanced Phytoremediation of Cd-Zn Co-Contaminated Soil by Sedum lineare: Mechanisms of Metal Uptake, Soil Improvement, and Microbial Community Modulation.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15020231},
pmid = {41600038},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32271705//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Soil co-contamination with cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) poses serious threats to environmental safety and public health. This study investigates the enhancement effect and underlying mechanism of the biodegradable chelator Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) on phytoremediation of Cd-Zn contaminated soil using Sedum lineare. The results demonstrate that EDDS application (3.65 g·L[-1]) effectively alleviated metal-induced phytotoxicity by enhancing chlorophyll synthesis, activating antioxidant enzymes (catalase and dismutase), regulating S-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity, and promoting leaf protein synthesis, thereby improving photosynthetic performance and cellular integrity. The combined treatment significantly increased the bioavailability of Cd and Zn in soil, promoted their transformation into exchangeable fraction, and resulted in removal rates of 30.8% and 28.9%, respectively. EDDS also modified the interaction patterns between heavy metals and essential nutrients, particularly the competitive relationships through selective chelation between Cd/Zn and Fe/Mn during plant uptake. Soil health was substantially improved, as evidenced by reduced electrical conductivity, enhanced cation exchange capacity, and enriched beneficial microbial communities including Sphingomonadaceae. Based on the observed ion antagonism during metal uptake and translocation, this study proposes a novel "Nutrient Regulation Assisted Remediation" strategy to optimize heavy metal accumulation and improve remediation efficiency through rhizosphere nutrient management. These findings confirm the EDDS-S. lineare system as an efficient and sustainable solution for remediation of Cd-Zn co-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid41599027,
year = {2025},
author = {Maçin, S and Özden, Ö and Samadzade, R and Saylam, E and Çiftçi, N and Arslan, U and Yormaz, S},
title = {Oral Microbiota Alterations and Potential Salivary Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: A Next-Generation Sequencing Study.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15010043},
pmid = {41599027},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {23401136//Selçuk University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/diagnosis ; Male ; Female ; *Saliva/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; *Microbiota/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Aged ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Pilot Projects ; *Biomarkers, Tumor ; Phylogeny ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Mouth/microbiology ; Biomarkers ; Case-Control Studies ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate worldwide. Oral and intestinal microbiota members may have an effect on gastrointestinal tumors' pathogenesis, particularly in CRC. Designed as a pilot study, this study's aim was to investigate the relationship between CRC and oral microbiota and to identify potential biomarkers for CRC diagnosis. Saliva samples were collected from recently diagnosed CRC patients (n = 14) and healthy controls (n = 14) between March 2023 and December 2023. Microbiota (16S rRNA) analyses were conducted on these saliva samples using a next-generation sequencing method. Phylogenetic analyses, including alpha diversity, principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), beta diversity, biomarker, and phenotype analyses, were conducted using the Qiime2 (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology) platform. Alpha diversity indices (Shannon: p = 0.78, Cho1: p = 0.28, Simpson: p = 0.81) showed no significant difference between CRC and control groups. Beta diversity analysis using Bray-Curtis PCoA indicated significant differences in the microbial community between the two groups (p = 0.003). Examination of OTU distributions revealed that the Mycoplasmatota phylum was undetectable in the oral microbiota of healthy controls but was significantly elevated in CRC patients (CRC: 0.13 ± 0.30, Control: 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.05). Additionally, Metamycoplasma salivarium, Bacteroides intestinalis, and Pseudoprevotella muciniphila were undetectable in healthy controls but significantly more prevalent in CRC patients (p < 0.05 for all three species). LEfSe analysis identified eight species with an LDA score > 2, Granulicatella adiacens, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus gwangjuense, Capnocytophaga sp. FDAARGOS_737, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Granulicatella elegans, Bacteroides intestinalis, and Pseudoprevotella muciniphila, as potential biomarkers. The results of this study contribute critical evidence of the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Alterations in the microbiota suggest potential biomarkers in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying CRC and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/diagnosis
Male
Female
*Saliva/microbiology
Middle Aged
*Microbiota/genetics
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Aged
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Pilot Projects
*Biomarkers, Tumor
Phylogeny
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Mouth/microbiology
Biomarkers
Case-Control Studies
Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid41597698,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohammed, A and Negm, E and Amarin, N and Sayed, S and Soliman, A and Askar, H and Yusuf, S and Rayan, AA},
title = {Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotics on Cecal Microbial Ecology, Immune Response, and Meat Quality of Muscovy Ducks.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010182},
pmid = {41597698},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {United Animal Health//United Animal Health (United States)/ ; },
abstract = {Probiotics represent a beneficial approach to boost the welfare, health, and meat quality of poultry. One hundred and twenty one-day-old male Muscovy ducklings were divided among 24 floor pens (five ducklings per pen). The pens were randomly distributed among one of four dietary treatments with six replicates (G-C) without any supplementation of probiotics; (G-A) was supplemented with 0.4 g/kg of Amnil[®]; (G-M) was supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of M-Mobilize[®]; and (G-A-M) was supplemented with 0.4 g/kg of Amnil[®] (1-30 day) and 0.5 g/kg of M-Mobilize[®] (31-60 day), respectively. The results indicated that BW at day 60 was improved in (G-A) birds compared with (G-C) ones, IL-6 was decreased in (G-A) and (G-A-M) in liver and spleen in comparison with (G-C) (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed between (G-C) and (G-M) (p > 0.05); IL-10 was decreased in all the probiotic-fed ducklings compared with (G-C) birds in the spleen (p < 0.05), and IL-10 was decreased in the (G-A) birds compared with the other treatments in the liver (p < 0.05). Probiotic-fed birds showed a higher enumeration of Lactobacillus spp. compared to (G-C) group (p < 0.05). In addition, the (G-M) group showed improved breast meat flavor, general acceptability, and water-holding capacity (WHC%) compared to (G-C) group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the probiotic supplement (G-A), could be a good management tool for improving Muscovy ducks' health and production and further research is needed to improve meat quality traits.},
}

@article {pmid41597665,
year = {2026},
author = {Khachatryan, A and Vardanyan, A and Zhang, R and Zhang, Y and Shi, X and Willscher, S and Nguyen, NHA and Vardanyan, N},
title = {Metagenome Insights into Armenian Acid Mine Drainage: A Novel Thermoacidophilic Iron-Oxidizing Bacterium with Perspectives for Copper Bioleaching.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010146},
pmid = {41597665},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {22rl-031//Higher Education Science Committee of Armenia/ ; 23-YSIP-012//Higher Education Science Committee of Armenia/ ; },
abstract = {The microbial ecology of acid mine drainage (AMD) systems in Armenia, with a long mining history, remains unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the microbial diversity and functional potential of AMD in the Syunik region and to isolate novel microorganisms with biotechnological value. A comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities' structure of Kavart abandoned, Kapan exploring mines effluent, and Artsvanik tailing was conducted. Metagenomics revealed bacterial-dominated communities, comprising Pseudomonadota (previously "Proteobacteria") (68-72%), with site-specific variations in genus abundance. A high abundance and diversity of metal resistance genes (MRGs), particularly for copper and arsenic, were identified. Carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) analysis showed a dominance of GT2 and GT4 genes, suggesting a high potential for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production and biofilm formation. A novel strain of iron-oxidizing bacteria Arm-12 was isolated that shares only ~90% similarity with known Leptospirillum type species, indicating it may represent a new genus without culturable representatives. The strain exhibits enhanced copper extraction from concentrate. This study provides the first metagenomic insights into Armenian AMD systems and tailing, revealing a unique community rich in metal resistance and biofilm-forming genes. The isolation of a novel highly effective iron-oxidizer Arm-12 highlights the potential of AMD environments as a source of novel taxa with significant applications in biomining and bioremediation processes.},
}

@article {pmid41597639,
year = {2026},
author = {Yin, Y and Xu, W and Xu, M and Wang, Y and Liu, H and Cao, H and Wang, F},
title = {Prokaryotic Microbial Diversity and Community Assembly in Reclaimed Coastal Agricultural Soils.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010120},
pmid = {41597639},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32471725//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021S018//Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology/ ; 2022Z169//Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Coastal reclamation profoundly alters soil physicochemical conditions and strongly influences soil microbial ecology; however, the millennial-scale successional patterns and assembly mechanisms of prokaryotic communities under such long-term disturbance remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated archaeal and bacterial communities in the plow layer along a 0-1000-year coastal reclamation chronosequence on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay. We analyzed community abundance, diversity, composition and assembly processes, and quantified the relative contributions of geographic distance, environmental factors and reclamation years to microbial biogeographic patterns. The results showed that reclamation markedly drove continuous soil desalination, acidification, nutrient accumulation, and particle-size refinement. Bacterial abundance exhibited a sharp decline during the early stages of reclamation, whereas archaeal abundance remained relatively stable. The α-diversity of both archaea and bacteria peaked at approximately 210-230 years of reclamation. Community assembly processes differed substantially between the two microbial domains: the archaeal communities were dominated by stochastic processes (77.78%) identified as undominated processes and dispersal limitation, whereas bacterial communities were primarily shaped by deterministic processes (70.75%) driven as variable selection. Distance-decay analysis indicated that bacterial communities were more sensitive to environmental gradients. Multiple regression and variance partitioning further demonstrated that soil pH and electrical conductivity were the key drivers of community structure. Overall, this study reveals the millennial-scale community dynamics and assembly mechanisms of archaea and bacteria in response to coastal reclamation, providing mechanistic insights into long-term microbial ecological succession and offering valuable guidance for sustainable agricultural management and ecological restoration in reclaimed coastal regions.},
}

@article {pmid41597573,
year = {2025},
author = {Si, W and Zhang, J and Zhang, Y and Ji, Y and Khan, MZ and Chen, Y and Cheng, Z and Zhuang, J and Zhao, X and Liu, W},
title = {Characterization of Bacterial Communities in Air and Bedding Materials of Intensive Donkey Farms During Summer.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010053},
pmid = {41597573},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {SDAIT-27-11//Shandong Donkey Industry Technology System Fund/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the bacterial community composition and diversity in air and exercise yard bedding samples from large-scale donkey farms in Liaocheng, China, during summer using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Air samples were collected from five functional areas of donkey barns, while bedding samples were obtained from eight farms housing Dezhou donkeys. Sequencing analysis revealed 894 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in air samples and 3127 OTUs in bedding samples. Alpha diversity indices indicated that the mare barn exhibited the highest microbial diversity in air, while the foal barn showed the lowest. Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla across different functional areas. Rhodococcus was identified as the predominant airborne genus, representing a potential pneumonia risk in foals. In bedding materials, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria predominated, with Corynebacterium, Salinicoccus, and Solibacillus as dominant genera. Several potentially pathogenic bacteria were detected, including Rhodococcus, Corynebacterium, Clostridium, Streptococcus, and Escherichia-Shigella. These findings provide critical insights into the microbial ecology of intensive donkey farming environments and offer scientific evidence for developing targeted biosecurity strategies to safeguard animal health and promote sustainable livestock production.},
}

@article {pmid41597522,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamahara, T and Kouketsu, A and Fukase, S and Sripodok, P and Saito, T and Ito, A and Li, B and Kumada, K and Shimada, M and Iikubo, M and Shimizu, R and Yamauchi, K and Sugiura, T},
title = {Ecological and Functional Landscape of the Oral Microbiome: A Multi-Site Analysis of Saliva, Dental Plaque and Tongue Coating.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010002},
pmid = {41597522},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {JP24K1310 and JP22K17150//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
abstract = {The oral cavity contains several microbial niches, including saliva, dental plaque and tongue coating, each shaped by distinct local environments and host factors. This study compared the ecological and functional characteristics of the microbiomes of these three oral sites within the same individuals and examined host conditions associated with their variation. Saliva, supragingival plaque and tongue coating samples were collected simultaneously from 31 adults without clinical oral lesions. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region) was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and analyses included α and β diversity, Mantel correlations, differential abundance tests, network analysis and functional prediction. The three sites displayed a clear ecological gradient. Saliva and tongue coating were taxonomically similar but were influenced by different host factors, whereas plaque maintained a distinct, biofilm-like structure with limited systemic influence. Functional divergence was most pronounced on the tongue coating despite its taxonomic similarity to saliva, whereas functional differences between saliva and plaque were modest despite larger taxonomic separation. These findings indicate that microbial composition and function vary independently across oral niches and support the need for multi-site sampling to more accurately characterize oral microbial ecology.},
}

@article {pmid41596857,
year = {2026},
author = {Tsouggou, N and Korozi, E and Pemaj, V and Drosinos, EH and Kapolos, J and Papadelli, M and Skandamis, PN and Papadimitriou, K},
title = {Advances in Shotgun Metagenomics for Cheese Microbiology: From Microbial Dynamics to Functional Insights.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15020259},
pmid = {41596857},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {The cheese microbiome is a complex ecosystem strongly influenced by both technological practices and the processing environment. Moving beyond traditional cultured-based methods, the integration of shotgun metagenomics into cheese microbiology has enabled in-depth resolution of microbial communities at the species and strain levels. The aim of the present study was to review recent applications of shotgun metagenomics in cheese research, underscoring its role in tracking microbial dynamics during production and in discovering genes of technological importance. In addition, the review highlights how shotgun metagenomics enables the identification of key metabolic pathways, including amino acid catabolism, lipid metabolism, and citrate degradation, among others, which are central to flavor formation and ripening. Results of the discussed literature demonstrate how microbial composition, functional traits, and overall quality of cheese are determined by factors such as raw materials, the cheesemaking environment, and artisanal practices. Moreover, it highlights the analytical potentials of shotgun metagenomics, including metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) reconstruction, characterization of various genes contributing to flavor-related biosynthetic pathways, bacteriocin production, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence, as well as the identification of phages and CRISPR-Cas systems. These insights obtained are crucial for ensuring product's authenticity, enabling traceability, and improving the assessment of safety and quality. Despite shotgun metagenomics' advantages, there are still analytical restrictions concerning data handling and interpretation, which need to be addressed by importing standardization steps and moving towards integrating multi-omics approaches. Such strategies will lead to more accurate and reproducible results across studies and improved resolution of active ecosystems. Ultimately, shotgun metagenomics has shifted the field from descriptive surveys to a more detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms shaping the overall quality and safety of cheese, thus bringing innovation in modern dairy microbiology.},
}

@article {pmid41595487,
year = {2026},
author = {Ucero-Carretón, A and Puente, H and Ithurbide, M and Estellé, J and Carvajal, A and Argüello, H},
title = {Factors Involved in Host Resilience to Enteric Infections in Pigs: Current Knowledge in Genetic, Immune, and Microbiota Determinants of Infection Resistance.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/genes17010067},
pmid = {41595487},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {PID2024-160714OB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; LE088P23//Junta de Castilla y León/ ; JDC2023-051122-I//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; ULE-Predoc/2024//Universidad de León/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Swine/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics/immunology ; *Disease Resistance/genetics ; *Swine Diseases/microbiology/genetics/immunology/virology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics/immunology ; Quantitative Trait Loci ; },
abstract = {Enteric infections remain a major health and economic challenge in swine production, with outcomes determined not only by pathogen virulence but also by the complex interplay between host genetics, immune competence, and the intestinal microbiota. This review synthesises current knowledge on host-pathogen genomic interactions in pigs, with a focus on resilience mechanisms against enteric diseases in swine. For this purpose, 103 articles were used as information sources, retrieved through structured keyword searches in PubMed. The review first addresses host genetic factors, highlighting genomic variants and quantitative trait loci associated with resistance or resilience to viral and bacterial pathogens such as porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) or Escherichia coli. Next, the key factors of the immune system to confer protection are also reviewed, emphasising the role of innate and adaptive responses in controlling each pathogen and disclosing the contribution of regulatory networks that balance pathogen clearance. Finally, the last section of the review is devoted to exploring current knowledge in the involvement of the microbiota in resilience against enteric pathogens, mostly, but not exclusively, enteric bacteria. In this sense, competitive exclusion is a concept which has gained attention in recent years. The review pinpoints and discusses the state of the art about how the microbial community provides colonisation resistance, shapes immune development, and influences pathogen fitness within the intestinal niche. As final perspectives, the review explores future drivers in the genetic immune and microbiota resistance. By bridging host genomic data with functional insights into immunity and microbial ecology, this review underscores the potential of multi-omics approaches to enhance resilience against enteric infections in pigs and advance sustainable swine health management.},
}

Animals
Swine/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics/immunology
*Disease Resistance/genetics
*Swine Diseases/microbiology/genetics/immunology/virology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics/immunology
Quantitative Trait Loci

@article {pmid41593721,
year = {2026},
author = {Xi, J and Tao, H and Zhang, Z and Lian, B and Sun, W and Zhang, Y and Bu, S and Yang, X and Qian, X},
title = {Captive breeding of specialty animals represents an overlooked yet critical reservoir for spreading antibiotic resistance genes.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag009},
pmid = {41593721},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Driven by wildlife conservation and economic demands, captive breeding has expanded globally, intensifying wildlife-human interactions. In specialty animal breeding, particularly for species with short domestication histories and underdeveloped breeding protocols, clinically important antibiotics are commonly misused, posing potential ecological and health risks that remain largely unexplored. We collected fecal samples from three groups of musk deer (Moschus berezovskii): those exposed to clinically important antibiotics, those not exposed for six months, and wild musk deer, and analyzed their microbiomes and resistomes using metagenomic and culture-based methods. We found that captivity significantly expanded and reshaped the fecal resistome of musk deer. The antibiotic-exposed musk deer harbored a significantly higher diversity and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) compared to those non-exposed to antibiotics and wild deer. We observed a higher abundance of clinically important ARGs within Enterobacteriaceae in fecal samples of captive musk deer. This observation was further supported by the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 124 Escherichia coli strains isolated from antibiotic-exposed musk deer. Seven identical mobile genetic element-associated ARGs were detected in distinct bacterial hosts across fecal samples from musk deer and farm workers, indicating potential conjugative transfer between the two groups. Our results suggest that captive breeding of specialty animals is an overlooked but significant reservoir for disseminating clinically important ARGs, and underscore the transmission risk at the animal-human interface.},
}

@article {pmid41592901,
year = {2026},
author = {Pedreira, A and Vázquez, JA and García, MR},
title = {The mini revolution: application of mini-bioreactors in adaptive laboratory evolution.},
journal = {Critical reviews in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-19},
doi = {10.1080/07388551.2025.2608012},
pmid = {41592901},
issn = {1549-7801},
abstract = {Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a powerful tool for understanding and controlling the evolutionary trajectories of microorganisms. The scope of applications extends widely, including areas such as: biotechnology, synthetic biology, microbial ecology, and fundamental evolutionary research. In this work, we systematically explore the implementation and advantages of mini-bioreactors, defined as reactors with working volumes below 0.5 L, in ALE experiments. Mini-bioreactors offer substantial improvements over traditional large-scale reactors, including: reduced costs, enhanced parallelization capabilities, customizable configurations, and ease of automation. Through the utilization of illustrative case studies, which facilitate a comparative and critical evaluation of: batch, chemostat, turbidostat, and morbidostat operational modes, this review underscores the distinct capabilities of mini-bioreactors in enabling precise, dynamic control of evolutionary pressures. The novelty of this review lies in its comprehensive synthesis of recent advancements in mini-bioreactor technologies and operational strategies, particularly emphasizing innovations, such as: integrated automation, advanced sensors, and novel control algorithms adapted or specially designed for ALE. The ultimate objective is to provide both novices and experienced researchers with an updated, in-depth resource that addresses current technological limitations and future directions of mini-bioreactors in ALE.},
}

@article {pmid41592403,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, B and Wang, M and Zheng, J and Yu, C and Wei, C and Ren, J and Sun, S and Wang, G and Wang, J and Lu, Y and Lin, L and Zhang, C},
title = {Strain-specific impacts of Pichia kudriavzevii on metabolite profiles and microbial community dynamics in Chinese Baijiu fermentation: Integrated metabolomics and metagenomics analysis.},
journal = {International journal of food microbiology},
volume = {450},
number = {},
pages = {111660},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.111660},
pmid = {41592403},
issn = {1879-3460},
abstract = {Pichia kudriavzevii is a dominant yeast species in Chinese baijiu fermentation, yet its intraspecific diversity remains underexplored. This study used metabolomics and metagenomics analysis to investigate the impact of four distinct P. kudriavzevii strains (PK12, PK25, PK97, and PK360) on the metabolite profiles and microbial community structure in a controlled baijiu solid-state fermentation. Metabolomics analysis identified 49 key volatile compounds and 2792 non-volatile metabolites. Strain PK97 exhibited exceptional capacity for butanoic acid metabolism, inducing a 55.27-fold increase in butanoic acid and a 30.54-fold enhancement in ethyl butanoate production. Strain PK25 specialized in acetoin biosynthesis, while PK360 maximized 2-phenylethanol production. Metagenomic analysis uncovered that strains PK12, PK25, and PK360 promoted Lactobacillus acetotolerans population, increasing its relative abundance to 67.39%, 58.57%, and 71.79%, respectively. In contrast, strain PK97 orchestrated a dramatic ecological shift, elevating Enterobacter mori abundance from 0.56% to 17.60%, transforming the community from Lactobacillus-dominated to Enterobacteriaceae-enriched. Integration of metabolomic and metagenomic data revealed that strain PK97's promotion of Enterobacter mori correlated with significant upregulation of key enzymes including α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.17), and succinyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.5), creating a metabolic environment favoring enhanced starch hydrolysis, altered TCA cycle flux, and butanoic acid accumulation. Strain PK25 specifically upregulated acetyl-CoA hydrolase (EC 3.1.2.1), facilitating acetic acid and acetoin formation. Strain PK360 enhanced glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.9) and asparagine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.1) activities, accelerating galactose metabolism and amino acid transformations. These findings illustrate the impact of P. kudriavzevii intraspecific diversity on reshaping microbial ecology and flavor chemistry in Chinese baijiu, offering novel insights for targeted fermentation control and quality enhancement strategies in baijiu production.},
}

@article {pmid41592132,
year = {2026},
author = {Rathod, DR and Silverman, JD},
title = {PCR bias impacts microbiome ecological analyses.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {e1013908},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013908},
pmid = {41592132},
issn = {1553-7358},
abstract = {Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a critical step in amplicon-based microbial community profiling, allowing the selective amplification of marker genes such as 16S rRNA from environmental or host-associated samples. Despite its widespread use, PCR is known to introduce amplification bias, where some DNA sequences are preferentially amplified over others due to factors such as primer-template mismatches, sequence GC content, and secondary structures. Although these biases are known to affect transcript abundance, their implications for ecological metrics remain poorly understood. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of how PCR-bias influences both within-samples (α-diversity) and between-sample (β-diversity) analyses. We show that perturbation-invariant diversity measures remain unaffected by PCR bias, but widely used metrics such as Shannon diversity and Weighted-Unifrac are sensitive. To address this, we provide theoretical and empirical insight into how PCR-induced bias varies across ecological analyses and community structures, and we offer practical guidance on when bias-correction methods should be applied. Our findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate diversity metrics for PCR-based microbial ecology workflows and offer guidance for improving the reliability of diversity analyses.},
}

@article {pmid41591842,
year = {2026},
author = {Islam, H and Sharma, A and Blair, J and Lopatkin, AJ},
title = {PlasAnn: a curated plasmid-specific database and annotation pipeline for standardized gene and function analysis.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/nar/gkaf1507},
pmid = {41591842},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {1R35GM150871-01/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Pew Charitable Trusts Foundation/ ; 2440082//National Science Foundation/ ; //Edward Mallinckrodt Jr. Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Plasmids/genetics ; *Molecular Sequence Annotation/methods ; *Databases, Genetic ; Genome, Bacterial ; Software ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Genes, Bacterial ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Conjugative plasmids are key drivers of bacterial adaptation, enabling the horizontal transfer of accessory genes within and across diverse microbial populations, yet annotating them remains challenging due to their highly mosaic genetic architectures and inconsistent gene naming conventions that complicate functional predictions and comparative analyses. To address this, we developed PlasAnn, a database designed specifically for genes encoded on natural plasmids, paired with a dedicated annotation pipeline (available via Bioconda or through the URL https://plasann.rochester.edu/). The curated database provides highly accurate, plasmid-type-specific gene names with standardized functional annotations, enabling direct comparison across plasmids without manual curation or specialized expertise, while the integrated annotation tool incorporates other common plasmid features for a fast, one-stop solution that outperforms broad prokaryotic genome annotation pipelines in both accuracy and efficiency. We demonstrate PlasAnn's utility by showing that plasmid accessory genes from different groups often share conserved repertoires, suggesting dynamic, modular networks of interconnected genes, and by revealing that plasmid-encoded transposable elements frequently carry genes related to bacterial adaptation beyond antibiotic resistance, including metabolism, virulence, and stress responses, emphasizing their broader contributions to fitness and adaptability. These insights, not captured by current field-standard tools, highlight how PlasAnn improves plasmid annotation and advances our understanding of plasmid biology, microbial ecology, and evolution.},
}

*Plasmids/genetics
*Molecular Sequence Annotation/methods
*Databases, Genetic
Genome, Bacterial
Software
DNA Transposable Elements
Genes, Bacterial
Bacteria/genetics

@article {pmid41590453,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, K and Cai, Y and Shi, X and Yan, Z and Huang, Q and Perez-Moreno, J and Liu, D and Yang, Z and Yang, C and Yu, F and Liu, W},
title = {Symbiosis Among Naematelia aurantialba, Stereum hirsutum, and Their Associated Microbiome in the Composition of a Cultivated Mushroom Complex JinEr.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010041},
pmid = {41590453},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {202205AD160036//Fuqiang Yu/ ; Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program//Jesús Pérez-Moreno, Xinhua He/ ; },
abstract = {The JinEr mushroom ("Golden Ear"), a globally rare edible and medicinal macrofungus, comprises a symbiotic complex formed by the symbiotic association of Naematelia aurantialba (Tremellomycetes) and Stereum hirsutum (Agaricomycetes). However, the interactions between these fungi and their associated microbiome remain poorly understood. This study employed high-throughput amplicon sequencing, in situ microbial isolation and culture, and microbial confrontation assays to analyze microbial diversity, community structure, and potential functional roles of the endomycotic bacterial community within JinEr basidiomata and its cultivation substrate. Molecular analysis confirmed the heterogenous composition of the basidiomata, revealing N. aurantialba constitutes less than 20% of the fungal biomass, while S. hirsutum predominates, accounting for approximately 80%. Endomycotic fungi accounted for 0.33% (relative abundance) of the fungal community. Prokaryotic analysis identified Delftia and Sphingomonas as the dominant endomycotic bacterial genera within basidiomata, comprising 85.42% of prokaryotic sequences. Endomycotic bacterial diversity differed significantly (p < 0.05) between basidiomata and substrate, indicating host-specific selection. Cultivation-based approaches yielded 140 culturable bacterial isolates (spanning four families and seven genera) from basidiomata core tissues. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that eight representative bacterial strains exhibited compatible growth with both hosts, while one Enterobacteriaceae strain displayed antagonism towards them. These findings confirm that the heterogeneous JinEr basidiomata harbor a specific prokaryotic assemblage potentially engaged in putative symbiotic or commensal associations with the host fungi. This research advances the understanding of microbial ecology in this unique fungal complex and establishes a culture repository of associated bacteria. This collection facilitates subsequent screening for beneficial bacterial strains to enhance the JinEr cultivation system through the provision of symbiotic microorganisms.},
}

@article {pmid41589897,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, J and Cai, M and Han, M and Fang, B and Dong, L and Zhang, G and Han, J-R and Li, S and Rustamova, N and Liu, Y and Li, W-J and Jiang, H},
title = {Habitat heterogeneity drives microbial community assembly and functional specialization in extremely arid ecosystems.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0258825},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02588-25},
pmid = {41589897},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Extreme arid ecosystems present significant environmental challenges, yet the mechanisms by which habitat heterogeneity (e.g., salinity gradients, soil-sediment contrasts) shapes microbial community assembly and functional specialization remain poorly understood. This study integrated culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches to investigate microbial diversity, assembly processes, and metabolic potential across wasteland soils, desert soils, and saline lake sediments in the Turpan-Hami Basin. High-throughput sequencing revealed habitat-specific patterns, with lake sediments exhibiting significantly greater OTU richness and Shannon diversity than wasteland and desert soils (P < 0.05). These shifts were driven by salinity-dependent taxonomic succession, notably the dominance of Gammaproteobacteria, Halobacteria, and Desulfobacteria in hypersaline lakes. Ecological assembly processes diverged across habitats, with deterministic processes (heterogeneous/homogeneous selection) dominated in deserts and moderate saline lakes, whereas stochastic processes (dispersal limitation, drift) prevailed in wastelands and hypersaline systems. Metabolic profiling highlighted habitat-specific functional specialization: terrestrial systems were characterized by nitrogen-cycling, while saline lakes displayed partitioned sulfur metabolism (e.g., sulfate respiration in high-salinity sediments). Co-occurrence network analyses revealed greater topological complexity in freshwater lakes than in extreme environments, reflecting contrasting resilience strategies. Cultivation strategies informed by sequencing results recovered 4.02% to 21.76% of the sequence-detected genera, significantly improving access to the uncultured majority. These findings demonstrate that habitat heterogeneity drives microbial community assembly and functional evolution in extremely arid ecosystems, underscoring the value of integrating omics with cultivation to uncover microbial dark matter.

IMPORTANCE: Understanding microbial adaptation in hyperarid environments is crucial for predicting ecosystem responses to extreme stressors. This study provides an integrative framework linking environmental heterogeneity to microbial community assembly and metabolic specialization across diverse habitats in one of Earth's driest basins. Our findings demonstrate that deterministic environmental filtering dominates community assembly in deserts and moderately saline lakes, whereas stochastic processes prevail in wastelands and hypersaline systems. Habitat‑specific metabolic specialization is evident, with nitrogen cycling being key in terrestrial soils and sulfur metabolism central to saline lakes. By significantly improving the recovery of uncultured diversity through targeted strategies, this study bridges a major gap between molecular surveys and cultivable microorganisms. These findings advance ecological theory on community assembly and offer a model for studying microbial resilience and functional evolution under extreme aridity.},
}

@article {pmid41589889,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Su, Y},
title = {Challenging the paradigm of metabolic exclusivity: coexistence of methanogenesis and sulfate reduction in oil reservoirs.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0217225},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02172-25},
pmid = {41589889},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {The prevailing dogma in microbial ecology holds that sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs) outcompete methanogenic archaea for common substrates (e.g., H2/formate and acetate), leading to the mutual exclusion of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in sulfate-rich anaerobic environments. This principle underpins models of organic carbon flow to sulfate-respiration-derived CO2 in ecosystems like oil reservoirs, where seawater injection introduces high concentrations of sulfate. In an Applied and Environmental Microbiology article by S. Beilig, L. Voskuhl, I. Geydirici, L. K. Tintrop, T. C. Schmidt, and R. U. Meckenstock (91:e00141-25, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.00141-25), the authors challenge this view by demonstrating coexistence of methanogenesis and sulfate reduction in a sulfate-adapted enrichment culture from an oil reservoir. The authors employ incubation experiments and microbial activity assessment via the reverse stable isotope labeling (RSIL) method to argue for metabolic coexistence, even under conditions thought to favor complete competitive exclusion. This commentary discusses the mechanistic reasons underlying the coexistence and explores the broader implications for predicting microbial activities and interactions. The study compellingly argues that thermodynamic and kinetic arguments alone are insufficient to predict microbial community function, necessitating a more nuanced understanding of microbial interactions in complex environments.},
}

@article {pmid41588828,
year = {2026},
author = {Shaw, D and Gentekaki, E and Tsaousis, AD},
title = {The Microbiome Within a Microbe: Rethinking Blastocystis Biology.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {1},
pages = {e70056},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70056},
pmid = {41588828},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {CA21105//COST/ ; //University of Kent/ ; },
mesh = {*Blastocystis/physiology/microbiology/virology ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; Blastocystis Infections/parasitology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Blastocystis spp., one of the most prevalent microeukaryotes in the human gut, has long puzzled researchers with its ambiguous role in health and disease. Decades-old microscopy studies reported bacterial- and viral-like particles within Blastocystis spp. cells, but these findings have been mainly overlooked. Comparable associations in other protozoa, such as those between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma, as well as protozoan-virus interactions, are known to influence metabolism, immune evasion, and ecological fitness. Here, we revisit these neglected observations in Blastocystis spp., framing them within the holobiont concept and proposing that this protist may host its own microbial consortium. We also propose potential mechanisms, ecological implications, and modern experimental strategies-from organ-on-a-chip to single-cell multi-omics-to rigorously test this hypothesis. Recognizing Blastocystis spp. as a possible "microbiome within a microbe" could transform our understanding of its biology and its place in gut microbial ecology.},
}

*Blastocystis/physiology/microbiology/virology
Humans
*Microbiota
Blastocystis Infections/parasitology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid41588461,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, H and Payne, L and He, W and Mestre, MR and Yang, L and Dechesne, A and Pinilla-Redondo, R and Nesme, J and Sørensen, SJ},
title = {Plasmids as persistent genetic reservoirs of bacterial defense systems in wastewater treatment.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40168-025-02297-2},
pmid = {41588461},
issn = {2049-2618},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bacterial antiphage defense systems play essential roles in microbial ecology, yet their dynamics within urban wastewater systems (UWS) remain poorly characterized.

RESULTS: In this study, we performed comprehensive metagenomic and plasmidome analyses on 78 wastewater samples collected during two seasons and four sampling points across UWS from three European countries. We observed a significant reduction in the abundance, diversity, and mobility potential of defense systems during biological treatment. However, these reductions were not directly correlated with changes in microbial abundance. Defense systems were significantly enriched on plasmids, particularly conjugative plasmids, where their gene density was approximately twice as high as on chromosomes and remained relatively stable across compartments. In contrast to chromosomal defense systems, plasmid-borne systems exhibited more frequent co-localization with a wide range of mobile genetic elements (MGEs)-associated genes, thereby facilitating multilayered dissemination networks. Furthermore, we detected a strong correlation between phage abundance and host defense system profiles, indicating ongoing phage-host co-evolutionary dynamics in these environments.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our results demonstrate that UWS reduce the abundance and diversity of bacterial defense system genes. However, plasmid-associated defense systems can persist through shared mobile genetic reservoirs. These findings underscore the critical role of plasmids in bacterial immunity and provide new insights into defense system dynamics within urban wastewater environments.},
}

@article {pmid41588066,
year = {2026},
author = {Pániková, L and Ondreičková, K and Pánik, P and Janiga, M and Oxikbayev, B},
title = {Linkages Between Trace Elements and Bacterial Communities in Glacial Freshwater Systems of Zhongar Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02674-2},
pmid = {41588066},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Glacial ecosystems of Central Asia represent extreme environments where microbial communities are shaped by both physicochemical conditions and hydrological dynamics. In this study, we analysed 21 surface and meltwater samples collected in September 2023 from a lake, river, glacier, glacial river, and sedimentary lake in the Zhongar Alatau National Park (Kazakhstan, 1 040-3 360 m a.s.l.). Bacterial community structure was assessed using ARISA profiling, while spectrometric methods determined concentrations of chemical elements. Alpha diversity indices revealed the highest richness and diversity in lake and sedimentary lake samples, moderate diversity in river samples, and the lowest values in glacier samples. The glacial river samples showed the strongest variability among the samples. Unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were most abundant in the lake, but the glacier exhibited the highest relative proportion of habitat-specific OTUs. Principal component analysis revealed that DNA yield, along with heavy metals and other elements (Rb, Fe, Mn, K, Ba), covaried along the major axes, primarily reflecting differences driven by habitat. Overall, our results demonstrate that glacial valley habitats host distinct bacterial assemblages and that the chemical environment is consistent with the observed spatial structuring of microbial communities. These findings highlight the vulnerability and sensitivity of mountain freshwater ecosystems to glacier retreat and associated changes in water chemistry.},
}

@article {pmid41587649,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, J and Li, LK and Lin, LH and Li, DK and Lu, J and Saleh, SM and Zhang, TY and He, H and Dong, ZY and Xiao, Q and Xu, B and Zeng, C},
title = {Magnetic properties driving nitrogen removal improvement in magnetite-enhanced activated sludge: Mechanistic insights and process validation.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {294},
number = {},
pages = {123870},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.123870},
pmid = {41587649},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {The magnetite-enhanced activated sludge (MEAS) process offers a promising in situ strategy for upgrading wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to meet increasing treatment demands and stricter discharge regulations. Unlike conventional materials, magnetite possesses intrinsic magnetic properties, yet their influence on biological treatment efficiency and microbial ecology remains underexplored. This study systematically evaluated three types of magnetite particles with varying properties, focusing on their roles in denitrification, sludge settling, and microbial responses. Batch experiments under low carbon-to-nitrogen conditions (C/N = 4.4) demonstrated that magnetite with high saturation magnetization (65.9 emu/g) achieved 79.3 ± 10.2 % nitrate removal, 3.3 times higher than the control. It reduced the sludge volume index (SVI) from 84.7 to 28.4 mL/g by promoting compact floc formation through extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) protein conformational changes and enhanced microbe-particle interactions. It also increased bio-capacitance of the sludge and achieved a 77.0 % increase in electron transport system activity (ETSA). Surface analysis confirmed that magnetite served as a passive electron mediator rather than actively participating in redox cycling. Metagenomic sequencing further demonstrated the selective enrichment of denitrifying and magnetotactic bacteria and enrichment of key nitrogen metabolism genes (narG, nirK, narK, narH). Validation in an anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (AAO) reactor treating real municipal wastewater achieved NH4[+]-N and total nitrogen removal efficiencies of 98.7 % and 73.6 %, respectively, meeting stringent discharge limits. These results identify saturation magnetization as a critical parameter for selecting or engineering magnetite materials and provide mechanistic insights and engineering guidance for deploying MEAS as an efficient, retrofit-friendly technology for WWTP upgrading.},
}

@article {pmid41586525,
year = {2026},
author = {Díaz-González, F and Rojas-Villalobos, C and Issotta, F and Reyes-Impellizzeri, S and Hedrich, S and Johnson, DB and Temporetti, P and Quatrini, R},
title = {Trait-based meta-analysis of microbial guilds in the iron redox cycle.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0148825},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01488-25},
pmid = {41586525},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Microbial iron (Fe) redox cycling underpins key biogeochemical processes, yet the functional diversity, ecological roles, and trait architectures of iron-transforming microbes remain poorly synthesized across global environments. Here, we present a systematic review and trait-based meta-analysis of 387 microbial taxa spanning 314 studies and 76 years of research, integrating phenotypic, genomic, and environmental data to define ecologically coherent microbial iron redox cycle guilds. Rather than relying on taxonomy, our framework delineates first-order functional guilds-Fe(III) reducers, Fe(II) oxidizers, and dual-capacity Fe oxidizers/reducers-and resolves second-order guilds based on trait syndromes, such as acidophily, redox flexibility, or metabolic breadth. Trait profiling revealed that iron-cycling capacities frequently transcend phylogenetic boundaries, with multiple guilds converging in chemically stratified hotspots like hot springs, hydrothermal vents, and acid mine drainages. Dual-capacity Fe oxidizers/reducers (e.g., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Metallosphaera sedula) emerged as overlooked mediators of "cryptic" iron cycling, possessing genomic repertoires capable of toggling between oxidative and reductive modes in response to redox oscillations. Hierarchical clustering and kernel density analyses of ecophysiological traits highlighted niche partitioning along key environmental filters, including pH, iron availability, salinity, and temperature. Collectively, this work introduces the Guild Exploitation Pattern as a conceptual lens for understanding iron microbiome assembly, providing a data-driven foundation for predicting microbial contributions to iron cycling under changing environmental conditions.

IMPORTANCE: Iron redox reactions shape nutrient turnover, contaminant mobility, and primary productivity, yet the microbes driving these processes are often studied in isolation. By integrating decades of data into a trait-based guild framework, we reveal the ecophysiological diversity and niche differentiation of microbial iron redox cycling taxa across environments. Our synthesis exposes major gaps, such as limited trait data for >80% of dual-capacity Fe oxidizing/reducing species and highlights the need for functional trait surveys to complement metagenomics and cultivation efforts. The guild framework presented here advances predictive microbial ecology by linking metabolic traits with environmental gradients, offering a robust foundation for incorporating iron cycling into ecosystem models and biogeochemical forecasts.},
}

@article {pmid41586521,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, N and Liu, Q and Huo, F and Zhang, S and Lv, S and Mi, T and Liu, H},
title = {Intestinal epithelial Tet2 deficiency reprograms the gut microbiota through bile acid metabolic alterations.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0356225},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03562-25},
pmid = {41586521},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly recognized as critical regulators of host-microbiota interactions, yet their specific roles in gut homeostasis remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that intestinal epithelial-specific deletion of the DNA demethylase Tet2 leads to structural abnormalities, impaired barrier function, and remarkable reprogramming of the gut microbiota. Mechanistically, Tet2 deficiency downregulated the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter ASBT/Slc10a2, resulting in altered bile acid homeostasis with luminal accumulation of hyocholic acid (HCA). This metabolic shift created a favorable niche for the selective expansion of bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-expressing Lactobacillus species. Furthermore, we identified an age-dependent regulatory role of HCA, which promoted Lactobacillus in young mice but enriched Akkermansia in aged animals. Our findings establish an epigenetic-metabolic-microbial axis centered on Tet2-mediated bile acid regulation, providing new insights into how host epigenetic factors shape the gut microbial ecosystem in an age-sensitive manner.IMPORTANCEWhile the gut microbiota is known to influence host physiology, the molecular mechanisms by which the host epigenetically regulates microbial composition remain largely unexplored. Our work reveals that the epigenetic enzyme Tet2 in intestinal epithelial cells acts as a master regulator of gut microbial ecology by modulating bile acid metabolism. The discovery that Tet2 deletion drives hyocholic acid (HCA) accumulation-which exerts age-dependent effects on Lactobacillus and Akkermansia-provides a novel principle for understanding host-microbe interactions across the lifespan. By linking epithelial DNA demethylation to bile acid transport and microbial phenotype, we establish a previously unrecognized Tet2-ASBT-HCA pathway that expands the conceptual framework for microbiota research. These insights open new avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at reversing microbial dysbiosis through epigenetic or metabolic modulation.},
}

@article {pmid41586352,
year = {2025},
author = {Pandey, A and Dhakar, K},
title = {Extreme thermal environments: reservoirs of industrially important thermozymes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1739143},
pmid = {41586352},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Extreme thermal environments, both natural (e.g., hot springs, fumaroles, geysers, mud pots, deep-sea hydrothermal vents) and man-made (e.g., compost heaps, sawdust, coal refuse piles), are rich sources of thermophilic microorganisms, including Bacteria and Archaea. These organisms possess unique adaptations that allow survival and metabolic activity at elevated temperatures, making them valuable sources of thermostable and thermoactive enzymes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on thermophiles, including their phylogeny, adaptation mechanisms, and cultivation strategies. We discuss the industrial applications of thermozymes, such as DNA polymerases and other thermostable enzymes, and highlight the role of genomics, systems biology, and bioinformatics in accelerating enzyme discovery. The review also addresses the astrobiological relevance of thermophiles as models for life in extreme extraterrestrial environments and emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural thermal habitats. Collectively, this overview provides a comprehensive perspective on the ecological, biotechnological, and fundamental research significance of thermophiles and their enzymes.},
}

@article {pmid41584899,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, H and Li, L and Gong, Y and Liu, H and Wu, H and Bravo, A and Soberón, M and Zheng, J and Peng, D and Sun, B and Sun, M},
title = {Geographic and seasonal variation of culturable bacteria associated with the diseased silkworm (Bombyx mori).},
journal = {Current research in microbial sciences},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100529},
pmid = {41584899},
issn = {2666-5174},
abstract = {The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, is critically impacted by bacterial pathogens, yet the environmental and ecological drivers of their spatiotemporal dynamics remain poorly defined. In this study, 514 bacterial strains were isolated from diseased and healthy silkworm larvae across major sericultural regions in China. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multi-tier pathogenicity assays, 51 isolates were identified as potential novel insect pathogens. Fulfilling Koch's postulates via oral infection tests, the pathogenicity of nine strains belonging to the genera Raoultella, Stenotrophomonas, and Citrobacter were confirmed, while the remaining isolates are considered putative pathogens. All isolates were classified into 33 genera within the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with Enterobacter, Bacillus, and Serratia being the most prevalent. Multivariate analysis indicated that geographic and climatic factors-specifically distance from the coastline and key thermal and radiative variables-collectively explained a significant though modest portion of the variance in bacterial community composition. Bacterial diversity correlated positively with cocoon yield. Guangxi presented the highest potential pathogen diversity and co-infection frequency, aligning with its intensive sericulture practices. Seasonal analyses indicated higher bacterial abundance and virulence in spring-summer compared to summer-autumn. Many isolates are taxonomically affiliated with genera containing insect gut microbiota, plant-associated bacteria, and human (opportunistic) pathogens, suggesting diverse environmental and anthropogenic origin. The detection of bacteria related to mulberry phyllosphere microbes underscore the role of host plant ecology in shaping the silkworm microbiome. These findings illuminate the ecological drivers of silkworm-associated bacterial communities and highlight the complex microbial connections within sericulture ecosystems, suggesting potential pathways relevant to a One Health perspective. Furthermore, the repository of 514 identified bacterial isolates from the model lepidopteran B. mori here provides a valuable resources for exploring novel biocontrol agents against other lepidopteran pests.},
}

@article {pmid41584691,
year = {2026},
author = {Forte, L and Parabita, N and Santoro, M and Longobardi, F and Natrella, G and Quiñones, J and Ponnampalam, EN and Tomasevic, I and De Palo, P and Maggiolino, A},
title = {From rumen to milk: Dietary polyphenols in dairy cows-A critical review.},
journal = {Veterinary and animal science},
volume = {31},
number = {},
pages = {100569},
pmid = {41584691},
issn = {2451-943X},
abstract = {Polyphenols represent a large and structurally diverse family of plant secondary metabolites with bioactive properties. In ruminants, these compounds can influence rumen fermentation, microbial ecology, and nutrient metabolism, offering potential benefits for animal health, productivity, and environmental sustainability. This review synthesizes evidence on the fate of dietary polyphenols in dairy cows from ingestion to their possible secretion into milk. It outlines the main dietary sources and classes of polyphenols, their microbial biotransformations in the rumen, and subsequent host metabolism involving absorption, conjugation, and systemic circulation. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms of mammary uptake and secretion, where most compounds appear as conjugated metabolites such as glucuronides, sulfates, and urolithins rather than parent forms. Although the transfer efficiency from feed to milk is typically low, consistent detection of isoflavone derivatives, phenyl-γ-valerolactones, urolithins, and hippuric acid demonstrates the feasibility of diet-to-milk modulation. Factors affecting bioavailability and transfer include polyphenol structure, dietary matrix, dose, rumen microbiota composition, animal physiology, and feed processing. Advances in high-resolution analytical techniques have improved the characterization of these low-abundance metabolites, yet large variability among studies persists. In vivo studies indicate that polyphenol-derived metabolites in bovine milk occur at low ng/mL to low µg/mL levels, with compounds such as equol, enterolactone, urolithins, phenyl-γ-valerolactones and phenolic acids typically detected in the sub-micromolar range. Overall, dietary polyphenols offer promising opportunities to improve ruminant health and produce milk with enhanced functional quality, but quantitative and mechanistic research is still required to optimize feeding strategies and understand their contribution to milk bioactivity.},
}

@article {pmid41584621,
year = {2026},
author = {Garcia-Rodriguez, AF and Moreno-Racero, FJ and Álvarez, R and Colmenero-Flores, JM and Knicker, H and Rosales, MA},
title = {Biochar enhances nitrogen use efficiency in lettuce by promoting its metabolic assimilation.},
journal = {Plant and soil},
volume = {518},
number = {1},
pages = {299-317},
pmid = {41584621},
issn = {0032-079X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peat replacement with biochar (BC) offers a sustainable strategy in horticultural substrates but its effects on plant nitrogen (N) metabolism and N use efficiency (NUE) remain unclear. This study tested whether vineyard-pruning-derived BC can boost NUE and metabolic activity in lettuce, providing a pathway toward more productive and sustainable horticulture.

METHODS: Plant substrates (BC, peat and vermiculite) were prepared in the following proportions (v:v:v): B0 (0:70:30), B15 (15:55:30) and B30 (30:40:30) for growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Batavia) under greenhouse conditions for 31 days. We assessed plant growth and physiological traits, quantified N species and calculated NUE parameters and the activities of key N assimilation enzymes.

RESULTS: B30 plants produced 44.2% more biomass and 23.2% larger leaf area than B0, resulting in lower specific leaf area and greater succulence. BC addition decreased available NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ in substrate and roots without causing any plant stress symptoms, as chlorophyll content and PSII efficiency remained stable. B30 increased N uptake flux, N utilization efficiency, partial N balance, and N productivity by 31.8%, 34.8%, 27.8%, and 13.8%, respectively, relative to B0, coinciding with enhanced N-assimilation enzymatic activity. Despite lower total N in roots and shoots, protein accumulation increased, indicating more efficient N conversion into organic compounds.

CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the potential of BC-based substrates (especially 30% BC) to enhance lettuce productivity by improving NUE through the stimulation of N assimilation pathway, offering a promising strategy to optimize N-fertilizer needs to support more sustainable agriculture and soil management practices.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11104-025-07997-0.},
}

@article {pmid41582111,
year = {2026},
author = {Afonso, AC and Botting, J and Simões, M and Simões, L and Liu, J and Saavedra, MJ},
title = {Ultrastructure Analysis by Cryo-Electron Tomography Revealed Mesosomes in the Gram-negative Delftia Acidovorans.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02698-2},
pmid = {41582111},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Delftia acidovorans, a Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in diverse environments, can occasionally cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Despite its environmental prevalence and clinical relevance, there is a notable lack of studies on the cellular ultrastructure of D. acidovorans. Characterizing this aspect is essential for understanding the bacterium aggregation behavior, which significantly influences biofilm formation, environmental adaptability, and potential pathogenicity in clinical contexts. This study employs cryo-electron tomography to investigate the cellular ultrastructure of Delftia acidovorans. Our observations of D. acidovorans revealed a supercoiling pattern in flagellar filaments and diverse outer membrane projections. Our major finding was the observation of cytoplasmic membrane invaginations resembling mesosomes seen in Gram-positive bacteria, offering new insights into the cellular architecture and potential functions of these structures in Gram-negative bacteria. Together, these ultrastructural insights reveal adaptations potentially linked to environmental persistence and interspecies aggregation.},
}

@article {pmid41579275,
year = {2026},
author = {Sasaki, K and Emoto, S and Yokoyama, Y and Ishihara, S},
title = {Circulating tumor DNA methylation and gut microbiota in colorectal cancer: diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {International journal of clinical oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41579275},
issn = {1437-7772},
abstract = {Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and early detection is essential for improving outcomes. Advances in liquid biopsy technologies and microbiota research have shed new light on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer. Notably, circulating tumor DNA methylation has emerged as a sensitive and specific biomarker for early detection, recurrence surveillance, and treatment monitoring. Recent progress in methylation-based assays, including stool- and plasma-derived approaches, highlights their potential clinical utility; however, challenges remain in detecting minimal residual disease at the earliest stages. Parallel to these developments, the gut microbiota has been recognized as a critical modulator of colorectal carcinogenesis and treatment response. Specific bacterial species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, polyketide synthase-positive Escherichia coli, and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, have been implicated in tumor initiation and progression through epigenetic reprogramming, including aberrant DNA methylation. Microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, influence DNA methyltransferase activity and histone modifications, linking microbial ecology to the host epigenome. Microbiota composition also affects responses to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, underscoring its potential as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target. Integrating circulating tumor DNA methylation profiling with microbiota analysis provides a promising strategy for personalized colorectal cancer management, combining early detection with treatment outcome prediction. This review summarizes the current evidence and future directions at the interface of DNA methylation and the gut microbiota, emphasizing their synergistic role as composite biomarkers in precision oncology.},
}

@article {pmid41576057,
year = {2026},
author = {Lagneaux, P and Widjaja, N and Lagneaux, B and Nguyen, TKC and Licandro, H and Winckler, P and Waché, Y},
title = {Optical photothermal infrared (OPTIR) spectroscopy assisted by machine learning for lactic acid bacteria identification at strain level.},
journal = {The Analyst},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5an01093d},
pmid = {41576057},
issn = {1364-5528},
abstract = {Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used in food, health, and biotechnology sectors, where accurate strain level identification is critical. Conventional methods, such as 16S rRNA sequencing, PCR-based fingerprinting (RAPD, AFLP), and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are powerful tools to identify bacteria at species level but often fail to resolve closely related strains due to limited taxonomic resolution, protocol sensitivity, or database dependence. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of Optical photothermal infrared (OPTIR) spectroscopy, a single-cell vibrational imaging technique, combined with supervised neural networks, to classify LAB at both species and strain levels. A total of 13 strains were analysed, including five Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, one Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, one Limosilactobacillus fermentum, three Lacticaseibacillus casei/paracasei, and three Streptococcus thermophilus, covering both intra- and inter-species diversity. Spectral data from LAB were acquired using a mIRage LS OPTIR system, preprocessed, and used to train a fully connected neural network for each level. The models achieved macro F1-scores of 97% for species level and 91% for strain level classification. These results demonstrate the potential of OPTIR, when integrated with machine learning, as a robust tool for high-resolution bacterial classification, with promising applications in microbiological quality control, probiotic selection, and microbial ecology.},
}

@article {pmid41575584,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, Y and Xu, Q and Sun, F and Wang, X and Zhou, W and Yue, M and Gao, L and Li, W},
title = {Potassium-Solubilizing Bacteria Mediate Light-Potassium Synergy to Enable Native Pueraria lobata to Outcompete Invasive Mikania micrantha.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02695-5},
pmid = {41575584},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {2022A1515011169//National Natural Science Foundation of China-Guangdong Joint Fund/ ; 2023S017084//Guangdong Province Science and Technology Innovation Strategic Special Project/ ; 2022s037//the Maoming City Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; 32172430//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The invasive vine Mikania micrantha H. B. K. poses severe threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability in tropical and subtropical regions, calling for sustainable ecological approaches. This study explores how the native legume Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii Benth displaces M. micrantha in the field, with a focus on the synergistic roles of light capture advantage and rhizosphere potassium (K) dynamics driven by specialized bacteria. In competitive ecotones, P. lobata demonstrated superior growth and photosynthetic performance relative to M. micrantha. Its main stem length was 1.31 times greater, while net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content were 80%, 110.7%, and 21.4% higher, respectively. Soils associated with P. lobata contained significantly higher available K, correlated with enhanced enzyme activities, indicating a "microbe-enzyme-K" activation cascade. P. lobata specifically enriched efficient potassium‑solubilizing bacteria (KSB), such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Isolated KSB strains exhibited K‑solubilizing and plant‑growth‑promoting capacities and increased the competitive balance index of P. lobata in inoculation assays. Partial least‑squares discriminant analysis confirmed that KSB‑mediated K mobilization boosted stem elongation primarily by improving photosynthetic potassium use efficiency (PKUE), forming a reinforcing "light-K-microbe" loop that drives competitive displacement. This work establishes a "microbe‑mediated invasion suppression" framework, demonstrating how a native plant can couple superior light‑use efficiency with a specialized rhizosphere microbiome to outcompete an invasive species. We propose that managing potassium‑solubilizing microbiomes offers a sustainable strategy for ecological restoration in K‑limited ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41574941,
year = {2026},
author = {Lhoste, E and David, J and Ponsin, V and Maikel, R and Lazar, CS},
title = {Seasons and vertical dynamics influence community composition in a flooded and abandoned mica mine.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {102},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41574941},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {Artificial lakes formed from past mining activities represent unique but underexplored ecosystems that support diverse microbial communities. This study examined how seasonal variation and depth influence bacterial, archaeal, and micro-eukaryotic assemblages in the stratified water column of the Blackburn Mine (Outaouais, Quebec, Canada). Water and biofilm samples were collected by technical divers from the surface to 52 m during spring, summer, and autumn of 2021-2022, and analyzed by 16S/18S rRNA gene sequencing. Seasonal changes had little effect on physicochemical parameters but strongly shaped microbial community composition, together with depth. Archaeal taxa displayed greater stability across depths compared to bacteria and eukaryotes. Oxygen profiles defined three ecological zones: an oxic layer dominated by Actinobacteria and the methanogen Methanosarcina; a transition zone enriched in Chlorobium and methanogens such as Methanospirillum and Methanosaeta; and an anoxic layer containing sulfur-reducing (Desulfomonile, Desulfobacca), sulfur-oxidizing (Sulfuricurvum), and methane-cycling archaea. Eukaryotic communities included algae, particularly Chrysophyceae, and diverse protists. These findings suggest that microbial communities in the mine are integral to sulfur and carbon cycling, emphasizing the ecological significance of such stratified, mining-associated aquatic systems. The Blackburn mine provides valuable insight into how anthropogenic legacies shape microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in artificial aquatic environments.},
}

@article {pmid41571998,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, C and Bennett, BD and Savalia, P and Asrari, H and Biel, C and Evans, KA and Tang, R and Thrash, JC},
title = {Cell cycle dysregulation of globally important SAR11 bacteria resulting from environmental perturbation.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41571998},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {Investigator in Aquatic Microbial Ecology Award//Simons Foundation/ ; Early Career Investigator in Marine Microbial Ecology and Evolution Award//Simons Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Genome streamlining is hypothesized to occur in bacteria as an adaptation to resource-limited environments but can result in gene losses affecting fundamental aspects of cellular physiology. The most abundant marine microorganisms, SAR11 (order Pelagibacterales), exhibit canonical genome streamlining, but the consequences of this genotype on core cellular processes such as cell division remain unexplored. Here, analysis of 470 SAR11 genomes revealed widespread absence of key cell cycle control genes. Growth experiments demonstrated that although SAR11 bacteria maintain a normal cell cycle under oligotrophic conditions, they exhibit growth inhibition and aneuploidy when exposed to nutrient enrichment, carbon source shifts or temperature stress. Detailed growth measurements and antibiotic inhibition experiments showed that these phenotypes resulted from cell division disruption with continuing DNA replication, leading to heterogeneous subpopulations of normal and polyploid cells. This vulnerability raises questions about microbial genome evolution and the evolutionary trade-offs between adaptation to stable nutrient-limited conditions and physiological resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41571114,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, H and Wang, S and Zhou, L and Li, S and Huang, J and Peng, X},
title = {Insights into impact of tire additives on activated sludge systems: Treatment performance, extracellular polymeric substances, and microbial community.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134049},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134049},
pmid = {41571114},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study systematically investigated the impacts of seven common tire additives (TAs) and their derivatives on the performance and microbial ecology of an activated sludge system exposed to environmental concentrations (0.2-20.0 μg/L) over 160 days. While most individual TAs showed minimal effects, the mixture of TAs (MIX) and 2-((4-Methylpentan-2-yl)amino)-5-(phenylamino)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione (6PPD-Q) significantly inhibited nitrogen removal efficiency. At 20.0 μg/L, the abundances of key nitrification and denitrification genes (amoA, nirK, nirS, nosZ) were markedly suppressed, leading to reductions in NH4[+]-N (12-14%) and total nitrogen (18-23%) removal efficiencies. The impairment was associated with elevated oxidative stress level, as indicated by a sharp increase in reactive oxygen species (0.9-1.1 fold) and lactate dehydrogenase (1.5-2.1 fold) release, alongside suppressed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Concurrently, sludge settleability deteriorated and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) decreased, which correlated with reduced sludge hydrophobicity and enhanced hydrogen bond intensity (3435 cm[-1]). Microbial community restructuring was observed, with tolerant genera (e.g., Comamonadaceae, Rhodobacteraceae) increasing, while key nitrogen-removing genera (e.g., Nitrosomonas, Thauera) decreased. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy analysis revealed a decline in tryptophan and tyrosine like proteins in tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances. Molecular docking demonstrated that 6PPD-Q exhibited the strongest binding affinity to tryptophan and tyrosine synthases, suggesting a high potential for enzymatic interference even at low concentrations. This study demonstrated that MIX and 6PPD-Q, at environmental concentrations, significantly affect activated sludge systems and investigated the mechanisms involved, thereby providing important evidence for the ecological risk assessment of such pollutants during wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41570927,
year = {2026},
author = {Magalhães, AP and Jorge, P and Neiva, J and Sousa, AM and Cerca, N and Pereira, MO},
title = {Contribution of viable but non culturable cells and small colony variants in antibiotic insusceptibility and therapeutic failure against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilm co-infections.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {108312},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108312},
pmid = {41570927},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {P. aeruginosa and S. aureus are often co-isolated from biofilm-associated infections, such as those afflicting cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Biofilms, along with the interspecies interactions, play a significant role in fostering antibiotic insusceptibility, contributing to infection chronicity. Previously, we showed that S. aureus adopts a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in biofilms with P. aeruginosa. Here, we aimed to gain insight into the impact of VBNC and phenomena such as phenotypic switching on antimicrobial treatment and vice-versa. Single- and dual-species biofilms of two isolates from each species were characterised in terms of viability, culturability, clonal diversification, and pathogenic potential, upon treatment with ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. Data show that S. aureus became less susceptible to antibiotics in its VBNC state induced by P. aeruginosa and by the treatments. P. aeruginosa's susceptibility to ciprofloxacin diminished in dual-species biofilms, suggesting mutual benefits. Following treatment, S. aureus persisted as VBNC in the dual-species biofilm and its tolerance to ciprofloxacin endured after planktonic regrowth. P. aeruginosa triggered S. aureus's small colony variants (SCV), but P. aeruginosa's rugose SCV probably explains S. aureus's protection due to enhanced biofilm formation. This work sheds light on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus' co-increased tolerance to antibiotics, with cooperative interactions, phenotypic diversification, and VBNC underpinning this and the persistence of S. aureus within P. aeruginosa biofilms. This work is the first relating S. aureus's decreased susceptibility in dual-species biofilms to its VBNC state. Findings highlight the importance of microbial ecology, viability and colony morphotyping studies when designing treatments for multispecies infections.},
}

@article {pmid41568955,
year = {2026},
author = {Baborski, A and Rohland, O and Wuenschmann, T and Bauer, M and Allen, RJ and Busch, A},
title = {Biofilm-derived bile duct microbiota in liver transplantation: high-quality genomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0088625},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00886-25},
pmid = {41568955},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We present draft genomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) isolated from a bilioenteric catheter after liver transplantation. Genome sizes were 5.58 Mb, 2.95 Mb, and 2.78 Mb, with G+C contents of 57.25%, 37.6%, and 37.99%, respectively, highlighting biofilm-associated bile duct colonizers.},
}

@article {pmid41568039,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, W and Chen, S and Hu, Y},
title = {Editorial: Diversity, function, and application of microbes in the fermentation or production of traditional food.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1751159},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2025.1751159},
pmid = {41568039},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid41567175,
year = {2026},
author = {Hussain, N and Ramadan, A and Al Haddad, AHI and Alfahl, Z},
title = {A Review of Emerging Biomarkers Connecting Diabetes and Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Early Detection and Risk Stratification.},
journal = {Journal of diabetes research},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {2719491},
pmid = {41567175},
issn = {2314-6753},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biomarkers/blood ; *Ischemic Stroke/diagnosis/blood/genetics ; Early Diagnosis ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; *Diabetes Mellitus/blood/diagnosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Diabetes substantially increases the risk of ischemic stroke through complex metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular mechanisms, yet early identification of high-risk individuals remains challenging. This narrative review synthesizes emerging circulating and genomic biomarkers that illuminate the pathways linking diabetes and ischemic stroke and evaluates their potential for early detection and precise risk stratification. Systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 141 relevant studies examining biomarkers, genetic and epigenetic factors, or risk prediction models in adults with diabetes. Evidence highlights several biomarker domains. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α indicate immune activation driving atherogenesis and plaque instability. Endothelial markers, including endothelin-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and asymmetric dimethylarginine, reflect endothelial dysfunction and a prothrombotic state. Metabolic indicators, notably glycated hemoglobin, adipokines, and lipoprotein(a), capture cumulative glycemic burden, adipose signaling, and inherited atherothrombotic risk. Genetic and epigenetic measures, including polygenic risk scores, microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and DNA methylation, quantify inherited susceptibility and molecular imprints of the diabetic environment. Renal markers such as albuminuria and reduced eGFR reflect microvascular injury and consistently associate with stroke risk. Multimarker panels and multi-omics integration using machine learning approaches show promise for improving predictive accuracy, though standardization, external validation, and demonstration of clinical utility are needed. Integrating these biomarkers with established clinical risk factors could transform stroke prevention in diabetes from reactive to proactive, enabling personalized, mechanism-informed strategies for early detection and risk stratification.},
}

Humans
*Biomarkers/blood
*Ischemic Stroke/diagnosis/blood/genetics
Early Diagnosis
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
*Diabetes Mellitus/blood/diagnosis/genetics

@article {pmid41566387,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, M and Chen, S and Pei, H and Hu, L and Zhang, Y},
title = {Engineering bacteriophages for gut health: precision antimicrobials and beyond.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {62},
pmid = {41566387},
issn = {1477-3155},
support = {12275192//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Bacteriophages/genetics ; Phage Therapy/methods ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Animals ; Precision Medicine ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy/microbiology ; Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Engineered bacteriophages are emerging as a promising class of precision antimicrobials at a time when gastrointestinal diseases are increasingly linked to microbial dysbiosis, antibiotic resistance, and disruptions in host-microbe interactions. Conventional antibiotics often provide limited benefit in these settings because they lack selectivity and fail to restore microbial ecology. Advances in synthetic biology and nanotechnology have made it possible to redesign phages with enhanced specificity, expanded functionality, and improved stability, positioning them as versatile tools for microbiota-centered therapies. This review summarizes the major engineering approaches, and examines their applications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), and infectious enteritis. Key mechanistic insights into pathogen targeting, immune modulation, and barrier protection are highlighted. Remaining challenges, such as ensuring long-term stability, avoiding resistance development, and enabling scalable manufacturing, are discussed together with emerging interdisciplinary strategies that may advance the clinical translation of personalized phage therapies.},
}

Humans
*Bacteriophages/genetics
Phage Therapy/methods
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Animals
Precision Medicine
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy/microbiology
Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy/microbiology

@article {pmid41565754,
year = {2026},
author = {Solís-Marín, FA and Vergara-Ovando, C and Rojas-Oropeza, M and Calderón-Gutiérrez, F and Medina-Tanco, G and Cabirol, N},
title = {Asterinides sp. an endemic stygobitic seastar from an anchialine cave and its interactions among prokaryotic communities.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-36065-5},
pmid = {41565754},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PAPIIT-IN207021//Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/ ; PAPIIT-IN207021//Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/ ; Posgraduate grant//Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/ ; },
abstract = {Anchialine caves house a vast variety of organisms that support complex ecological relationships among themselves and their environment. The following study was made in the anchialine karst cave El Aerolito, found on Cozumel Island, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It explores the relationship between wall microbial mats and the diet of Asterinides sp., an endemic stygobitic seastar. Wall microbial mats inside the cave were sampled and the stomach microbiome of Asterinides sp. was obtained through regurgitation. Asterinides sp. sampling was made through the Catcher Collection Chamber (CCC), an innovative technology for the exploration of these ecosystems. The obtained results suggest that microbial mats are part of the diet of Asterinides sp. The following results highlight the potential relevance of the microbial communities inside the trophic chain present in El Aerolito. Additionally, the methodology presented here provides a useful framework for future ecological research in El Aerolito cave.},
}

@article {pmid41563471,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, W and Liu, P and Qiu, Y and Li, M and Huang, Y},
title = {Diversity and Functional Analysis of Epiphytic and Endophytic Bacteria in Three Different Parts of Brasenia Schreberi.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02688-w},
pmid = {41563471},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {24XJQN04//Nanchang Normal University 2024 Youth Science and Technology Talent Training Project/ ; NSBSJJ2023003//Nanchang Normal University Doctoral Research Start-up Fund/ ; 24FZZX13//Nanchang Normal University Funds for Improvement and Research/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41563055,
year = {2026},
author = {Sadiq, S and Xue, P and Tang, Y and Du, M and Van Brussel, K and McBratney, AB and Holmes, EC and Minasny, B},
title = {Limited effect of short- to mid-term storage conditions on an Australian farmland soil RNA virome.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0145925},
doi = {10.1128/jvi.01459-25},
pmid = {41563055},
issn = {1098-5514},
abstract = {Soils represent one of the largest and most diverse reservoirs of microbial life on Earth, yet their associated RNA viruses remain underexplored compared to animal and aquatic systems. Viral discovery in soils has been further limited by technical hurdles, particularly difficulties in obtaining sufficient yields of high-quality RNA for sequencing. To address this, we evaluated a range of storage and preservation strategies, including the use of commercial preservative solutions and ultra-cold snap-freezing, followed by standardized RNA extraction, sequencing, and virus discovery pipelines. This work aimed to establish minimum sample storage requirements that maintain RNA integrity, generate sufficient RNA sequencing data, and subsequently enable reliable soil virome characterization. While no preservative solution proved effective, "neat" soil samples were stable at 2°C-8°C and -30°C for at least 2 weeks, and at -80°C for at least 3 months, with no measurable reduction in RNA quality, sequencing data, or viral abundance and diversity. From 32 resulting libraries, we identified 1,475 putative novel RNA viruses, with the majority belonging to the microbe-associated phylum Lenarviricota. Several novel viruses formed divergent clusters with other environmentally derived sequences distantly related to traditionally animal-associated families, such as the Astroviridae and Picornaviridae. Furthermore, unique clusters within the Picobirnaviridae, Alsuvirucetes, Ghabrivirales, and Amabiliviricetes comprised exclusively Australian viruses, suggesting instances of region-specific evolution. Together, these findings highlight soils as rich reservoirs of RNA viral diversity and provide practical minimum standards for storage, expanding opportunities to investigate the ecological and evolutionary roles of RNA viruses in terrestrial systems.IMPORTANCERNA viruses are the most abundant and diverse biological entities on Earth and are likely present in all other organisms and ecosystems, including soil-dwelling invertebrates, microbes, and plants. Despite this, their diversity and role in soil systems remain largely unknown. Methodological challenges in preserving and extracting sufficient quantities of RNA from soils have hindered the study of these communities. Here, we identified 1,475 previously undescribed RNA viruses in Australian soils while systematically testing different preservation strategies. The significance of our research lies in the demonstration that snap-freezing soil is a viable and robust storage strategy for at least 3 months, while also highlighting the extraordinary scale of viral diversity present in terrestrial environments. This work establishes a foundation for reliable exploration of terrestrial RNA viruses, improving the accessibility of more remote environmental viromes and enabling future efforts to integrate them into broader models of microbial ecology and ecosystem function.},
}

@article {pmid41561919,
year = {2026},
author = {Phyu, KK and Zhi, S and Liang, J and Yang, Z and Zhao, R and Liu, J and Cao, Y and Wang, H and Zhang, K},
title = {Dataset on microbial community structure in response to microalgal cultivation in dairy wastewater.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {64},
number = {},
pages = {112407},
pmid = {41561919},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {This data article describes a comprehensive dataset investigating the dynamics between microalgae, bacteria, and pollutant removal in dairy wastewater treatment. Data was collected from a 12-day laboratory-scale experiment employing three distinct cultivation systems: monoculture, co-culture, and sequential culture of four algal/cyanobacterial strains (Chlorella sorokiniana, Euglena gracilis, Synechocystis sp., and Desertifilum tharense). The generated dataset includes high-frequency measurements of water quality parameters (COD, NH4 [+]-N, TN, TP), algal physiological data (biomass production, total chlorophyll, biochemical compositions like proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing data of the associated bacterial communities, which were fractionated into free-living and tightly bound phycosphere populations. The reuse potential of this data is significant. It provides a detailed profile of microbial community assembly driven by different cultivation strategies and environmental factors, offering a benchmark for future ecological studies in engineered systems. Researchers in the fields of wastewater biotechnology, microbial ecology, and synthetic ecology can reuse this data to validate microbial interaction models, optimize consortia design for bioremediation, and inform life-cycle assessments of algal-based treatment processes. The dataset generated in this study is publicly available in the NCBI BioProject repository under the accession number [PRJNA1265442].},
}

@article {pmid41558125,
year = {2026},
author = {Armstrong, R},
title = {Biocatalytic surfaces in architecture.},
journal = {Current opinion in biotechnology},
volume = {97},
number = {},
pages = {103435},
doi = {10.1016/j.copbio.2025.103435},
pmid = {41558125},
issn = {1879-0429},
abstract = {This review explores the reconceptualisation of microbial colonisation on buildings: from a detrimental process (biofouling) to a source of beneficial, programmable biocatalysis. Strategies for embedding microbial and fungal communities into architectural materials to perform functions such as bioremediation, biomineralisation, and energy generation are explored. The analysis includes the multiscalar design of bioreceptive substrates, engineered living paints, mycelium composites, and probiotic surfaces, which transform passive structures into metabolically active interfaces. These approaches are regarded as Engineered Eco-Ornamentation, where surface design intentionally supports microbial ecology and urban metabolism. The integration of these living systems with computational modelling and digital fabrication to create adaptive building systems is considered. Key challenges include scaling biological processes for architectural application, ensuring long-term material durability, and aligning metabolic activity with practical construction constraints. Addressing these challenges positions functionally designed biocatalytic surfaces as a foundational research field for more regenerative and ecologically integrated architecture.},
}

@article {pmid41557960,
year = {2026},
author = {Machushynets, NV and Terlouw, BR and Zhang, L and Du, C and Al Ayed, K and Schill, J and Trebosc, V and Elsayed, SS and Pieren, M and Liles, MR and Medema, MH and Martin, NI and van Wezel, GP},
title = {Diversification of Tridecaptin Chemical Space via a Chimeric Biosynthetic Pathway in Paenibacillus.},
journal = {Journal of natural products},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c01298},
pmid = {41557960},
issn = {1520-6025},
abstract = {Paenibacillus species produce a wide array of bioactive nonribosomal peptides (NRPs). The structural diversity of NRPs is shaped by various diversification strategies that support bacterial ecological adaptation and create opportunities for new antibiotic discovery. Here, we show that chimeric biosynthesis occurs within the family of tridecaptin antibiotics. Genome mining revealed that 15 Paenibacillus strains harbored both a full tridecaptin BGC and a stand-alone tridecaptin-like NRPS predicted to encode a truncated decamer. The encoded NRPS domain architectures suggested the capability of these strains to produce multiple tridecaptin variants through collaborative action between this tridecaptin-like NRPS and a second NRPS homologous with TriE encoded within the complete tridecaptin BGC. Indeed, Paenibacillus sp. JJ-1683 produced both tridecaptin A5 and tridecaptin B1, while deletion of triE in the canonical BGC prevented the biosynthesis of all tridecaptins. This provides strong evidence for the existence of chimeric biosynthesis of lipopeptide antibiotics. Bioactivity testing revealed that the synthetic analogue of tridecaptin A5, Oct-TriA5, has unusual broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens, while Oct-TriB1 displays moderate activity against Gram-negative strains and is not active against Gram-positive bacteria. We hypothesize that chimeric biosynthesis is a strategy that enables bacteria to produce compounds with distinct chemistry and bioactivity profiles.},
}

@article {pmid41557197,
year = {2026},
author = {Dos Santos, JFM and Mello, IS and da Cruz, ILS and Soares, MA},
title = {Non-Saccharomyces yeasts contribute to longevity, mitigated protein toxicity, and protection against abiotic stress in Caenorhabditis elegans.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {3},
pages = {128},
pmid = {41557197},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {445388/2024-2//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; *Longevity ; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Probiotics ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Cryptococcus/physiology/isolation & purification ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/toxicity ; *Yeasts/physiology/isolation & purification ; Saccharomyces/physiology/isolation & purification ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Receptor, Insulin ; Transcription Factors ; },
abstract = {The search for probiotic microorganisms that can be applied beyond gut health has advanced into areas that seek to promote longevity and to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we have investigated non-Saccharomyces strains isolated from the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes and evaluated how they affect Caenorhabditis elegans. During our initial screening, based on increased body size and population, we selected eight yeast strains and characterized their cells. Then, we selected three of these strains for in vivo testing. Cryptococcus sp._T038 and Cryptococcus sp._T248 prolonged longevity and reduced the effects of thermal and oxidative stress in C. elegans. Hanseniaspora opuntiae_W164 and Saccharomyces boulardii_SB delayed beta-amyloid-induced paralysis in C. elegans CL4176. The antioxidant genes of the DAF-2/SKN-1 pathway were activated by Cryptococcus_T038 and _T248 and H. opuntiae_W164 in C. elegans strain LD1171 (GCS-1p::GFP) and by Cryptococcus_T038, H. opuntiae_W164, and S. boulardii_SB in C. elegans strain CF1553 (SOD-3p::GFP). These data reinforce that wild yeasts are potential functional probiotics.},
}

Animals
*Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology/physiology/genetics
*Longevity
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Oxidative Stress
Probiotics
*Stress, Physiological
*Cryptococcus/physiology/isolation & purification
Amyloid beta-Peptides/toxicity
*Yeasts/physiology/isolation & purification
Saccharomyces/physiology/isolation & purification
DNA-Binding Proteins
Receptor, Insulin
Transcription Factors

@article {pmid41554215,
year = {2026},
author = {Mekureyaw, MF and Pandey, C and Sorty, AM and Hennessy, RC and Nicolaisen, MH and Liu, F and Nybroe, O and Roitsch, T},
title = {Biofilm formation by Pseudomonas putida KT2440 contributes to improve tomato drought stress resilience and priming for enhanced gene regulation.},
journal = {Journal of plant physiology},
volume = {317},
number = {},
pages = {154704},
doi = {10.1016/j.jplph.2026.154704},
pmid = {41554215},
issn = {1618-1328},
abstract = {Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), known to enhance tolerance to pathogen infection, but its role in drought stress mitigation remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess whether inoculation with KT2440 improves tomato tolerance to drought. Inoculation with the KT2440 wild type (WT) significantly improved ecophysiological drought stress responses by increasing leaf water potential and photosynthetic rate. It also resulted in an impact on the holobiont cell physiology through modulation of the activity signature of key enzymes of carbohydrate (e.g., PGM and vacInv) and antioxidant (e.g., GR, MDHAR, and cwPOX) metabolism under drought conditions. To functionally assess the role of biofilm formation in drought response, biofilm-deficient mutants KT2440 Alg, with only one gene cluster for the exopolysaccharide alginate deleted, and KT2440 Q, with four exopolysaccharide gene clusters (alg, bcs, pea and peb) deleted, were used. Inoculation with these two mutants led to reduced drought resilience, with partial or complete loss of protective effects in the Alg and Q mutants, respectively. This was reflected in lowered leaf water potential, photosynthetic rate, and reduced antioxidant and carbohydrate metabolism enzyme activities compared to inoculation with the corresponding wild type. Global RNA sequencing revealed that under drought conditions 360 % more genes were differentially regulated in the presence of KT2440 WT compared to the mock inoculated control, whereas this value decreased again to only 140 % more differentially regulated genes after recovery from the drought stress. Thus, KT2440 specifically primes the plant for a much more pronounced transcriptional response only during the impact of drought, thus providing resilience protection on demand. This priming for enhanced abiotic stress responsiveness was partially dependent on the ability to form biofilm. Both under well-watered and drought stress the number of differentially regulated genes was strongly reduced in plants inoculated with KT2440 Q compared to WT. Gene ontology and expression analyses showed significant upregulation of pathways involved in photosynthesis, phytohormone signaling, antioxidant metabolism, and drought resilience in KT2440-inoculated plants. Although KT2440 WT showed higher biofilm formation compared to the Alg and Q mutants, the strains did not differ in their ability for root colonization. These findings provide novel insights into the contribution of biofilm formation to PGPR-mediated drought tolerance and protection on demand via priming for enhanced transcriptional regulation under stress, supporting the potential of KT2440 for environmentally friendly mitigating of drought stress responses in crops.},
}

@article {pmid41553662,
year = {2026},
author = {Sarkar, B and Bag, S and Mandal, A and Saha, D and Saha, S and Bhaduri, R and Chatterjee, S},
title = {Cresol Derivatives from Bacillus subtilis as Natural Oviposition Modulator of Culex quinquefasciatus: A Molecular Docking Approach.},
journal = {Applied biochemistry and biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41553662},
issn = {1559-0291},
abstract = {Mosquitoes rely heavily on olfactory cues for locating suitable oviposition sites, with microbial communities in aquatic habitats playing a crucial role in producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that influence mosquito behaviour. In this study, we isolated Bacillus subtilis DHB13 from the breeding habitat of Culex quinquefasciatus, a major vector of several human diseases. The partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate has been submitted to NCBI GenBank with the accession number PV698100. The identity and resistance profile of the strain was confirmed through biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility tests. The bacterial suspension demonstrated a notable oviposition activity index (OAI) of 0.77 ± SE, with moderate variation among treatments (F(3, 8) = 3.631, p = 0.0642). Multiple comparison analysis (Tukey's test) showed that OAI values for DHB13-treated media did not differ significantly from natural habitat water but were significantly higher than the sterile control, indicating a biologically relevant attraction of gravid female mosquitoes. LC-MS analysis of the bacterial culture supernatant revealed the presence of three cresol derivatives: diisopropyl-m-cresol, 3-ethyl-p-cresol, and 6-ethyl-o-cresol. These compounds were evaluated through molecular docking against Cx. quinquefasciatus Odorant Binding Protein 1 (CxOBP1), a protein known to mediate olfactory-driven oviposition behaviour. However, mosquito olfaction involves several OBPs, receptors, and enzymes, so interaction with CxOBP1 represents only part of this complex sensory system. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of CxOBP1 with diisopropyl-m-cresol (-6.7 kcal/mol), 3-ethyl-p-cresol (-6.2 kcal/mol), and 6-ethyl-o-cresol (-5.9 kcal/mol), indicating potential oviposition attractant activity. All three ligands were found to bind within a conserved binding pocket of CxOBP1, behavioural assays confirmed the oviposition-stimulant properties of the bacterial suspension, indicating that the detected compounds mimic natural semio-chemicals such as p-cresol, previously recognized as an oviposition cue. These findings reinforce the role of microbiota in shaping mosquito reproductive behaviour through the production of volatile attractants. Moreover, they highlight the potential of using microbial VOCs as environmentally sustainable tools for mosquito surveillance and vector control. This integrative approach linking microbial ecology, chemical analysis, and mosquito behaviour provides novel insights for the development of attractant-based control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41553583,
year = {2026},
author = {Zavřel, T and Pohland, AC and Pfennig, T and Matuszyńska, AB and Tóth, SZ and Bernát, G and Červený, J},
title = {Estimating the redox state of the plastoquinone pool in algae and cyanobacteria via OJIP fluorescence: perspectives and limitations.},
journal = {Photosynthesis research},
volume = {164},
number = {1},
pages = {6},
pmid = {41553583},
issn = {1573-5079},
}

@article {pmid41551586,
year = {2026},
author = {Rahlff, J and Amato, P},
title = {A look into the virosphere of clouds: A world yet to be explored.},
journal = {Current research in microbial sciences},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100545},
pmid = {41551586},
issn = {2666-5174},
abstract = {Clouds are aqueous atmospheric systems hosting diverse and active microorganisms. Viruses may also persist despite harsh conditions, support active viral infections, and contribute to microbial dynamics during aerial transport. However, assessing viruses, and even more, virus-bacteria interactions in the atmospheric environment is highly challenging, and knowledge remains very limited. Here, based on current knowledge in cloud microbiology, we estimate the cloud virome at ∼10[21] virus particles globally. One out of a million of cloud droplets is susceptible to host virus-bacteria interactions, which represents considerable volume at global scale, and we discuss potential implications for microbial ecology. We finally propose future research directions to explore further the cloud virosphere and its ecological roles.},
}

@article {pmid41222968,
year = {2026},
author = {Le, OTH and Chu, LK and Pham, QV and Tran, HT and Nguyen, HN and Nguyen, HT and Dinh, HT},
title = {Enhancing compost maturity and nitrogen content through cocomposting of chicken feather waste with rice husk and vegetable residues.},
journal = {Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/10962247.2025.2587011},
pmid = {41222968},
issn = {2162-2906},
abstract = {Chicken feather waste is a potential low-cost nitrogen source for fertilizer production. However, due to its recalcitrant biodegradability, low C/N ratio, and high water content, composting chicken feather waste requires amendments. Optimizing the initial substrate composition plays a key role in improving composting performance. This study investigated the effects of varying chicken feather waste proportions, which altered the initial C/N ratio of the composting substrate, on the physicochemical evolution and final product quality of compost mixtures containing rice husk as a bulking agent and readily degradable vegetable residues. The substrates were composted in static compost bins of 20 L for 126 days under ambient conditions (~28°C). Significant differences were observed in physicochemical evolution and compost quality. A higher proportion of chicken feather waste or a lower initial C/N ratio led to increased total nitrogen (TN), extractable NH4[+], and SO4[2‒] concentrations during composting and in the final products. The addition of rice husk and vegetable residue improved the germination index of compost products from chicken feather waste. It was found that more-nutrient-rich compost could be produced by co-composting chicken feather waste with a low C/N ratio.Implications: This study highlights the interrelation of cosubstrates (rice husk, vegetable residue) in the decomposition of chicken feather waste. Nutrient-rich composts were obtained when chicken feather waste was cocomposted with low C/N ratios. Higher proportion of chicken feather waste or lower initial C/N ratio of composting substrate increased total N, extractable NH4[+], and SO4[2-] concentrations in compost product. Cocomposting of chicken feather waste with rice husk and vegetable residue enhanced compost maturity and germination index. The findings contribute a scientific basis for promoting the utilization of chicken feather waste to produce N-rich fertilizer.},
}

@article {pmid41549150,
year = {2026},
author = {Negi, R and Sharma, B and Jyothi, RS and Gupta, A and Parastesh, F and Kaur, T and Jhamta, S and Thakur, N and Singh, S and Yadav, N and Yadav, AN},
title = {Phyllosphere microbiome: Exploring the unexplored frontiers for precision agricultural and environmental sustainability.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {50},
pmid = {41549150},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Microbiota ; *Agriculture/methods ; Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification ; Fungi/metabolism/classification ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology ; *Plants/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The phyllosphere, encompassing the aerial surfaces of plants, represents one of the largest microbial habitats on Earth and plays a pivotal yet underutilized role in sustainable agriculture and environmental health. Colonized by diverse bacterial, fungal, and yeast communities, the phyllosphere microbiome significantly influences plant growth, disease resistance, nutrient dynamics, and abiotic stress tolerance. These microorganisms engage in complex interactions with host plants, often functioning as biofertilizers, biopesticides, and stress protectants by producing phytohormones, antimicrobial metabolites, and stress-responsive compounds. Importantly, phyllospheric microbes also contribute to atmospheric and ecological balance by participating in carbon and nitrogen cycling, degrading volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and mitigating air pollution. However, despite their immense potential, the practical application of phyllospheric microbes remains limited by challenges such as environmental instability, poor field persistence, and incomplete functional characterization. The highly variable microclimate of the leaf surface poses survival barriers to both native and introduced microbial inoculants. Moreover, the specificity of plant-microbe associations and the complexity of microbial interactions necessitate precision-based approaches for successful deployment. Recent advances in omics technologies, microbial consortia engineering, and nano-enabled delivery systems provide new opportunities to overcome these limitations. A deeper understanding of phyllosphere microbial ecology, combined with innovations in synthetic biology and ecological modeling, can facilitate the development of robust microbial tools tailored to specific crops and climates. Harnessing the potential of phyllospheric microorganisms is not merely an academic pursuit, it is a strategic imperative for transitioning toward climate-resilient, low-input, and ecologically sound agricultural systems.},
}

*Microbiota
*Agriculture/methods
Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification
Fungi/metabolism/classification
*Plant Leaves/microbiology
*Plants/microbiology

@article {pmid41548260,
year = {2026},
author = {Ravikumar, BN and Carvajal-Arroyo, JM and Jia, M and Ganigué, R},
title = {Ecophysiological characterization of thermophilic anammox process: Impact of environmental conditions and wastewater constituents on the activity of a novel granular thermophilic anammox culture.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {292},
number = {},
pages = {125402},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125402},
pmid = {41548260},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Understanding the ecophysiology of thermophilic anammox bacteria is crucial for expanding anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox)-based nitrogen removal to warm (>45[0]C), nitrogen-rich and carbon-deficient wastewaters (bCOD/N < 3 g/g) such as, centrate from thermophilic anaerobic digesters. Despite recent enrichments of thermophilic anammox cultures, their ecophysiological responses to process variables remain largely unknown. This study provides the first systematic characterization of the short-term response of a granular thermophilic anammox culture, enriched in Candidatus Brocadia sp., to key environmental conditions (pH, temperature, salinity) and wastewater constituents (ammonium, nitrite, phosphate, sulfide, volatile fatty acids (VFAs)). The culture displayed an optimal pH range of 7.3-7.8 and a temperature optimum of 50-53 °C, the highest short-term activity temperature recorded for any anammox species, yet. Ammonium caused only slight inhibition (IC50>57 mM), and free ammonia was not the primary inhibitory species, in contrast to mesophilic observations. Thermophilic Ca. Brocadia culture showed higher salinity (IC50=159 mM NaCl) and phosphate tolerance (IC50=44.9 mM) tolerance than most mesophilic counterparts, whereas nitrite (IC50=25.9 mM) and sulfide (IC50=0.03 mM H2S) elicited strong inhibition. Among VFAs, propionate was the most inhibitory (IC50=22 mM), while low concentrations (2.5 mM) of acetate and formate slightly enhanced anammox activity. These results identify the inhibitory thresholds and operational boundaries of thermophilic anammox systems, demonstrating that the culture is sufficiently robust for application in warm nitrogenous wastewaters, paving the way for developing sustainable and cost-efficient wastewater treatment technologies for high temperatures.},
}

@article {pmid41547661,
year = {2026},
author = {Dasgupta, M and Maity, A and Sarker, RK and Paul, P and Chakraborty, P and Sarkar, S and Roy, R and Malik, M and Das, S and Tribedi, P},
title = {Antibiotic-phytochemical combinations against Enterococcus faecalis: a therapeutic strategy optimized using response surface methodology.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {2},
pages = {41},
pmid = {41547661},
issn = {1572-9699},
support = {TNU/R&D/MG/24/02//The Neotia University/ ; TNU/R&D/MP/2021/010//The Neotia University/ ; },
mesh = {*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Phytochemicals/pharmacology ; Vancomycin/pharmacology ; Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Benzoquinones/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium that causes nosocomial infections, has been reported to be resistant to several antibiotics, posing a significant threat to public healthcare. In the present study, we explored a combinatorial therapeutic approach involving conventional antibiotics alongside phytochemicals against E. faecalis. Vancomycin and ciprofloxacin were chosen for the current study due to their different modes of action. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cuminaldehyde and thymoquinone was found to be 500 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL, respectively. Co-administering vancomycin with thymoquinone or cuminaldehyde reduced the MIC of vancomycin from 5 to 2 µg/mL, resulting in a 60% drop in MIC dose. Ciprofloxacin's MIC reduced from 1.5 to 1 µg/mL in the presence of the same phytochemicals, resulting in 33% reduction in its MIC dose. Furthermore, fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) suggested additive interactions (FICI range: 0.66-1) between the antibiotics and phytochemicals against E. faecalis. Since precision dosing is important for any combinatorial application, we explored response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize dosing regimens of the selected compounds. It was observed that the predicted optimal concentrations of the test compounds (in different combinations) could closely match the actual observations when tested under the in-vitro laboratory conditions (R[2] range: 0.97-0.99). These findings suggested that combining conventional antibiotics with phytochemicals may offer a promising strategy to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy for effective control of infections caused by E. faecalis.},
}

*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Phytochemicals/pharmacology
Vancomycin/pharmacology
Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology
Drug Synergism
Benzoquinones/pharmacology

@article {pmid41547536,
year = {2026},
author = {Banik, M and Bashyal, S and Ahmed, KA and Banik, K and Dua, K and Choi, JP and Paudel, KR and Majumder, R},
title = {The Gut Microbiome of Australian Cats and Dogs: Dietary Influences, Health Impacts, and Emerging Research.},
journal = {Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106566},
doi = {10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106566},
pmid = {41547536},
issn = {1532-2971},
abstract = {The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in the health, metabolism, and behaviour of companion animals, yet comprehensive syntheses of its composition and functional relevance in cats and dogs in Australia are overlooked and remain limited globally. This review synthesises current knowledge on the gut microbial communities inhabiting the gastrointestinal tracts of dog and cats, with a particular focus on taxonomic diversity, dietary modulation, and associations with disease states within Australian context. Core phyla including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria dominate the canine and feline gut, but marked interspecies and individual variability is shaped by factors such as feeding practices, living environment, obesity, and chronic disease. Recent studies have elucidated functional signatures linked to conditions ranging from the influence of microplastics to pet gut health, as well as gut-microbiome transmission between pets and their owners, highlighting this area as a promising field of investigation. In parallel, this review contextualizes the broader landscape of pet ownership in Australia, where nearly 70% of households own pets, and significant resources are devoted to nutrition, veterinary care, and preventive health. Emerging evidence also suggests bidirectional influences between pets and their human companions' microbiota, highlighting opportunities for integrated approaches. We identify critical knowledge gaps, including the need for region-specific microbial baselines, standardized methodologies, and controlled intervention trials targeting microbiome modulation and transmission. By consolidating advances across microbial ecology, veterinary medicine, and translational research, this review provides a foundation for future studies that aim to harness the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the pet microbiome, thereby improving health outcomes for animals and humans alike.},
}

@article {pmid41546932,
year = {2026},
author = {Verduzco Garibay, M and Hernández-Guardado, I and Yebra-Montes, C and Díaz-Torres, O and Fernández Del Castillo, A and Díaz-Vázquez, D and Kreft, JU and Cortés-Aguilar, J and Senés-Guerrero, C and Gradilla-Hernández, MS},
title = {Exploring the resilience of playa lake ecosystems to climate change: A microbial perspective.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {399},
number = {},
pages = {128474},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128474},
pmid = {41546932},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Playa lakes, ephemeral water bodies found in arid and semi-arid regions, are increasingly impacted by climate change. The Mexican playa Lake Atotonilco has experienced a significant decline in water volume, leading to increased salinity and making it a valuable model for assessing climate impacts. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, this study investigated the responses of microbial communities and their contributions to key biogeochemical cycles, including those related to greenhouse gas dynamics. Spatial differences in physicochemical parameters were observed: channels and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent showed elevated BOD5, COD, coliforms, and pH above regulatory limits, whereas the lake displayed higher DO but increased TP and TKN. Bacterial communities exhibited marked seasonal and depth-related shifts, reflecting strategies that support ecosystem resilience. To robustly identify differentially abundant taxa, two methods (ANCOM-BC2 and DESeq2) were implemented, which consistently detected significant differences across seasons. Despite strong environmental fluctuations, a core microbial community persisted, suggesting functional continuity in biogeochemical cycling. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of microbial dynamics in a playa lake, integrating community structure with physicochemical variability to reveal bacterial responses to climate-driven environmental change. Because playa and other shallow lakes worldwide are experiencing increasing desiccation, salinization, and nutrient imbalances, defining these microbial processes is essential for anticipating ecological change. This study provides a needed baseline for future research and offers key insights for managing climate-vulnerable aquatic ecosystems in arid regions.},
}

@article {pmid41545601,
year = {2026},
author = {Shin, S and Bang, D and Lee, M and Kang, Y},
title = {Heavy Rain, Less Bloom Under Heat: Succession of Size-Structured Phytoplankton Community Without Biomass Increases in a Monsoonal Korean Coastal Ecosystem.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02680-4},
pmid = {41545601},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {R2025011//National Institute of Fisheries Science/ ; NRF2022R1C1C1008380//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41545035,
year = {2026},
author = {Eggestein, A and Rauer, D and Herrmann, SM and Kolek, F and Leier-Wirtz, V and Urban, S and Foesel, B and Schloter, M and Bhattacharyya, M and Pyrri, I and Reiger, M and Schwierzeck, V and Hülpüsch, C and Traidl-Hoffmann, C and Damialis, A and Gilles, S},
title = {A Walk in the Park: Influence of Natural Co-Exposure to Grass Pollen and Fungal Spores on Nasal Mycobiome and Cytokine Responses.},
journal = {Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/cea.70216},
pmid = {41545035},
issn = {1365-2222},
support = {//Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-Care)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the grass flowering season, fungal spores are abundant in outdoor air. We tested for co-sensitisations to grass pollen and fungal spores, assessed the degree of co-exposure, and studied its impact on the nasal mycobiome and immune responses.

METHODS: Fungi-specific IgE-levels were studied in 277 individuals with and without grass pollen sensitisation. In a small cohort (n = 7), exposure to grass pollen and fungal spores was monitored during 5 consecutive indoor and outdoor stays in a flowering meadow and correlated with changes in the nasal mycobiome. Cytokines of nasal epithelial cells were studied under stimulation with recombinant grass pollen allergens, with and without fungal spores derived from outdoor isolates.

RESULTS: IgE-sensitisation against the studied fungi was significantly more frequent among individuals with grass pollen sensitisation than among those without grass pollen sensitisation. Outdoor exposure resulted in changes in the nasal mycobiome, with a transitory enrichment of environmental fungi, for example, Cladosporium species. Most of the fungi cultivated from outdoor air samples belonged to the genera Fusarium, Cladosporium and Penicillium. Apical co-stimulation of nasal epithelial cells with grass pollen allergens and Fusarium, Cladosporium or Penicillium spores led to an increased loss of transepithelial electrical resistance and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine release compared to mono-stimulation.

CONCLUSION: Frequent co-exposure to fungal spores and grass pollen may increase the chance of acquiring a co-sensitisation to both allergens. Environmental fungi interact with and transitorily change the local mycobiome. Under co-exposure, fungal spores induce nasal inflammation and foster immune responses to otherwise poorly immunogenic pollen allergens.},
}

@article {pmid41544570,
year = {2026},
author = {Aminullah, N and Langar, H and Mahaq, O and Azizi, MN and Zahir, A},
title = {Microbial ecology, functional implications, and associated factors influencing poultry intestinal health.},
journal = {Veterinary immunology and immunopathology},
volume = {293},
number = {},
pages = {111065},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetimm.2026.111065},
pmid = {41544570},
issn = {1873-2534},
abstract = {Gut health is a dynamic phenomenon regulated by the balanced interaction among gastrointestinal tract morphological structure, resident microbiota, and available nutrients, producing an integrated barrier that ensures efficient physiological functions, enhanced immune competence and optimal productivity. Gut health is recognised as a crucial factor for optimum management, farming economy, and sustainable commercial poultry production. Poultry gut health has become a central focus, particularly following restrictions applied on the use of antimicrobial growth promoters in poultry production due to rising global concerns about microbial resistance. Intestinal integrity and health are being regulated by microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which modulate intestinal morphogenesis vis-à-vis villus size, crypt depth and physiological functions, including feed digestion, nutrients synthesis and absorption, and immune response. Any disturbances arising from nutritional imbalances, microbial infections, environmental stress, or poor management practices compromise epithelial health, barrier integrity, and physiological functions, leading to impaired growth performance and productivity. This review provides an overview of poultry gut health, highlighting the interdependence of gut microbiota, gut morphogenesis, physiology, environmental factors affecting gut health, and management approaches for sustainable poultry production.},
}

@article {pmid41540283,
year = {2026},
author = {Bueno, RS and Catania, V and Auteri, M and Grilli, E and di Iorio, T and di Sarra, A and Castaldi, S and Quatrini, P},
title = {Patterns and Drivers of Plant Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Traits Across a Pedo-Climatic Gradient in Mediterranean Agroecosystems Under Desertification Risk.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02689-9},
pmid = {41540283},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Desertification is a global concern, reducing vegetation cover and soil fertility. Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AM), the most common plant-fungi association, can enhance plant fitness and stress tolerance. Despite its significance, comprehensive data on community-wide patterns and drivers of plant AM traits are limited in the Mediterranean, one of the regions most vulnerable to desertification. We examined four traits: colonization frequency, intensity, arbuscule abundance, and spore density in the rhizosphere of 20 plant species across ten agroecosystems in desertification-prone areas of Italy, Spain, and Portugal. We analysed whether these traits varied across Raunkiær's plant life forms and were affected by vegetation cover, soil properties, precipitation, and temperature, both overall and regionally, to explore potential context-dependency. All plants showed a high frequency of AMF colonization, with an average intensity of 54%, indicating obligate AMF interactions, and arbuscule abundance was significantly correlated with spore density. These traits were significantly higher in microhabitats dominated by trees and shrubs compared to those dominated by herbaceous plants. Phanerophytes (perennials) presented lower trait values than therophytes (annuals), while the highest values were found in hemicryptophytes. Lampedusa, a region with hotter and drier climate conditions in Southern Europe, had significantly lower AMF trait levels, though Spanish site values resembled those in Sicily more than Portugal. Soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and the overall positive interaction between precipitation and temperature significantly influenced all AMF traits. However, the magnitude and direction of soil and climate related effects differed among regions, indicating strong context dependency. Our study contributes to better define indicators for monitoring desertification and evaluating restoration efforts while highlighting the need of site-specific evaluations and careful interpretation of broad generalisations.},
}

@article {pmid41537975,
year = {2026},
author = {Sless, T and Chau, K and Nguyen, P and Rehan, S},
title = {Microbial communities of wild bees and comparative phylogenetics of key bacterial taxa across the bee tree of life.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2062},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.1823},
pmid = {41537975},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; *Microbiota ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; },
abstract = {Recent years have seen a rapidly growing interest in the study of microbiomes to understand the health and well-being of host animals. Within bees, much of this work has focused on managed species of agricultural importance, such as honeybees and bumblebees. However, unmanaged wild bees are also vital to both agricultural and natural systems, and studying their microbial associates is essential to understanding the impacts of microbiomes on bee health. We used metabarcoding based on 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) loci to identify bacterial and fungal associates of adult bees from 16 species, 10 genera and 5 families, representing a diverse sampling of wild bees common to eastern North America. Overall, Apilactobacillus was the largest component of bacterial communities, while fungal communities were dominated by Cladosporium. Alpha diversity of both bacteria and fungi differed significantly across genera and species, while beta diversity varied at all taxonomic levels. Additionally, we conducted a broad phylogenetic comparison of bacterial communities across bees using previously published 16S rRNA datasets and contrasted these findings with functional traits across the bee tree of life. Several bacterial taxa showed evidence of strong phylogenetic signal in prevalence, while the presence of corbiculae was more strongly associated with bacterial community composition than sociality or nesting habit. This study provides expanded insights into the microbial associates of wild bees, as well as the broadest investigation to date into patterns of phylogenetic conservation in bacterial communities across a total of 42 species representing the five most diverse bee families.},
}

Animals
Bees/microbiology
Phylogeny
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis
*Microbiota
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic

@article {pmid41536172,
year = {2026},
author = {Carboni, S and Asangba, AE and Melin, AD},
title = {Microbial Contributions to Primate Reproduction.},
journal = {Evolutionary anthropology},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {e70023},
pmid = {41536172},
issn = {1520-6505},
mesh = {Animals ; *Primates/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; *Reproduction/physiology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Male ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Anthropology, Physical ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Copulation/physiology ; },
abstract = {Reproduction is a complex process, and microbes play a far greater role than previously imagined. This review explores the ways that microbiomes influence the rich tapestry of reproductive processes and outcomes within the primate lineage, including pre-copulatory and post-copulatory mechanisms. We discuss microbiomes in a sexual selection framework, specifically how they might influence mate choice and sexual competition across multiple sensory modalities. We then consider how copulatory behavior and mating systems may in turn shape reproductive microbiomes. Moving to post-copulatory processes, we discuss the potential impact of microbes on cryptic choice and sperm competition and call for additional research in this area. Finally, we explore the influence of microbes on pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing evolutionary perspectives often overlooked in clinical research. Importantly, we compare human studies to those on nonhuman primates, bridging the two areas of inquiry and outlining future research directions. Our aim is to highlight the vast potential for microbes to contribute to all stages of reproduction, and to inspire creative, synthetic future research that moves forward this fascinating area of inquiry.},
}

Animals
*Primates/microbiology/physiology
Female
*Reproduction/physiology
*Microbiota/physiology
Male
Humans
Pregnancy
Anthropology, Physical
Sexual Behavior, Animal
Biological Evolution
Copulation/physiology