Search Results (321)

New Zealand species have evolved with infrequent fires, the flora being described as non-fire-adapted. Until recently, there has been contradictory information in the literature regarding the response of New Zealand indigenous species to fire, and little quantitative information on the resistance expressed in post-fire resprouting of New Zealand species. Following a grass fire at a site that had been planted, we measured the resprouting ability of a range of native species frequently used in revegetation. Resprouting was exhibited in many of the trees and shrubs, adding to the list of plants that show this fire resistance trait. Resprouting was unexpected given that bark provides resistance to fire and develops with age, and the plants were less than seven years old. Areas of regenerating native vegetation subjected to wildfire in New Zealand are frequently invaded by highly flammable, non-native species. Their presence contributes to what has been termed a fire trap, in which succession to old-growth native forest (and other habitats) is repeatedly reset. We discuss the potential of green firebreaks to escape this trap and conclude that such an escape will require active management. Full article

Post-weaning diarrhea caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli is a significant economic challenge in global swine production. Rising antimicrobial resistance linked to traditional antibiotics necessitates safe, sustainable alternatives. This study isolated and characterized host-associated Bacillus species from the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy pigs to evaluate their probiotic potential. Fifty-nine Bacillus isolates were screened for safety, gastrointestinal tract survivability, mucosal adhesion, and antimicrobial efficacy. Several isolates demonstrated robust tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal stress (acidic pH and bile salts), non-hemolytic profiles, and strong mucosal adhesion. Multiple isolates displayed inhibitory activity against pathogenic Escherichia coli in vitro. The most promising candidate, Bacillus subtilis 1BP1Co1, underwent Nanopore whole-genome sequencing. Genomic profiling confirmed its safety, revealing a complete absence of known virulence factors and high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes. Furthermore, genome annotation identified multiple biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for the production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites, including surfactin, fengycin, bacillaene, and subtilosin A, which mechanistically supports its pathogen-inhibitory properties. Collectively, these findings highlight indigenous Bacillus strains, particularly Bacillus subtilis 1BP1Co1, as promising probiotic candidates with the potential to be developed to mitigate Escherichia coli-associated enteric disorders in swine production systems. Full article

The ban on antibiotic growth promoters in livestock production has created an urgent demand for safe and effective probiotic alternatives derived from indigenous animal microbiota. Here, we isolated Enterococcus hirae HI3 from Hu sheep jejunum and confirmed its species assignment via whole-genome sequencing, with ANI analysis showing 98.92% identity to the E. hirae reference genome. HI3 showed moderate acid tolerance, with survival rates of 19.31% (95% CI: 15.83–22.78%) at pH 2 and 18.40% (95% CI: 17.87–18.94%) at pH 3 after 4 h, and maintained > 50% survival in 2% bile salts. It was susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol. No hemolytic activity was observed, and major enterococcal virulence genes (gelE, cyl, esp, hyl) were absent from the HI3 genome. The HI3 genome (3.06 Mb) consists of one circular chromosome and three circular plasmids. Functional annotation identified 229 carbohydrate metabolism genes (including 65 glycoside hydrolases) and 43 probiotic-related genes involved in acid tolerance (atpA–G, nhaC), bile salt tolerance (cbh), stress responses (clp family, groEL, dnaK, cspA, sod2), and adhesion (ltaS, srtA, eno, epsA). Multiple bacteriocin biosynthetic gene clusters (enterolysin A, class II lanthipeptide, etc.) were identified. Plasmid-borne tetracycline resistance genes tet(M) and tet(L) were detected; however, their functional transferability requires experimental validation. No other known transferable resistance determinants were identified in the genomic analysis. These in vitro and genomic findings represent an initial characterization of E. hirae HI3 and support its potential as a ruminant probiotic candidate. However, in vivo studies are required to validate its colonization capacity, safety, and efficacy in the target ruminant species. Full article

Medicinal plants are important sources of secondary metabolites (SMs), but their production is constrained by resource shortages, low cultivation efficiency, and continuous cropping obstacles. As the “second genome” of host plants, the plant microbiome is deeply involved in plant growth and development, stress adaptation, and the accumulation of bioactive compounds, providing new pathways for the sustainable utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which the plant microbiome regulates biomass formation and SM accumulation in medicinal plants. Microorganisms can promote plant nutrient acquisition, enhance resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and regulate root architecture and hormonal signaling. Meanwhile, microorganisms can also participate in the remodeling of secondary metabolic networks in medicinal plants through elicitor- and effector protein-mediated signal transduction, regulation of metabolic gene expression, redistribution of photosynthetic carbon sources and metabolic precursors, and their own biosynthetic capacities. From the perspective of co-evolution, plants and their microbiomes constitute symbiotic systems formed through long-term interactions. Plants can selectively recruit specific microbial taxa through root exudates, SMs, and signaling molecules, whereas microorganisms influence plant adaptability and medicinal material quality through colonization, metabolic feedback, and horizontal gene transfer. This review proposes that a synergistic regulatory pattern of “close phylogenetic relatedness-similar secretions-similar microbial communities” may exist between medicinal plants and microorganisms. This pattern suggests that closely related medicinal plants may share similar core microbial taxa, which may help reveal the intrinsic mechanisms underlying specific microbial recruitment and the quality formation of geo-authentic medicinal materials. Furthermore, the design of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) can be achieved based on the identification of shared functional genes and the screening of indigenous core functional strains. Full article

Y. T. Wu (Wu Yaozong, 1893–1979) was a prominent Christian figure in twentieth-century China. His most significant contribution was to the Three-self Patriotic Movement of Protestant Churches during the 1950s, which also rendered him a controversial figure among overseas Christians. Situating Wu within the broader context of modern China, this article contends that he belonged to the generation shaped by the May Fourth and New Culture Movements, and that his Christian thought was characterized by a strong sense of social responsibility from its inception. The Great Depression (1929–1933) and the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan in the 1930s prompted Wu to shift toward socialism, a position he articulated in relation to Christianity and social reconstruction. In the 1940s, Wu participated in the Chinese democratic movement, emphasizing Christianity’s role in the development of the New China. Social reconstruction actually constitutes a significant dimension of Christianity in 20th-century China. While closely related to indigenization, it highlights social concerns and engagement. An examination of Wu’s intellectual legacy prior to the 1950s clarifies this dominant theme within Christianity in Modern China. Revisiting Wu’s intellectual legacy from this perspective may broaden contemporary discussions of indigenization and contextualization while also addressing critiques rooted in subsequent political events. Full article

For over three decades, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) have served as the established primary therapy for acid-suppressive therapy; however, their clinical utility is frequently compromised by their slow onset of action, meal-time dependency, and metabolic variability driven by CYP2C19 polymorphisms. Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) represent a definitive pharmacological shift, offering rapid, reversible, and genotype-independent inhibition of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase. This review outlines the emergence of South Korea as a global epicenter for P-CAB innovation, predicated upon a strategic partnership between a high domestic burden of Helicobacter pylori infection and a rising incidence of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We analyze the clinical and structural developments of indigenous Korean agents, specifically tegoprazan and fexuprazan, the latter of which features an optimized 9-h elimination half-life engineered to mitigate nocturnal acid breakthrough. A critical evaluation of recent clinical evidence is provided, including the most recent 2024 prospective Phase III data, which demonstrate that 14-day P-CAB-based triple therapy achieves significantly improved eradication rates in high-clarithromycin-resistance environments. Furthermore, we explore the emerging 2025 trend toward personalized, on-demand maintenance therapy and address critical long-term safety considerations, including the duration-dependent risk of metachronous gastric cancer identified in recent multicenter longitudinal studies. Ultimately, the South Korean clinical framework is providing the foundational evidence for a global transition toward P-CAB-centered treatment algorithms, redefining the standards of care in modern gastroenterology. Full article

Biological nitrogen removal is often inhibited under low-temperature conditions due to reduced microbial activity and impaired metabolic processes. A novel cold-resistant bacterium, Acinetobacter pragensis FX1, was isolated and exhibited efficient nitrogen removal capacity across a broad temperature range of 5–30 °C. Notably, strain FX1 remained metabolically active at 5 °C, with a specific growth rate of 0.04 h⁻¹ and a generation time of 18.09 h, demonstrating excellent cold-resistant capability. Under ideal operating conditions (sodium citrate as carbon source, C/N ratio of 10, pH 7, and a shaking speed of 150 rpm) at 10 °C, removal efficiencies of NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N, and NO₂⁻-N reached 99.39%, 81.30%, and 99.78%, respectively. Nitrogen balance analysis, combined with genome annotation, revealed that nitrogen assimilation was the predominant pathway, thereby avoiding the potential for greenhouse gas (N₂O) generation. Genes associated with cold shock response and fatty acid biosynthesis supported the maintenance of membrane stability and the sustainability of metabolic activity under cold stress. Furthermore, bioaugmentation with strain FX1 successfully improved nutrient removal performance at 10 °C, driven by synergistic interactions with indigenous microbial communities. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of strain FX1 as a promising candidate for enhancing biological nitrogen removal performance in cold-region wastewater treatment. Full article

Algerian fermented foods represent a precious source of indigenous yeasts with potentially probiotic properties, which can serve as regional, functional starter cultures. The aim of the present research is to isolate and genetically identify strains obtained from traditional fermented foods and investigate their probiotic properties and safety aspects in vitro. The molecular identification revealed fifteen S. cerevisiae strains obtained from sourdoughs and marinated peppers samples. All tested strains showed the ability to grow at 37 °C and to survive well at 0.3% (w/v) bile salts with high resistance to pH 2.5. The auto-aggregation rates of tested strains reached 93.90% after 24 h of incubation, while seven of fifteen strains showed high hydrophobicity values in xylene (44.60–58.90%), indicating their ability to survive and to adhere to the host intestinal mucosa. All S. cerevisiae isolates showed a good antioxidant activity and exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activity, but not against Listeria innocua. A lack of hemolysis, gelatinase, protease and phospholipase was recorded for all tested strains, while a strong phytase activity was observed in these strains, which may enhance mineral availability and reduce antinutritional effects of plant-based food. Based on these results, five S. cerevisiae strains showed promising probiotic properties and safety aspects, which can be used as potential probiotic strains in functional food industries and/or in the medical field. Full article

Acute diarrheal disease (ADD) caused by parasites and Tuberculosis (TB) remain major public health concerns in vulnerable indigenous communities with limited access to sanitation, safe water, and healthcare, and where humans, animals and the environment interact closely. Using a One Health framework, this study investigated TB and Intestinal parasites in human, animal and environmental samples from 15 Wayuu indigenous communities in Manaure, La Guajira. A total of 190 samples, including human sputum and feces, animal milk and feces, soil and drinking water, were analyzed according to sample type, preservation suitability, and availability using parasitological concentration techniques, qPCR for helminth detection, metatranscriptomic sequencing, Xpert ^® MTB/RIF assay, and mycobacterial culture. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in 8.3% of human sputum samples, with no evidence of rifampicin resistance, whereas Mycobacterium bovis was not detected in animal milk. Human fecal samples analyzed by microscopy showed Blastocystis sp. and the Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar complex (38.8% each), followed by Giardia (19.4%), Hymenolepis nana and Trichuris trichiura (5.1% each) and Hymenolepis diminuta (1%). Commensal parasites were also identified, with Entamoeba coli (46.9%) being the most frequent species, indicating inadequate sanitary conditions and poor hygiene practices. Co-infections were common in humans (60.2%). In animal fecal samples, strongylids (66.7%), amoebas (16.7%) and Giardia (8.3%) were observed. Giardia sp. was detected in 2.38% of soil samples by microscopy, supporting environmental circulation, whereas no parasites were detected in water sediments. Multiplex qPCR detected Trichuris trichiura DNA in human feces and Trichuris spp. DNA in soil and sheep fecal samples. Metatranscriptomic analysis of 22 human fecal samples revealed a high diversity and frequency of parasitic protozoa (90.9%), with Blastocystis spp. being the most frequent (81.8%). Additionally, reads of free-living amoebae, including Acanthamoeba spp. (10%) and Naegleria spp. (5%) were detected in community drinking water sources. These findings suggest active transmission of TB and parasitic-associated ADD in Wayuu communities and highlight the need for integrated surveillance and culturally appropriate interventions focused on sanitation, hygiene, veterinary services and community health education to improve the living and health conditions of these vulnerable populations. Full article

The Wadi sheep (WAD) is a unique Chinese indigenous breed previously reported to show adaptation to humid and saline–alkali lowlands, disease resistance, high fecundity, and favorable meat quality. However, the recent widespread introduction of commercial sheep breeds has led to a sharp decline in the purebred WAD population, posing serious threats to the preservation of its unique genetic resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need to assess the current population structure and genetic diversity of WAD to support its conservation and sustainable utilization. In this study, we systematically analyzed genomic variation, population structure, and selection signatures using whole-genome resequencing data from 30 WAD sheep and 80 publicly available genomes representing five other breeds obtained from the NCBI database. Population genomic analyses revealed that WAD retains substantial genetic diversity and exhibits a distinct population structure, shaped by its unique breeding history. Selection signature analyses using F_ST, π ratio, and XP-EHH identified 457 candidate genes under positive selection, which are associated with key biological processes including environmental adaptation, immune defense, muscle traits, growth, and reproduction. These findings identify genomic regions potentially related to reported WAD traits and provide a theoretical basis for its conservation, molecular breeding, and sustainable utilization in lowland environments. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infections are a pressing health concern in the White Mountain Apache (WMA) Tribal community, where invasive Staph infection rates far exceed those in the general U.S. population. This study explored community perspectives to guide culturally tailored education and prevention strategies. We conducted 42 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare providers, traditional practitioners, and community members. Thematic analysis showed that participants had familiarity with the term “MRSA” (methicillin-resistant Staph), although many did not recognize it as a form of Staph, per se. Barriers to timely care-seeking included lack of transportation, stigma, and misconceptions about infection causes. With regard to biomedical approaches to prevention, participants preferred products like antiseptic nasal sprays and antimicrobial skin cleansers due to ease of use. Community members emphasized the need for simple, bilingual educational materials grounded in Apache culture and delivered by trusted figures. The findings underscore the importance of culturally grounded education and prevention approaches. Implementation and scaling of these strategies may enhance health literacy, reduce infection rates, and promote holistic wellness in Indigenous communities. Full article

(1) Background: Indonesia faces the dual challenge of a high tuberculosis (TB) burden and increasing drug resistance. Conventional molecular diagnostics frequently fail to detect isoniazid resistance and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study evaluates a domestic multiplex Open PCR system in Medan, Indonesia. (2) Methods: From July to November 2025, 1569 sputum specimens from suspected TB patients were analysed using the Indigen MTB/NTM/DR-TB Real-time PCR Kit Gen 2. (3) Results: Mycobacterial DNA was detected in 421 specimens (26.8%). Among these, 396 (94.1%) were drug-susceptible TB, while 16 (3.8%) showed resistance, predominantly INH mono-resistance (n = 14; 0.89% of total). Additionally, 9 cases (2.1%) involved NTM or TB-NTM co-infections. Tertiary hospitals showed significantly higher positivity rates (33.5%) than primary care (18.9%; p < 0.001). TB status was significantly associated with male (p = 0.0052) and older age (p = 0.006), whereas resistance profiles and NTM distribution were consistent across all demographic groups (p > 0.80). (4) Conclusions: This study describes the implementation and diagnostic yield of a domestic multiplex Open PCR system in Medan, Indonesia. By bridging diagnostic gaps across a decentralized referral network, this facilitates rapid and targeted therapy. Integrating multiplex domestic innovations into national diagnostic algorithms is essential for achieving Indonesia’s TB elimination targets. Full article

Fermented vegetables in Yunnan Province, China, harbor abundant microbial diversity. However, the development of indigenous starter cultures remains under-utilized. Genomic information regarding Leuconostoc (L.) mesenteroides isolates from this region is particularly scarce. To assess the genomic characteristics of eight L. mesenteroides isolates from traditional Yunnan fermented vegetables, we performed whole-genome sequencing and conducted a comparative analysis with 21 publicly available vegetable-derived genomes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed marked variation in genome size and plasmid content, and pangenome analysis indicated an open configuration. Core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) of the eight indigenous isolates showed high allelic diversity, indicating a genetically heterogeneous and non-clonal population. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that the evolutionary relationships among the 29 strains were not strictly correlated with their vegetable sources, suggesting an influence from other factors, such as geographic origin and region-specific processing methods. Similar to the profiles of the 21 publicly available genomes, inactive prophages, intrinsic vancomycin resistance genes, and genomic island fragments were detected in eight isolates, whereas no known virulence genes were identified. Bacteriocin gene clusters varied among strains, while stress tolerance and probiotic-related genes were conserved. Overall, these results provide genomic indications relevant to the safety, adaptability, and fermentation potential of indigenous L. mesenteroides from Yunnan. However, because these functional traits are inferred solely from genomic predictions, subsequent experimental validation is essential to confirm their phenotypic properties and technological efficacy. Full article

Research on contemporary Chinese comprehensive material painting has long focused on aesthetic qualities or relied on Western modernist frameworks, leaving the mechanism of material-to-symbol transformation under-theorized. This study investigates the generative logic of material meaning through a qualitative cross-case analysis of forty-eight works by twelve Chinese artists, integrating in-depth interviews and visual analysis. Through systematic analysis of images, material operations, and artists’ interpretations, the study proposes a three-stage semiotic mechanism: anchoring, exemplification, and differentiation. Findings demonstrate that material meaning is formed through continuous negotiation between bodily technique and material resistance, mediated by cultural techniques guided by pre-textual schemata. Material attributes are first filtered and anchored, reinforced through embodied operations, and eventually stabilized into stylistic structures articulating cultural identity. This research argues that Chinese comprehensive material painting constitutes a localized mode of cross-cultural symbolic production rooted in indigenous cultural experience and material praxis. Ultimately, it supplies a mechanism-based interpretive framework for this art form while contributing a localized perspective to global discussions on the relationship among subjectivity, materiality, and cultural identity. Full article

This study portrays macroalgal assemblage structure in the transitional water system Mar Piccolo of Taranto (eLTER site) from 2012 to 2023, assessing the impact of the establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS). Seasonal sampling at three sites evaluated diversity and biomass variation through PERMANOVA, PCoA, PERMDISP and Indicator Value (IndVal) analyses. Results reveal significant spatio-temporal heterogeneity: Site 1 remains dominated by native species (>70% biomass) and summer peaks of NIS (>70% biomass) were recorded at Site 3, whereas Site 4 experienced a substantial NIS expansion, reaching 97% of the total biomass by 2021. Statistical clustering identified distinct indicator species for each inlet of the basin, such as Amphiroa beauvoisii (IndVal = 100) in the First Inlet and the NIS Hypnea corona (IndVal = 65.6) in the Second. Water temperature emerged as a primary driver of community shifts. Most species, including both native (Chondracanthus acicularis; r_s = 0.50, p ≤ 0.05) and several NIS (Polysiphonia morrowii r_s = 0.65, p ≤ 0.5; Osmundea oederi r_s = 0.70, p ≤ 0.5), exhibited negative correlations with mean thermal values, while Ulva laetevirens (r_s = −0.50, p ≤ 0.05) showed greater tolerance. These findings highlight the importance of LTER monitoring in demonstrating that the Mar Piccolo’s resistance to NIS pressure is non-uniform across the basin. Under a global warming scenario, thermal forcing is actively reshaping macroalgal assemblages. Full article