Search Results (562)

Bacterial decomposition of sweat produces odors affecting close-fitting garment comfort. This study selected five polyester filament types: coffee carbon polyester filament (CC-PET), bamboo charcoal polyester filament (BC-PET), oyster shell polyester filament (OS-PET), graphene polyester filament (GR-PET), and conventional polyester filament (C-PET). These four yarns exemplify three mainstream deodorizing mechanisms: BC-PET relies on physical adsorption through its porous structure; CC-PET combines adsorption with antibacterial moisture management to suppress odor at the source; GR-PET and OS-PET inhibit bacteria via reactive radicals from oxygen-containing groups and calcium oxide, respectively. Three structures were tested: weft flat knit, 1 × 1 rib, and 1 + 3 false rib. 1 + 1 rib and 1 + 3 false rib differ markedly in elasticity, thickness, and hand. Plain jersey is smooth, soft, and breathable with good extensibility. 1 + 1 rib delivers superior transverse elasticity and dimensional stability. 1 + 3 false rib is loftier and stiffer with enhanced shape retention and thermal insulation. Fifteen specimens were knitted on a seamless circular machine and evaluated using ammonia adsorption rate and acetic acid adsorption rate. Results show that fiber type significantly influences deodorizing performance, with the graphene polyester filament with the 1 + 3 false rib structure achieving the best adsorption for both gases. This provides a theoretical foundation for deodorizing functional fabric development. Full article

The rhizosphere microbiome is critical for plant health, yet how soil type and intensive management jointly govern its assembly remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that soil type acts as a primary environmental filter, while intensive cultivation (plant growth plus fertilization) imposes additional selective pressures that differentially shape bacterial versus fungal communities. Using flue-cured tobacco (K326) grown in clay loam and sandy loam soils under field conditions, we examined the rhizosphere microbiome at the topping stage. Intensive cultivation significantly altered rhizosphere physicochemical properties. Key nutrients, including organic matter (OM), dissolved total nitrogen (DTN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK), were markedly enriched. Rhizosphere soil pH exhibited a bidirectional shift relative to the corresponding bulk soil, converging to a narrow range (7.4–7.8) in both soil types. Root activity and fertilization imposed contrasting selective pressures on the two microbial kingdoms: bacterial diversity declined slightly, indicating strong deterministic selection, whereas fungal diversity increased, reflecting adaptation to root-generated niches. Differential abundance analysis identified 38 bacterial OTUs as a core rhizosphere-adapted microbiome shared across both soil types, demonstrating robust fitness in the nutrient-enriched rhizosphere environment under intensive management. No shared core fungal OTUs were detected, underscoring strong soil legacy effects and higher habitat specificity in fungi. Notably, the core bacterial microbiome was dominated by K-strategists (slow-growing, resource-efficient taxa) that exhibited opportunistic traits capable of rapidly exploiting nutrient pulses in the rhizosphere. Together, these findings reveal that soil type acts as a critical filter modulating plant–microbe interactions under intensive agriculture, while bacteria and fungi employ divergent ecological strategies in response to selection pressures. This work provides both theoretical and practical insights for optimizing tobacco cultivation and sustaining soil microecological health. Full article

The rising global food demand requires boosting agricultural productivity without compromising environmental sustainability, especially in the face of intensive agrochemical use and soil degradation. Based on this, strain TRQ67 was isolated from wheat rhizosphere soil in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico, and characterized morphologically, biochemically, and genomically. Strain TRQ67 possesses a genome of 4.04 Mbp across 37 contigs with a G + C content of 46.3%, comprising 4127 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), and was identified as Bacillus velezensis through Overall Genome Relatedness Indices (OGRIs), including Average Nucleotide Identity (OrthoANI = 99.12%) and Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator (Formula 2: 92.6%). The genome revealed key functional genes associated with auxin biosynthesis (trpABCDEF and yhcX), iron acquisition (dhbABF), nutrient solubilization (gabD, acnAB and pyc), stress response (clpCEPX and pspA), antifungal metabolite synthesis (srfAABCD, fenABCD and bmyABC), chemotaxis and motility (cheABCD, motAB, flgBCDEF, swrC), bacterial fitness (acoABR, acuABC and budABC), exopolysaccharide production (epsDEFHI), sporulation (spo0ABEF) and bioremediation. Predicted gene functions were supported by in vitro phenotypic assays; strain TRQ67 was able to solubilize phosphate (Solubilization Index of 4.1 ± 0.46), biosynthesize siderophores (Production Index of 1.70 ± 0.16), and produce indoles (6.52 ± 0.63 µg mL⁻¹). Furthermore, this strain demonstrated antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium languescens and Bipolaris sorokiniana, resulting in reductions in fungal growth area of 87.33% and 89.28%, respectively. These antagonistic effects are consistent with the presence of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) encoding lipopeptides (surfactin and fengycin), polyketides (difficidin, bacillaene and macrolactin H), dipeptides (bacilysin) and siderophores (bacillibactin), as identified through antiSMASH analysis. Finally, the strain significantly improved root (27.63%) and shoot (5.82%) biomass in wheat plants under controlled conditions. These results highlight Bacillus velezensis TRQ67 as a promising microbial inoculant with plant growth promotion capabilities and potential antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, as evidenced by strong in vitro antagonistic activity, supporting its further evaluation for sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Fitness centers represent high-contact environments where microorganisms can accumulate and persist on shared surfaces. This study aimed to investigate bacterial contamination dynamics on gym equipment and evaluate the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) nebulization combined with preceding professional manual cleaning on the recovery of viable surface-associated microorganisms. A two-phase investigation was conducted in a commercial fitness facility. Repeated environmental sampling was performed on 12 gym devices over five consecutive days at three daily timepoints (morning, midday, evening), followed by a pre–post assessment of the combined terminal decontamination procedure. All isolates were recovered using culture-based methods and identified by MALDI TOF MS. Species were classified by ecological origin, and persistence, diversity, and intervention effects were quantified using ecological metrics. Statistical analyses were performed in R. Across all samples, 248 isolates representing 61 species were detected, with the recovered isolates predominantly belonging to skin-associated families including Micrococcaceae (25.4%), Staphylococcaceae (24.2%), and Moraxellaceae (22.2%). Routine cleaning with an alcohol-based cleaner produced only modest reductions in recovered bacterial isolate counts (p = 0.173), with 68% of environmental species no longer recovered after routine cleaning, whereas 93% of skin-associated species remained detectable following routine cleaning. In contrast, the terminal decontamination procedure consisting of professional manual cleaning followed by H₂O₂ nebulization resulted in 88% of detected species no longer being recovered after treatment, with no Gram-negative species recovered in post-treatment cultures, while only three Gram-positive species (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, and Dietzia cinnamea) continued to be recovered after treatment. Contamination levels and persistence patterns varied markedly across devices. Gym equipment surfaces repeatedly yielded predominantly human-derived communities of recoverable viable bacteria despite routine cleaning. The combined terminal decontamination procedure produced greater reductions in recoverable bacterial species than routine overnight cleaning under the conditions evaluated, supporting further investigation of this combined intervention as a supplemental terminal decontamination strategy for high-traffic fitness environments. Full article

Inadequate cleaning of flexible endoscope channels remains a major cause of healthcare-associated infections despite established reprocessing protocols. We developed biomimetic carbon balls inspired by mustard seed surface features as a brush-free adjunct for endoscope channel cleaning, combining mild mechanical action with adsorption-based removal of organic debris. Activated carbon (AC) balls and carbon fiber (CF) balls with diameters of 1.8–3.0 mm were fabricated to fit 2.5–3.5 mm working channels and characterized by TGA, BET, SEM, and EDS. Cleaning performance was evaluated using tomato powder residue and microbiological validation, and computational fluid dynamics was used to assess flow behavior in a 2.7 mm channel containing a 2.6 mm ball under suction. CF balls showed more uniform thermal degradation (8.9% residual mass at 1000 °C) and a ribbed fibrous morphology. In contrast, AC balls exhibited porous, irregular structures with strong adsorption capacity, characterized by high thermal stability (86.4–89.3% residual mass) and pore volumes of 0.087–0.108 cm³/g and BET surface areas of 63.00 m²/g and 21.65 m²/g. After residue exposure, AC surfaces retained more particulate matter, while CF surfaces remained cleaner and promoted more pronounced wall interaction. Microbiological testing showed effective decontamination, with bacterial counts reduced below the detection limit. CFD analysis demonstrated pressure-driven gap flow, elevated local velocity, and vortex-induced wall shear stress sufficient to enhance debris removal without apparent channel damage. These results suggest that mustard seed-inspired carbon balls provide a promising brush-free strategy for endoscope reprocessing by integrating adsorption, hydrodynamic agitation, and gentle scouring to improve cleaning safety and efficacy. Full article

Ex situ conservation programs maintain threatened mammal populations and support conservation breeding and reintroduction, but success also depends on physiological function, behavioral competence, welfare, and reproductive performance. This critical narrative review combined structured literature searches with a descriptive quantitative evidence map of published summary values to evaluate mammalian fecal or intestinal microbiomes in relation to wild–captive transitions, diet and management, welfare-related outcomes, and reproduction. Captivity was repeatedly associated with altered microbial community composition, but richness and major phylum-level changes showed no universal direction. Host phylogeny, diet, digestive anatomy, facility, environmental exposure, reproductive state, and analytical methods constrained comparisons. Five studies provided direct Tier 1 evidence by jointly measuring microbiomes with outcomes spanning stereotypic behavior, stress and endocrine measures, breeding season, breeding success, and multigenerational fitness within the same ex situ-managed populations. These included associations with stereotypic behavior, breeding season, hormone metabolites, breeding success, and multigenerational fitness trajectories. However, the evidence remains observational and taxon-specific, and no bacterial feature is currently validated as a transferable biomarker. Longitudinal fecal microbiome monitoring may add value when integrated with behavioral, endocrine, clinical, dietary, and breeding data. Standardized repeated-measures studies, functional profiling, and prospective management interventions are priorities for translating microbiome research into evidence-based ex situ conservation. Full article

Background: Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori is steadily increasing, rendering the treatment of related gastroduodenal diseases increasingly difficult. Lefamulin is a new broad-spectrum antibacterial in the pleuromutilin class, acting by suppressing bacterial protein synthesis. It has the advantages of its unique “induced-fit” mechanism, a low frequency of spontaneous mutations, stepwise development of resistance, stability in acidic environments, and potential for additive or synergistic activity when combined with certain other antibiotics against various facultative anaerobes, including multidrug-resistant isolates. Methods: We investigated, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the activity of lefamulin against 91 clinical H. pylori isolates from symptomatic adult patients using MIC test strips. Results: Overall, lefamulin MICs₅₀ and MICs₉₀ were 0.25 and 2 mg/L versus 4 and ≥256 mg/L for clarithromycin, and 0.75 and ≥32 mg/L, respectively, for levofloxacin. Lefamulin MICs₅₀ and MICs₉₀ were 0.5 mg/L and 4 mg/L against the 61 clarithromycin-resistant (MICs, >0.25 mg/L) isolates, 0.25 and 0.75 mg/L against the 40 levofloxacin-resistant (MICs, >1 mg/L) isolates, and 0.38 mg/L and 0.75 mg/L, respectively, against the 28 isolates resistant to both agents. Conclusions: Briefly, the new pleuromutilin antibiotic outperformed in vitro both clarithromycin and levofloxacin against H. pylori isolates. Its potential usefulness in treating H. pylori infections resistant to macrolides and fluoroquinolones, and especially those with dual resistance, justifies further investigation. However, some precautions should also be considered. The use of the novel antibiotic lefamulin may offer benefits for H. pylori eradication if our results are confirmed in subsequent studies, including clinical trials. Full article

This study comprehensively examined the pollen composition of High-Altitude Turkey in Kars honey, with a geographical indication, through melissopalynological analyses, and determined the relationships between these data and the honey’s antibacterial activity and quality characteristics. The melissopalynological analysis identified 55 pollen taxa; the most frequently occurring pollen belonged to the Onobrychis, Astragalus, Trifolium, and Centaurea. The average TPC-10 (total pollen count in 10 g of honey) was found to be 65,757.05 ± 50,903.85 (10,779–232,914). Antimicrobial activity varied depending on the bacterial species and honey concentration. Stronger activity was observed against Gram-positive bacteria. The physicochemical properties and sugar profiles of the samples generally met the Codex Alimentarius criteria. The existence of positive and significant correlations between antibacterial activity and TPC-10 (p < 0.05) suggests that TPC-10 is a determinant of both quality and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Univariate tests showed that TPC-10 was significantly associated with E. coli (p = 0.0028), K. pneumoniae (p = 0.035), S. aureus (p = 0.0079), and P. aeruginosa (p = 0.0021). The General Linear Model (GLM) showed a high degree of fit for TPC-10 (R² = 0.98; adj. R² = 0.94) and was found to be significant (F = 24.61; p = 0.0039), indicating that bacterial strains accounted for a large proportion of the variance in TPC-10. Multivariate analyses revealed the rich pollen composition and distinct antimicrobial interactions of honey samples. The findings demonstrate that simultaneous assessment of melissopalynological pollen diversity and density, together with sugar profiles, physicochemical parameters, and antibacterial activity, provides an evidence-based framework for objectively and reliably determining the quality classification and functional properties of High-Altitude Kars honeys. Full article

Runoff from manure-fertilized farmlands is an important pathway for microbial contamination of receiving waters within a One Health framework. Although organic fertilizers improve soil quality, their influence on pathogen release under mixed fertilization remains insufficiently resolved. This study aims to establish a quantitative framework linking fertilization intensity to pathogen export, which is essential for developing risk-informed nutrient management strategies. Therefore, controlled simulated rainfall experiments (60 mm·h⁻¹) were conducted on soil plots receiving three nitrogen-equivalent fertilizer regimes: T1 (100% inorganic fertilizer), T2 (37.5% organic nitrogen replacement), and T3 (50% organic nitrogen replacement). Metagenomic sequencing and qPCR (targeting 16S rRNA, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, etc.) were used to characterize pathogen-marker sources, initial soil pathogen-marker burdens, and runoff dynamics during a 50 min rainfall event. A total of 29 pathogen-marker taxa were detected among the 41 targeted taxa. Higher proportions of organic fertilizer were associated with greater initial pathogen-marker loads in the soil and greater cumulative export in runoff, with T3 consistently exhibiting the highest levels across indicators. Based on the two-pool model developed in this study, the fitted total release potential (Total M) of Escherichia in T3 reached ~2.6 × 10⁹ copies·m⁻², compared with ~1.3 × 10⁹ in T1 and ~6.8 × 10⁸ in T2. Interestingly, the relative ranking between T1 and T2 varied among specific pathogen markers, suggesting a potential environmental buffering capacity at moderate organic substitution levels. Across all treatments, pathogen-marker concentrations peaked during the early stages of rainfall, indicating a pronounced first-flush effect. Furthermore, bacterial indicators were mobilized more readily than fungal and protozoan targets, the latter of which were more strongly retained by the soil matrix. Overall, the results suggest that optimized organic–inorganic fertilization ratios, combined with improved manure stabilization, are essential for mitigating downstream microbial contamination potential within a One Health framework. Full article

Background: Conventional ophthalmic eye drops have low bioavailability (<5%) and poor patient adherence, driving the development of sustained-release ophthalmic drug delivery systems. The lacrimal drainage system represents a unique anatomical site for minimally invasive depot formulations. Objective: To summarize and critically appraise punctal and intracanalicular drug delivery systems, occlusive devices, and in situ-forming hydrogels with respect to composition, release mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety, and critical quality attributes (CQAs). Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and patent/regulatory sources, including FDA materials and Google Patents, covering 2001–2026. Anatomical features, materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, release profiles, and adverse events were analyzed. Results: Seventy-one sources were included. Occlusive plugs without an active pharmaceutical ingredient demonstrate premature expulsion in up to 57.4% of cases and bacterial colonization in 44%. Drug delivery systems provide release from 7 days (PEGDA hydrogels) to 3 months (Eximore, Ocular Therapeutix™). DEXTENZA^® (dexamethasone) is FDA-approved for postoperative inflammation, whereas pivotal trials of travoprost (OTX-TP) and latanoprost systems (L-PPDS, EXP-LP) did not demonstrate superiority over placebo or eye drops. In situ systems eliminate size-fitting requirements but face challenges related to gelation control and biodegradation. Conclusions: We propose the following candidate CQAs: retention (>80% over 4 weeks), swelling degree (30–60%), controlled burst release (<40% within 24 h), and mechanical compatibility. The proposed QTPP matrices for punctal, intracanalicular, and in situ systems may guide the development of ophthalmic drug delivery platforms. Full article

Foodborne pathogens remain a major public health challenge, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance and persistent contamination across animal, food-processing, and retail environments. This review examines bacteriophages as precision antimicrobials for controlling major foodborne bacteria, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio spp., and summarizes the biological basis of phage-mediated control: strictly lytic life cycles, receptor-specific adsorption, direct bacterial killing, biofilm disruption, and resistance-associated fitness trade-offs. It further discusses pre-harvest, post-harvest, and processing-environment applications, with emphasis on matrix-dependent efficacy, delivery strategies, commercial products, and regulatory status. While bacteriophages offer high specificity and may help preserve the native microbiome, their integration into multi-hurdle food-safety systems require careful validation because their performance is influenced by narrow host ranges, bacterial resistance, food-matrix effects, formulation constraints, and regulatory complexity and scale-up challenges. Broader implementation will require rationally designed phage-cocktails, thorough genomic safety screening, matrix-specific validation studies, scalable manufacturing processes, and continuous monitoring for post-application resistance. Overall, bacteriophages should be viewed as promising but context-dependent adjuncts to validated food-safety and One Health frameworks, rather than stand-alone solution for reducing foodborne pathogen burdens. Full article

Background: Public fitness facilities are high-contact environments that facilitate microbial transfer via shared surfaces; however, temporal dynamics and device-specific contamination patterns remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: A repeated-measures observational study was conducted in a fitness facility over five consecutive weekdays (Monday to Friday). A total of 180 surface samples were collected from 12 gym devices, each sampled three times daily (morning, noon, and evening). Surface-associated cultivable bacteria were recovered using culture-based methods followed by MALDI-TOF MS identification. Ecological metrics, including species richness and Shannon diversity, were calculated, and taxa were classified by origin (skin-associated versus environmental). Device-specific contamination profiles were developed using a composite index incorporating pathogen presence, contamination frequency, and persistence. Temporal trends and predictors of contamination were analyzed using mixed-effects regression models. All statistical analyses were performed in R. Results: A total of 248 bacterial isolates were identified, representing 61 species across 32 families, with a predominance of skin-associated taxa (72.2%). Sampling time point was a strong independent predictor of contamination (adjusted OR for noon vs. morning: 7.19; p < 0.001). While overall microbial diversity remained stable across devices (Shannon index, p = 0.44), substantial heterogeneity was observed in pathogen prevalence, multispecies burden, and persistence. The functional trainer and leg extension showed the highest composite risk scores (42.3%), while the ab crunch machine and upper body ergometer demonstrated significantly increasing contamination trends over the sampling period (p < 0.05). Co-occurrence analysis showed nonrandom microbial associations, with the strongest positive links between Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (Φ = 0.76) and Staphylococcus aureus (Φ = 0.61). Conclusions: Gym equipment surfaces harbor predominantly human-associated microbial communities exhibiting dynamic temporal contamination patterns, and on selected devices, increasing the baseline contamination across consecutive cleaning cycles. The findings indicate that contamination patterns on shared fitness equipment are dominated by taxa commonly associated with human skin and support targeted hygiene interventions focused on frequently contacted devices and periods of elevated contamination. Full article

Packing density regulates the microenvironment of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) fermentation and may thereby influence microbial activity and product quality. However, its effects on microbial community assembly and quality formation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to clarify how packing density affects flue-cured tobacco quality by shaping microbial communities, functional potential, and ecological interactions. Here, we investigated the effects of three packing densities (60%, 70%, and 80%) on chemical components, aroma compounds, microbial community structure, functional potential, co-occurrence networks, and assembly mechanisms of flue-cured tobacco (cv. Piaohe No. 2) after 10 days of fermentation. Moderate density (70%) achieved the most balanced chemical profile, with appropriate nicotine retention, potassium/chlorine ratio, and sugar/nicotine balance. T70 also exhibited the highest levels of total esters, total ketones, and β-ionone, key contributors to fruity, floral, and woody aromas. Microbial analysis revealed that T70 supported the highest diversity and was characterized by the enrichment of aroma-related bacterial taxa, including Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria, as well as the fungal genus Pichia. In contrast, T60 favored aerobic nicotine degraders, whereas T80 selected for obligate anaerobes associated with off-odor production. Functional predictions and network analysis showed that T70 upregulated fatty acid and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways and exhibited the highest modularity, indicating a compartmentalized, functionally complementary community. Neutral model fitting revealed increasing stochasticity with density, with T70 displaying a mixed assembly regime. Collectively, our findings show that packing density influences tobacco quality by regulating microbial community composition, functional potential, network interactions, and assembly processes. These results provide a scientific basis for optimizing packing density in tobacco processing. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence have traditionally been viewed as competing traits in bacterial evolution due to fitness costs. However, Streptococcus pneumoniae has emerged as a paradigm of successful coevolution, with multidrug-resistant clones simultaneously maintaining or enhancing pathogenic potential. This review examines the molecular mechanisms, epidemiological patterns, and clinical consequences of the convergence between AMR and virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Resistance to β-lactams is driven by mosaic penicillin-binding protein genes (pbp1a, pbp2b, pbp2x), while macrolide resistance is mediated primarily by the erm(B) gene (MLS phenotype) and mef(A/E)–msr(D) genes encoding an efflux system. These determinants are frequently co-localized on integrative and conjugative elements, ICEs, (e.g., Tn916 family) within successful clonal complexes such as CC271/320 and lineages including ST320 and GPSC10. Contrary to the classical fitness cost hypothesis, compensatory epistasis, capsular recombination, metabolic adaptations, and intra-serotype phenotypic variation enable certain clones to combine high-level resistance to β-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines with enhanced colonization, biofilm formation, immune evasion, and invasive capacity. Post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) surveillance reveals the persistence and expansion of these high-risk lineages, contributing to treatment-refractory invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), increased morbidity, and mortality. Although PCVs have reduced vaccine-type resistant strains in some settings, serotype replacement and emerging metabolic genotypes continue to drive adaptation. This review highlights the need for integrated genomic surveillance, novel therapeutics (e.g., omadacycline, lefamulin, endolysins), monoclonal antibodies, and next-generation vaccines targeting both resistance and conserved virulence determinants. A multifaceted strategy combining antimicrobial stewardship, strengthened surveillance, and innovative interventions is essential to curb the evolving threat of resistant and virulent S. pneumoniae. Full article

The intercropping system is used for weed control in orchards, but the intercrops need to be well-designed to fit into the row spaces of fruit trees. In this study, the citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) row spaces were intercropped with either soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) or sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), and their effects on weed control, soil physiochemical properties, and soil microbiome were compared to the natural weeds. Both plant species were effective in reducing the orchard weeds, and their different varieties commonly improved soil organic matter, available P and K, and beneficial metal elements compared to the weeds. Even though the soil fungal and bacterial richness and diversity of the intercrops were not significantly altered, their composition, structure, and function were distinctive to those of the weeds. The soils of the intercrops generally enriched with the fungal genera of Talaromyces and Penicillium and the bacterial genera Sphingomonas, Knoellia, and Nocardioides. Accordingly, the altered microbial communities, in taxonomy, correlated to the enriched cellular functional pathways of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, homologous recombination, nitrogen metabolism, lipoic acid metabolism, mismatch repair, DNA replication, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Taken together, these results imply that intercrops and weeds exert distinct effects on soil nutrient accumulation, and these effects are associated with their differential impacts on soil microbiomes—which are likely driven by the rhizosphere activities of the intercrops. Full article