Search Results (700)

Re-ensiling is an important practice in the commercialization and transportation of high-quality silage, yet limited information is available regarding its effectiveness under different storage temperatures and aerobic exposure times. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of storage temperature and aerobic exposure time on the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, and mycotoxin levels of re-ensiled corn silage. Whole-plant corn harvested at the dough stage (39.77% DM) was initially stored at 20 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C for 90 d and subsequently subjected to 0, 48, 72, and 96 h of aerobic exposure before re-ensiling, with three replicates per treatment. The results showed that corn silage initially stored at 20 °C and re-ensiled within 48 h of aerobic exposure exhibited the lowest pH (3.70), highest lactic acid concentration (56.78 g/kg DM), and highest Flieg score (99.67) among all temperature treatments (p > 0.05). In contrast, corn silage initially stored at 40 °C and re-ensiled after 96 h of aerobic exposure retained higher water-soluble carbohydrate (5.47% DM) and crude protein (7.32% DM) contents (p > 0.05). Aerobic exposure increased concentrations of beauvericin (71.89–864.92%), zearalenone (6.24–24.20%), and alternariol (0.77–1.89%) across all storage temperatures. Following 96 h of aerobic exposure, re-ensiling reduced these mycotoxin concentrations by 3.16–67.32%, 9.10–20.57%, and 0.62–6.79%, respectively. Overall, re-ensiling helped to preserve silage quality after aerobic exposure. The greatest benefits were observed when silage initially stored at 20 °C was re-ensiled within 48 h, while re-ensiling after prolonged exposure effectively mitigated mycotoxin risks. Full article

The production of low- and non-alcoholic beer remains a major technological challenge due to the need to restrict ethanol formation while maintaining acceptable sensory quality and fermentation-derived complexity. Conventional approaches, including physical dealcoholization and arrested fermentation, often result in flavor imbalance, reduced aroma intensity, diminished mouthfeel, and persistent wort-like off-flavors. In this context, non-Saccharomyces yeasts have emerged as promising biological tools due to their species- and strain-dependent carbohydrate utilization, aroma production potential, and intrinsic metabolic constraints. This review provides a structured and mechanistically informed synthesis of current knowledge regarding the application of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in low- and non-alcoholic beer production, with emphasis on metabolic regulation, fermentation process control, and sensory implications. Particular attention is given to sugar transport limitations, glycolytic regulation, carbon redistribution, redox balance, and the role of controllable process variables, including wort fermentability, pitching rate, oxygen availability, and temperature. The available evidence indicates that fermentation outcomes depend strongly on interactions between strain-specific metabolic traits and process design. Collectively, this review proposes a brewery-oriented precision fermentation framework in which strain-specific physiological constraints are deliberately aligned with controllable process variables to support rational strain selection, more predictable ethanol control, and targeted sensory optimization in low- and non-alcoholic beer production. Full article

Silicon plays an important role in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the differential regulatory effects of ionic silicon (Ion-Si) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) on rice seedlings under low temperature (LT) stress have been less studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ionic silicon and silicon nanoparticles on rice growth, photosynthetic performance, carbon metabolism, antioxidant defense, and yield formation under low-temperature stress. The results indicated that low-temperature stress significantly inhibited the growth of rice seedlings. Exogenous application of Ion-Si and SiNPs effectively alleviated LT-induced growth inhibition and promoted the recovery of rice. SiNPs demonstrated a stronger effect than Ion-Si in maintaining seedling growth, particularly in enhancing plant height, root length, leaf area, dry weight, and root activity. Low-temperature stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity, including net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and Rubisco activity. However, under LT stress, both Ion-Si and SiNPs increased chlorophyll content, improved photosynthesis, and enhanced Rubisco activity, with SiNPs showing greater improvement in photosynthetic performance compared to Ion-Si. Additionally, silicon application regulated carbohydrate metabolism by increasing soluble sugar content and enhancing the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase, thereby promoting osmotic regulation and energy supply. SiNPs had a stronger effect on carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthate transport than Ion-Si. Furthermore, LT stress increased oxidative damage, manifested as elevated levels of H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde. Exogenous Ion-Si and SiNPs reduced ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase. Compared with Ion-Si, SiNPs showed a stronger ability to enhance antioxidant defense and alleviate oxidative damage. Application of silicon mitigated yield loss under low temperature stress, and SiNPs was more effective than Ion-Si in maintaining rice yield, mainly by increasing the number of effective panicles, grains per panicle, and seed setting rate. This study revealed the distinct physiological roles of Ion-Si and SiNPs in rice cold tolerance and provided a theoretical foundation for the application of silicon-based fertilizers in rice production under low-temperature conditions. Full article

Juvenile hormone (JH) analog insecticides are widely used in pest management because of their ability to disrupt insect growth and metamorphosis; however, the molecular mechanisms linking endocrine disruption to metabolic dysregulation remain incompletely understood. In addition to their established roles in diapause and developmental regulation, JH signaling pathways have also been implicated in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the effects of two JH analogs, pyriproxyfen and hydroprene, on the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, with particular emphasis on lipid metabolic regulation and the function of midgut-enriched fatty acid-binding protein gene (Mg-FABP). Bioassays were performed to evaluate insecticidal activity, and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes associated with endocrine signaling and lipid metabolism. Functional characterization of Mg-FABP was further performed using RNA interference (RNAi) and Oil Red O staining assays. In addition, the tertiary structure of LmMg-FABP was predicted using AlphaFold 3, and molecular docking analyses were carried out to investigate its interactions with fatty acid ligands. Both pyriproxyfen and hydroprene caused approximately 70% mortality in locust nymphs and induced significant transcriptional changes in pathways related to hormone signaling and lipid metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed pronounced downregulation of Mg-FABP following JH analog exposure. RNAi-mediated silencing of Mg-FABP significantly reduced lipid droplet accumulation in the fat body, indicating that Mg-FABP plays an essential role in lipid transport and metabolic homeostasis in L. migratoria. Structural analyses further demonstrated that LmMg-FABP possesses a conserved tertiary structure highly similar to FABP homologs from other insect species. Molecular docking identified key amino acid residues involved in fatty acid binding and suggested that hydrophobic interactions are critical for ligand stabilization within the binding cavity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that pyriproxyfen and hydroprene disrupt insect development not only through endocrine imbalance but also through perturbation of Mg-FABP-associated lipid metabolic pathways. This study provides new mechanistic insight into the coordinated interaction between hormonal signaling and lipid metabolism during JH analog exposure and identifies FABP-mediated lipid transport as a potential molecular target for the development of more selective insect growth regulators. Full article

The Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) family plays a crucial role in the carbohydrate distribution, phloem loading, and stress response of plants, yet the evolutionary characteristics and functional diversification of SWEET genes in the endangered timber species Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yen C. Yang remain largely unexplored. In this study, 21 PbSWEET genes were identified and classified into four subfamilies (A–D). Subfamily A exhibited a unique lineage expansion, mainly driven by tandem and segmental duplications. The nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitution ratio (Ka/Ks) values of all duplicate gene pairs were all less than 1, indicating a strong selective suppression effect; consistent with this evolutionary constraint, the majority of PbSWEET proteins harbor the conserved Medicago truncatula Nodulin 3/saliva (MtN3_slv) domain, with only a few exceptions lacking a complete version. Promoter and hormone response analyses revealed that under abscisic acid (ABA) stress, PbSWEET4 exhibited an immediate burst, whereas PbSWEET10 showed a delayed burst. Physiological data indicated that soluble sugars may be more dominant osmolytes than proline (Pro), a pattern that points to a potential carbon-centric regulatory strategy. PbSWEET4 showed an early burst before sugar/oxidative peaks, suggesting a possible non-canonical signaling role, whereas PbSWEET10 exhibited a late increase coinciding with sugar/malondialdehyde (MDA) peaks, suggesting potential involvement in sugar redistribution. Under methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment, PbSWEET10 was rapidly induced, yet sugar accumulation occurred only at 24 h, a temporal decoupling that suggests a possible transcription–metabolism decoupling. Collectively, these correlative patterns point to a possible dual-wave transcriptional mechanism and nominate PbSWEET10 as a candidate for stress response, though these inferences require functional validation. Full article

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a polyphenol-rich berry increasingly recognized as a functional food ingredient for postprandial glycemic management. However, it remains unclear whether its polyphenols can modulate intestinal glucose transport in addition to inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. In this study, blue honeysuckle polyphenol extract (BHPE) was characterized by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and its effects on α-glucosidase activity and intestinal glucose transport were evaluated using enzyme kinetics, fluorescence quenching, molecular docking, and differentiated Caco-2 monolayers. A total of 24 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid derivatives as the major constituents. BHPE exhibited a mixed-type, static-quenching inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 75.05 μg/mL). Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that key constituents, including cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, and proanthocyanidin B1, bind the enzyme via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, BHPE reduced glucose transport by up to 51.56% under simulated postprandial conditions and coordinately downregulated SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA expression to 0.58- and 0.51-fold, respectively. These findings extend the bioactivity profile of blue honeysuckle polyphenols from enzyme-level inhibition to functional regulation at the intestinal epithelial barrier, highlighting their potential as multi-target natural ingredients for the attenuation of postprandial hyperglycemia. Full article

The use of agricultural by-products as feed is essential for sustainable animal husbandry. This study assessed the effects of substituting whole-plant corn silage with a mixed silage of cotton stalks and grape pomace on growth, serum biochemistry, and jejunal metabolomics in Suffolk rams. In this experiment, 135 rams (6-mo, 30.55 kg BW) were allocated to 0%, 50%, or 100% replacement (CG, EG50, EG100) and fed for 120 d after a 15-d adaptation. Compared with the CG, average daily gain improved by 27.3% and 17.5%, and feed conversion improved by 30.8% and 15.4% in EG50 and EG100 (p < 0.01). Compared with CG, the levels of BUN, TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of EG50 and EG100 were significantly decreased. The levels of IgG, IgM, IL-4, antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Subsequently, the slaughter performance and jejunal content metabolome of CG and EG50 were further detected and analyzed. The results indicated that the live weight, eye area and muscle crude protein content of EG50 were extremely significantly higher than those of CG (p < 0.01). In jejunal contents, 31 differential metabolites (EG50 vs. CG) were enriched in ABC transporters, branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, mineral absorption, purine and biotin metabolism, and glucagon signaling. In conclusion, substituting corn silage with the mixed silage promotes growth, improves antioxidant and immune status, reduces serum urea nitrogen, enhances muscle protein deposition (EG50), modulates intestinal nitrogen, purine, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism (EG50), and supports sustainable meat sheep production. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important horticultural crop, with Asia contributing 60.45% of total production, followed by the Americas at 13.36%. Tomato productivity is increasingly constrained by southern blight, a destructive disease responsible for yield losses ranging from 30 to 90% and annual economic damage of $10–20 million. The causal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii, infects the stem base and induces reddish-brown cankers through secretion of oxalic acid (OA) and cell wall-degrading enzymes, which girdle tissues, impair water transport, and result in rapid plant wilting and death. Its persistence in soil via sclerotia, broad host range, and adaptability make the disease difficult to manage. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and other multi-omics approaches have substantially improved understanding of pathogen virulence factors, host defense responses and disease epidemiology. These studies have revealed key roles of OA, carbohydrate-active enzymes, effector proteins, and sclerotial melanization in pathogenesis, while highlighting the activation of salicylic acid (SA)-, jasmonic acid (JA)-, and ethylene (ET)-mediated defense pathways in tomato. Although cultural, biological, and chemical measures are available, these measures often provide inconsistent protection when used alone. Promising strategies include the use of biocontrol agents, hypovirulence-inducing mycoviruses, and chemical fungicides such as carboxamides and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), though fungicide resistance remains a risk factor. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approaches, such as combining biocontrol agents with fungicides, demonstrate enhanced efficacy. This review also evaluates progress in resistance breeding, grafting, RNA interference (HIGS and SIGS), CRISPR-based genome editing, and exploitation of wild genotypes for durable resistance. Furthermore, emerging precision agriculture tools, including hyperspectral imaging, machine learning-assisted disease detection and climate-resilient management strategies, were discussed as new components of sustainable disease management. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder whose management has moved from glycemic control to the control of risk factors through the use of new antihyperglycemic drugs with pleiotropic effects. Despite the multiple cardio–renal benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, their prescription is often avoided due to concerns regarding side effects. This review aims to discuss the multiple benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in balance with one of the most concerning side effects, the risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA). A literature search was performed to identify and select articles relevant to this topic. We accessed several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, using appropriate keywords. We selected and evaluated randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis published between 2014 and 2024 supporting the multifaceted benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and the limitations of their recommendations and focusing on the risk of EDKA. Initially designed as antidiabetic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated important cardio–renal benefits, these drugs being the first-line medication in patients with established cardiovascular disease, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with some potential side effects, but with contradictory data concerning their prevalence and clinical relevance. From the possible side effects, EDKA is a life-threatening metabolic emergency whose incidence and recognition has increased, in particular with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. These drugs can cause this disorder through several mechanisms, including reduced insulin secretion and increased glucagon levels, leading to free fatty acid production, which generally occurs in the presence of some risk factors such as reduced dietary carbohydrates, intercurrent illnesses, surgical stress and alcohol consumption. Through awareness of these risk factors as well as of the clinical symptoms, this condition could be promptly avoided or managed and SGLT2 inhibitors could be safely used. Full article

To identify efficient cellulose-degrading microbes suitable for the animal intestinal environment and to address the low utilization of crude fiber in feed, eight cellulolytic strains were isolated from the ileum of Yangzhou geese. Among them, strain A2 showed the highest cellulolytic activity (D/d = 1.48) via the CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) agar transparent zone method. Based on whole-genome-based identification, strain A2 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a circular chromosome of 4.02 Mb with a GC content of 43.72%, containing 4083 protein-coding sequences, of which 7.40% were involved in carbohydrate transport and metabolism. CAZyme annotation identified 167 carbohydrate-active enzyme genes, including 64 glycoside hydrolase genes, along with 60 hemicellulase and 3 lignin-degrading enzyme genes, forming a complete lignocellulose-degrading system. The cellulase from A2 exhibited optimal activity at 55 °C and pH 7.0, with good stability at 50–65 °C and pH 5–7, and was significantly inhibited by Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺. Notably, its degradation efficiency toward microcrystalline cellulose reached 197% of that toward CMC. In conclusion, B. subtilis A2, with its excellent enzymatic properties and robust genetic foundation, is a promising candidate for developing feed enzymes and enhancing lignocellulose utilization. Full article

Soil salinization is a challenge for global agriculture and can affect the yield of staple crops such as maize. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to play a pivotal role in enhancing plant growth and stress resilience. However, no studies so far have reported plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity in members of the genus Marinobacter. In this study, a novel strain of Marinobacter sp. ZP-590, was identified as a PGPR based on a polyphasic taxonomic analysis, which was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Tamarix chinensis Lour. Genomic analysis revealed that ZP-590 possesses 5370 protein-coding genes, including core metabolic, catalytic, and transport functions essential for bacterial survival and plant interactions, along with multiple genes potentially associated with PGP traits such as phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and the production of siderophore and exopolysaccharide (EPS), tryptophan (a prerequisite for IAA synthesis), and amylase. These genomic predictions were functionally validated through in vitro assays confirming all predicted PGP activities. Pot experiment results suggested that inoculation with ZP-590 enhanced maize growth under saline conditions. Compared to the non-inoculated controls, the treatment significantly increased root fresh weight (14.25%; p < 0.05) and stem fresh weight (125.04%; p < 0.01), while shoot height and leaf fresh weight showed no significant changes. Metabolomic profiling revealed that ZP-590 inoculation was associated with systemic metabolic changes in maize under saline conditions. A total of 394, 262, and 601 differentially accumulated metabolites in the root, stem, and leaf, respectively. These changes were characterized by a substantial up-regulation of antioxidant compounds, notably flavonoids, and changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism pathways. The changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism pathways may contribute to the supply of energy and structural components for stress adaptation. Meanwhile, the accumulation of antioxidant compounds significantly mitigated saline-induced oxidative damage by reducing the levels of superoxide anion (O₂⁻) in leaves. In this study, Marinobacter sp. ZP-590 is characterized as a PGPR that promotes maize growth under saline conditions. These findings provide a foundation for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between ZP-590 and maize under saline conditions. Full article

Accumulation of ionic liquids (ILs) in soil may alter its physicochemical and biological properties. However, the current understanding of their effects on the rhizosphere microenvironment of crop plants remains limited. We examined the effects of two ILs—[Opy]Br and [Omim]Br—which differ in cation structure but share the bromide anion, on maize rhizosphere microbial communities and metabolites at a concentration of 0.6 g/kg soil. Exposure to [Opy]Br and [Omim]Br significantly impaired maize seedling development, with [Opy]Br inducing more severe growth suppression. These phytotoxic effects were also reflected in changes in rhizosphere soil properties. In bacterial communities, [Omim]Br more strongly inhibited membrane transport (e.g., ATP-binding cassette transporters), lipid synthesis, and carbon metabolism, thereby impairing bacterial nutrient uptake and energy metabolism. In fungal communities, saprophytic fungi were activated under both treatments, accelerating organic matter decomposition, whereas pathogens were suppressed, particularly under [Omim]Br treatment. Metabolomic analysis revealed widespread accumulation of amino acids in maize roots following exposure to both ILs, accompanied by significant depletion of the antioxidant glutathione. Carbohydrate metabolism was broadly suppressed, with [Omim]Br exerting a more pronounced inhibitory effect. Hormone levels were generally reduced, with [Opy]Br causing more severe depletion. Overall, both ILs induced oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and metabolic imbalance in maize. This study provides a reference for evaluating the risks and regulatory potential of ILs in agricultural environments. Full article

In this paper, we review the literature regarding metformin’s action on blood lipid concentrations in metformin-treated diabetic patients. Published data indicate that metformin reduces serum total cholesterol (T-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations and raises serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in diabetic patients. The beneficial effect of metformin on serum lipid profiles in diabetic patients can result from (a) its action on AMP-activated protein kinase, which inhibits lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis and stimulates fatty acid oxidation; (b) decreased plasma TAG concentrations, via promoting VLDL-TAG clearance by brown adipose tissue; (c) the inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression, affecting lipid profile in diabetic patients; (d) the inhibition of the expression of genes encoding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) and lipogenic enzymes; (e) the downregulation of carbohydrate-response element-binding protein (ChREBP), which affects liver TAG and cholesterol synthesis from acetate formed by gut microbiota; (f) the inhibition of angiopoietin-like 3 protein (ANGPTL3) gene expression, and consequent effects on plasma TAG concentrations; (g) the activation of AMPK, which inhibits LXRα activity; and (h) reverse cholesterol transport. In conclusion, one can assume that beyond its primary antihyperglycemic effect, metformin exerts pleiotropic effects that modulate lipid metabolism and blood lipid profile in T2D patients. These beneficial effects of metformin on blood lipid profile may play a role in the reduction in cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. Full article

Acetobacter cerevisiae KSO5 is an indigenous strain isolated from Korean fruit vinegar and is a potential starter candidate for vinegar fermentation. Here, we report the first complete circular genome of KSO5, comprising a 3.3 Mb chromosome and two plasmids encoding 2898 genes. Core-genome phylogeny clearly placed KSO5 within the A. cerevisiae clade, supported by ANI (97%) and dDDH (71%) values. Comparative analysis with seven draft A. cerevisiae genomes identified strain-specific genomic islands, mobile genetic elements, and plasmid-borne modules potentially related to genetic stability. Comparative COG profiling suggested enhanced potential for carbohydrate utilization, redox balancing, membrane transport, and stress adaptation within a conserved Acetobacter genomic background. The genome encoded a periplasmic oxidative fermentation system, including membrane-bound pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase and molybdopterin-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase, together with predicted acetate-handling routes that may reduce intracellular acetate accumulation. Consistent with these features, KSO5 maintained growth and titratable acidity production up to 9% ethanol, with the strongest performance at 7–9% ethanol, whereas both traits declined markedly at 10% ethanol. In 5% ethanol medium, KSO5 also showed high ethanol consumption, comparable to that of A. pasteurianus LMG 1262 and higher than that of most reference strains. These findings link the genomic features of KSO5 to efficient ethanol oxidation, sustained acidification, and stable growth, supporting its potential as a starter strain for vinegar fermentation. Full article

Leuconostoc suionicum strain JNUCC 76 (=CH10) was isolated from cherry blossom flowers (Prunus yedoensis) collected on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, representing a flower-associated strain of L. suionicum. To clarify its taxonomic position and genomic characteristics, whole-genome sequencing was performed using a hybrid PacBio–Illumina approach. The complete genome was assembled into a single circular chromosome of 2.20 Mb with a GC content of 36.8% and high sequencing depth, indicating a high-quality, closed genome assembly. Genome annotation revealed a compact gene repertoire dominated by functions related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism, amino acid utilization, and core cellular processes, consistent with adaptation to plant-derived, sugar-rich environments. Genome-based phylogenomic analyses using average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), and Genome BLAST Distance Phylogeny (GBDP) placed strain JNUCC 76 within the species L. suionicum. Genome-based metrics clearly exceeded the accepted species thresholds, supporting the assignment of the strain to L. suionicum. Secondary metabolite gene cluster analysis identified a limited number of low-complexity and precursor-oriented biosynthetic gene clusters, including RiPP-like, type III polyketide synthase, and terpene-precursor clusters, suggesting that the ecological fitness of the strain relies primarily on primary metabolism rather than extensive secondary metabolite production. Overall, this study expands current knowledge of flower-associated Leuconostoc lineages and provides a high-quality genomic framework for future comparative and functional studies. The genomic features of strain JNUCC 76 highlight floral environments as underexplored reservoirs of lactic acid bacteria diversity and support further evaluation of flower-derived Leuconostoc strains as potential postbiotic or fermentation-based resources for cosmetic and related biotechnological applications. Full article