Search Results (126)

Fungal organisms play a major role in the contamination and biodeterioration of natural history museum collections and cultural heritage as a whole, leading to the potential loss of key knowledge preserved by these. As part of the ongoing efforts to study the fungal contaminations observed in the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra (Portugal) collections, eight taxidermized birds were sampled and 27 fungal isolates were retrieved. A comprehensive analysis of these isolates led to the identification of 14 different species belonging to 13 different genera, with Aspergillus accounting for 37% (1 species), Talaromyces for 11.11% (1 species); Cladosporium, Paramicrodochium, and Periconia accounting for 7.4% each (2, 1, and 1 species, respectively); and Arcopilus, Beauveria, Coprinellus, Hyphodermella, Mycoaciella, Neokalmusia, Paraeutypella, and Penicillium collectively accounting for 3.7% each, all represented by a single species. Among these were two isolates of an unknown Periconia species. These isolates were thoroughly studied through an integrative analysis based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS rDNA, LSU, SSU, TEF1α, and RPB2, along with morphological characteristics. Based on the data obtained from this study, we propose a new addition to this genus, Periconia callaina sp. nov. This discovery provides further insight into the fungal diversity present in natural history museums and the communities that colonize and threaten our cultural heritage. Full article

Spontaneously fermented camel milk from Xinjiang is valued for its nutrition but faces quality inconsistency due to complex microbial ecosystems. This study investigated how regional microbial communities correlate with volatile flavor profiles. Nine samples from three distinct areas—Dabancheng, Hami, and Keping—were analyzed using bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS region amplicon sequencing combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF MS). Bacterial communities were dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota prevailed among fungi. Dominant genera varied by region: Lactobacillus and Dekkera in Dabancheng; Lactobacillus and Dipodascus in Hami; Lactococcus and Cutaneotrichosporon in Keping. Flavor profiles also diverged, with Dabancheng being rich in esters, alcohols, and ketones; Hami featuring hydrocarbons and alcohols; and Keping containing elevated hydrocarbons, alcohols, and esters. Key statistical associations were identified: Lactobacillus, Rahnella, and Acetobacter were positively associated with propene and 3-decyn-2-ol (VIP > 1.0, |r| > 0.8), while Pseudomonas, Lactococcus, and Klebsiella showed negative correlations with vinyl n-caproate. These findings reveal statistical associations between geographic origin, specific microbial taxa, and flavor attributes, providing a scientific foundation that may inform future efforts toward developing targeted starter cultures pending microbial isolation and functional validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity and its metabolic comorbidities, including dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are a growing global health burden, and current pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy and notable adverse effects. The gut microbiome has emerged as a key regulator of host metabolism, and its dysregulation is implicated in obesity. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. aqueous extract (PSRW) on metabolic dysfunction and gut microbiota composition in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rat model. Methods: HFD-induced obese male Wistar rats received PSRW, simvastatin, or their combination for 12 weeks. Serum lipids (TC, TG, HDL, LDL), liver enzymes (AST, ALT), and renal markers were measured, and gut microbiota were profiled by 16S rRNA (V4) sequencing with PICRUSt2/KEGG functional prediction. The phenolic composition of the same extract was characterized by HPLC in a companion study. Results: PSRW did not cause weight loss but significantly lowered serum TC, AST, and ALT, with efficacy comparable to simvastatin and significantly lower TG than control, though not significantly different from HFD. Co-administration of PSRW and simvastatin produced a greater reduction in TC and liver enzymes than either agent alone. HFD shifted microbial community structure and enriched pro-inflammatory phyla such as Desulfobacterota; PSRW partially reversed these changes, suppressing obesogenic Lachnospiraceae genera while enriching beneficial microbes including Dwaynesavagella, and functionally reprogrammed taxa such as Kineothrix and Muribaculum from detrimental to protective associations. HFD enriched microbial glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, whereas the PSRW simvastatin combination uniquely enhanced glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Conclusions:P. sarmentosum extract ameliorates HFD-induced dyslipidemia and hepatotoxicity, and these effects are accompanied by remodeling of the composition and predicted functional capacity of the gut microbiome. Its ability to act in combination with statins highlights its potential as a candidate complementary therapy for hyperlipidemia and NAFLD. Full article

Dairy product spoilage is primarily caused by microbial contamination and lipase activity. Systematically assessing contamination risks and elucidating the structural and functional characteristics of key lipases form a crucial foundation for achieving precise prevention and control. This article integrated 79 studies (2003–2025) to preliminarily explore the geographical distribution characteristics of spoilage bacterial contamination. The combined contamination rates were relatively high in South America (89.5%), North America (88.3%) and Asia (87.3%), followed by Europe (86.0%) and Oceania (82.2%), while Africa showed a lower rate (57.6%) based on limited data. Product-level risk differences were also identified. Considering data robustness, in addition to raw milk (92.6%), milk powder also showed a high contamination rate (86.8%). The spoilage bacterial community was highly concentrated, with Bacillus (40.7%) and Pseudomonas (20.3%) as the dominant genera, and Pseudomonas fluorescens (21.1%) and Bacillus licheniformis (20.1%) as the core spoilage species. Furthermore, structural analysis of 37 key lipases demonstrated that these enzymes universally possess a hydrophobic surface, high lipid affinity, and a conserved α/β hydrolase folding conformation. Based on these predictions, we propose a structural hypothesis: these characteristics may be related to their retained activity after thermal processing. Unlike traditional meta-analyses that merely report pollution rates, and unlike independent bioinformatics studies that analyze lipases from arbitrary strains, this study ensures that the lipases analyzed have epidemiological relevance. This work provides scientific grounds for monitoring, early warning, and risk assessment of dairy spoilage. It also lays a theoretical foundation for developing novel inhibitors targeting thermostable lipases. Full article

In this study, we evaluated the influence of physicochemical aging on the biological processing and depolymerization performance of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) by Tenebrio molitor larvae, with the goal of improving insect-based plastic treatment strategies. PE and PLA subjected to a sequential freezing–ultraviolet aging protocol showed modest increases in total larval consumption (approximately 11% for PE and 10% for PLA) compared with pristine materials. Aging also accelerated the processes related to chemical depolymerization, as evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showing the formation of oxidized functional groups and surface structural deterioration, respectively. Gel permeation chromatography indicated significant reductions in molecular weight. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate the changes in thermal stability associated with polymer degradation. Gut microbiome analysis revealed that plastic diets and aging collectively shaped microbial structure and compositional shifts, with deterministic ecological processes dominating community assembly. PE diets enriched Proteobacteria, while PLA diets enriched Firmicutes and Desulfobacterota. Notably, aging strengthened microbial cooperation and enriched key genera, such as Spiroplasma sp. and Lactobacillus sp., which are potentially associated with plastic-associated metabolic adaptation. Overall, aging modestly facilitated larval processing and partial depolymerization of both fossil-based and bio-based plastics, as reflected by increased plastic consumption, polymer chain scission, and surface oxidation. It also enhanced the functional robustness of the larval gut microbiome. These findings provide mechanistic insights into insect-mediated plastic processing systems, offering mechanistic guidance for future, combined plastic treatment strategies rather than an immediately scalable stand-alone solution. Full article

The use of nanoscale materials has expanded rapidly in recent decades, with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles among the most widely produced. Their increasing environmental release raises concerns about ecosystem-level effects. A key mechanism of toxicity is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), although these effects strongly depend on particle properties, including crystalline form, size, morphology, surface characteristics, and exposure conditions. Here, we assessed and compared the ecological impacts of anatase and rutile TiO₂ nanoparticles across prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, including aquatic microbial communities, microbial cultures, plant bioassays (Sinapis alba, Triticum aestivum), the SOS Chromotest, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) assays. Nano-TiO₂ exposure markedly restructured freshwater microbial communities by suppressing sensitive taxa (e.g., Actinomycetota, Flavobacterium, and Limnohabitans) while enriching more tolerant genera such as Pseudomonas, Sediminibacterium, Haliscomenobacter, and Hydrogenophaga. These shifts likely reflect differences in cell-envelope structure, biofilm formation, and antioxidant capacity. The two investigated TiO₂ nanoparticle types showed distinct biological effects: rutile was associated with more pronounced microbial community shifts and bacterial cell damage, whereas anatase caused stronger responses in plant assays, particularly by impairing hypocotyl growth and plant water balance. Besides the limited acute genotoxicity revealed by the SOS Chromotest, TiO₂ nanoparticles did not significantly affect survival or final larval body length in the zebrafish embryo assay under the tested conditions; however, the hatching delay observed at the highest concentration indicated a sublethal developmental effect. Overall, our results show that TiO₂ nanoparticle toxicity cannot be generalized across biological systems and suggest that biological responses depend on the combined influence of particle characteristics and organism-specific structural and physiological traits. Full article

Gymnodiptychus Herzenstein, 1892, a genus of the subfamily Schizopygopsinae, currently comprises three valid species: Gymnodiptychus dybowskii, Gymnodiptychus pachycheilus, and Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies have suggested that the genus is not monophyletic, but the taxonomic status of Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus has not been comprehensively reassessed. In this study, we conducted an integrative taxonomic investigation of Gymnodiptychus based on mitochondrial genome data, combined with morphological and osteological evidence. Phylogenetic analyses using the concatenated sequences of 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes and two ribosomal RNA genes recovered Gymnodiptychus as non-monophyletic. Gymnodiptychus dybowskii and Gymnodiptychus pachycheilus formed a monophyletic clade sister to Diptychus, whereas Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus formed an independent lineage sister to Schizopygopsis. Genetic distance analyses further revealed substantial divergence between Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus and other members of Gymnodiptychus. Morphological and osteological comparisons demonstrated that Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus differs markedly from the other two species, Gymnodiptychus dybowskii and Gymnodiptychus pachycheilus, in lacking pectoral girdle scales, possessing extremely reduced maxillary barbels, having a terminal mouth, and lacking the supraorbital bone. Based on this combined evidence, we establish the new genus Gaoligongia gen. nov. for Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus Mo, 1989, which is herein reassigned as Gaoligongia integrigymnata (Mo, 1989), comb. nov. We also provide a revised diagnosis of Gymnodiptychus and a key to the genera of Schizopygopsinae. Full article

This scoping review maps and synthesizes scientific evidence on the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in wine fermentation, focusing on their contribution to ester formation and aroma modulation. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 71 original articles published between 2000 and 2025 were included, and evidence mapping was combined with an exploratory textual analysis of abstracts using Iramuteq^® to characterize thematic trends, methodological approaches, and knowledge gaps. The textual analysis highlighted fermentation ecology, inoculation strategies, and aroma modulation as central themes, with ester formation emerging as a key topic. Torulaspora, Hanseniaspora, Lachancea, Metschnikowia, and Candida/Starmerella were the most frequently investigated genera, reflecting their potential to diversify wine sensory profiles beyond those typically associated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentations. Non-Saccharomyces yeasts proved particularly relevant in the synthesis and modulation of ethyl and acetate esters linked to fruity and floral characteristics, especially in mixed fermentations. Key knowledge gaps include the limited transferability of laboratory-scale results to industrial conditions, insufficient understanding of interspecies interactions, and the need for stronger sensory validation of volatile compounds. These findings highlight the potential of non-Saccharomyces yeasts as tools for innovation, terroir expression, and enhanced sensory complexity in winemaking. Full article

Sourdoughs are complex microbial ecosystems fundamental to traditional breadmaking. Despite extensive research, variability among traditional sourdough ecosystems remains a key area of investigation. In this context, 13 type I sourdough starters from Villaurbana (Sardinia, Italy) were characterised combining molecular and biochemical techniques. Bacterial and fungal communities were identified by NGS-based amplicon sequencing, while lactic and acetic acid, and residual sugars were quantified. The bacterial population was dominated by the genus Fructilactobacillus, whereas the fungal community spanned multiple genera. To explore the mycobiota, 130 yeast isolates were identified sequencing D1–D2 domain and through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Six yeast species were detected: Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the dominant species (58.46%), followed by non-Saccharomyces yeasts (41.54%), including Torulaspora delbrueckii, Pichia fermentans, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Maudiozyma humilis, and Monosporozyma unispora. Strain-level typing via microsatellite analysis revealed high intraspecific diversity among S. cerevisiae and T. delbrueckii isolates. S. cerevisiae strains were distributed across distinct genetic lineages, with some clustering alongside industrial reference strains and others displaying unique evolutionary trajectories. T. delbrueckii strains formed two clonal groups substantially divergent from reference strains. This study supports the restitution of characterized yeast strains to the community as a resource for establishing a new microbial consortium representative of Villaurbana sourdough tradition. Full article

Duckweeds are minute, fast-growing monocot aquatic plants that propagate clonally and combine high biomass productivity with a valuable biochemical composition (high-quality proteins, a favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, and starch-rich tissues) and efficient nutrient uptake, making them attractive for feed/food, bioenergy, and wastewater-based phyto-bioremediation. Temperature is a key factor shaping duckweed growth, and selecting clones that perform well within specific thermal ranges can improve cultivation across different applications. Here, we screened 97 clones from the genera Spirodela, Landoltia, and Lemna, including the hybrids Lemna × japonica and Lemna × mediterranea, under warm (WC; 30/25 °C) and relative cool (CC; 20/16 °C) conditions. Relative growth rate (RGR) ranged from 0.150 to 0.338 day⁻¹ under WC and from 0.113 to 0.318 day⁻¹ under CC, revealing strong interspecific and intraspecific variation. While WC generally promoted higher growth than CC, notable exceptions occurred at both interspecific and intraspecific levels. Tests under more extreme regimes (EWC; 35/30 °C; ECC; 16/12 °C) confirmed strong clone-specific responses, with some clones maintaining or improving growth under EWC relative to WC, whereas ECC generally reduced growth relative to CC. Climatic provenance was a weak predictor of performance, showing limited correspondence between RGR and mean annual temperature at the site of origin. Overall, these results highlight the value of within-species phenotyping across relevant temperature regimes to identify high-performing duckweed material for applied use. Full article

The skin microbiota plays a key role in maintaining cutaneous homeostasis; however, microbial differences among physiological skin types within healthy individuals remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the association between skin microbiota diversity and four skin types (normal, oily, dry, and combination) in healthy young women (n = 43), with samples collected from the nasal region. Skin moisture and sebum levels were quantitatively measured, and microbiota profiles were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V3–V4 regions. Normal skin exhibited higher alpha diversity, including Chao1 richness and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity, compared with other skin types (median Chao1 values were higher in normal skin than in other groups). Correlation analyses showed that skin moisture was positively associated with microbial richness (ρ = 0.397, p = 0.008), whereas sebum levels were negatively associated with phylogenetic diversity (ρ = −0.455, p = 0.002). Beta diversity analysis revealed that normal skin harbored a distinct microbial community structure. In addition, several bacterial genera were enriched in normal skin, whereas Enterobacterales were observed to be more abundant in non-normal skin types. These findings suggest that skin biophysical properties are associated with microbial community structure and diversity within healthy individuals, although the functional implications of these differences remain to be elucidated. Full article

The monophyletic lineage Phytoptidae s. str. (Acariformes, Eriophyoidea) comprises ~75 described species in 17 genera associated with angiosperms. Since the last keys to the world genera of Eriophyoidea were published in 2003, five new phytoptid genera have been described: Neoprothrix (Reis & Navia 2014), Borassia Chetverikov, Craemer 2017, Solenoplatilobus Chetverikov & Craemer 2016, Solenocristus Chetverikov et al. 2018, and Calventer Chetverikov 2025. Here, we provide an updated generic key for the tribe Sierraphytoptini (Phytoptidae), describe a new genus Nothofagicola, propose a new combination N. nothofagalis n. comb. (Chetverikov et al. 2018) (transferred from Solenocristus), report the first findings of N. cf nothofagalis from Nothofagus pumilio and No. antarctica from Southern Chile and describe three new species of Nothofagicola collected in Central Chile from stems of three Nothofagus species (Fagales: Nothofagaceae): N. alpinae n. sp. from No. alpina, N. bicristata n. sp. from No. alessandrii, and N. licanteniensis n. sp. from No. glauca. We also provide a corrigendum to our previous paper and state that the correct accession numbers for mitogenomic sequences of Leipothrix aegopodiae and L. cf knautiae are OR268621 and OR268622, respectively (vice versa in the paper). Full article

Mediterranean-type ecosystems (METs) occur on five continents and represent some of the most climatically constrained yet biologically rich regions on Earth. In these environments, legumes and their nitrogen-fixing rhizobial symbionts—including widely distributed genera such as Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Ensifer—play a pivotal role in sustaining plant productivity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem resilience. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental regulation of legume–Rhizobium symbiosis specifically within Mediterranean-type ecosystems, focusing on how nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability, light conditions, and carbon allocation trade-offs shape symbiotic performance across the five Mediterranean-type regions of the world (California, central Chile, the Cape Region of South Africa, southwestern Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin). By integrating physiological, ecological, and biogeochemical perspectives, we highlight how the shared features of these regions—strong seasonal drought, chronic nutrient limitation (particularly P in southwestern Australia and the Cape Region), recurrent fires, and exceptionally high plant diversity—constrain and, at the same time, favor the ecological success of symbiotic legumes. Throughout the review, we use case studies from key legume genera such as Lupinus in Chile and southwestern Australia, Virgilia and other Cape legumes in South Africa, Acacia in Australian kwongan and woodlands, and Medicago and Cytisus in the Mediterranean Basin and California to illustrate how general principles of legume–Rhizobium ecology manifest under Mediterranean-type climatic and edaphic constraints. Beyond summarizing established mechanisms, we critically examine the limitations of current metagenomic approaches, which often provide descriptive inventories of soil microbial communities without linking microbial composition to functional outcomes. We argue that advancing the field requires integrated, hypothesis-driven research that combines multi-omic tools with plant eco-physiology, soil nutrient dynamics, and temporal replication. Finally, we outline key priorities for future research, including the integration of functional ‘omics’, the study of microbiome interactions beyond rhizobia, the development of predictive models for Mediterranean-type ecosystems under climate change, and the application of symbiotic principles to restoration and agroecological management. By bridging molecular, physiological, and ecosystem perspectives, this review provides a conceptual framework for understanding and enhancing legume–Rhizobium symbiosis across five continents in a rapidly changing world. Full article

This study focused on alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. Xinmu No. 4) as the experimental material, and a two-year field plot controlled experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different co-application ratios of organic and chemical fertilizers on alfalfa yield, soil nutrient status, and soil biological characteristics. The six fertilization treatments were as follows: CM0 (100% cattle manure), CM1 (75% cattle manure + 25% chemical fertilizer), CM2 (50% cattle manure + 50% chemical fertilizer), CM3 (25% cattle manure + 75% chemical fertilizer), CM4 (100% chemical fertilizer), and CK (no fertilizer application). The results showed that alfalfa hay yield was highest under the CM3 treatment in both 2024 and 2025, representing increases of 38.03% and 40.85%, respectively, compared with the control (CK). Relative to the other treatments, CM3 significantly increased soil total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, readily available potassium, and organic matter contents. In addition, CM3 markedly enhanced the activities of soil nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), and the root enzymes glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and glutamine synthase (GS). The combined application of organic and chemical fertilizers significantly reshaped the soil bacterial community structure associated with alfalfa. Under the CM3 treatment, Chao1, Shannon, and ACE indices of soil bacterial diversity increased, whereas the Simpson index decreased. Moreover, the CM3 treatment was associated with higher relative abundances of several key bacterial phyla and genera. The 25% cattle manure plus 75% chemical fertilizer (CM3) treatment exhibited the strongest overall effects, significantly increasing total alfalfa hay yield, enhancing soil macronutrient availability and key enzyme activities, improving soil microbial α-diversity, and optimizing soil bacterial community structure. This treatment consistently outperformed the no-fertilizer control (CK) and all other organic–inorganic fertilizer combinations. Collectively, these findings provide robust scientific evidence supporting strategies to increase forage productivity, mitigate environmental impacts, and promote the sustainable development of the grassland industry. Full article

Anomalopsychidae Flint, 1981, is a small family of caddisflies comprising two genera: the monotypic Anomalopsyche Flint, 1967, and Contulma Flint, 1969, including 31 described species grouped into the cranifer and spinosa species groups. The genus Contulma is distributed across Costa Rica, the Andes, and the mountainous areas of Brazil and Chile, with six species recorded in Brazil, primarily from the Atlantic Forest biome in the southeastern region. In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species of Contulma from the Cerrado biome of São Paulo State, representing the first record of the genus in this biome. Male specimens were collected using Malaise traps in a stream within a protected area. The new species is distinguished by the presence of both a strongly sclerotized dorsomesal process and a strongly dorsolateral process on tergum IX and by an extremely deep cleft in the posteromesal process of sternum IX, dividing it into two narrow, digitated lobes. Based on its unique combination of characters, the new species cannot be placed unambiguously in either of the species groups. Consequently, C. assisensis sp. nov. is here treated as incertae sedis within Contulma. With this addition, seven species of Contulma are now known from Brazil, most of which are recorded from the Atlantic Forest (6 spp.), especially in the mountainous areas of southeastern Brazil. The discovery of this new species in the Cerrado highlights the underestimated diversity of the genus in Brazil and underscores the importance of regional taxonomic studies for addressing biogeographic and diversity knowledge gaps. The identification key provided enables the differentiation of the seven Contulma species now known from Brazil. Full article