Search Results (1,643)

Essential oils (EOs) constitute intricate mixtures of volatile phytochemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their multifaceted biological effects. Notably, the presence of bioactive constituents capable of inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) underpins their potential utility in skin-related applications, particularly through the modulation of melanin biosynthesis and protection of skin-relevant cells from oxidative damage—a primary contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger) and Humulus lupulus L. (hop) are medicinal plants widely recognized for their diverse pharmacological properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first report on the synergistic interactions between essential oils derived from these species (referred to as EOZ and EOH) offering novel insights into their combined bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate essential oils extracted from ginger rhizomes and hop strobiles with respect to the following: (1) chemical composition, determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (2) tyrosinase inhibitory activity; (3) capacity to inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation; (4) ABTS^•+ radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, the study utilizes both the combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) as quantitative parameters to evaluate the nature of interactions and the dose-sparing efficacy of essential oil (EO) combinations. GC–MS analysis identified EOZ as a zingiberene-rich chemotype, containing abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-zingiberene, β-bisabolene, and α-curcumene, while EOH exhibited a caryophyllene diol/cubenol-type profile, dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene-9,10-diol and 1-epi-cubenol. In vitro tests demonstrated that both oils, individually and in combination, showed notable anti-tyrosinase, radical scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. These results support their multifunctional bioactivity profiles with possible relevance to skin care formulations, warranting further investigation. Full article

Metagenomic studies have provided deeper insights into the complex interactions between the skin and its microbiota. However, limited research has been conducted on the skin microbiota of Brazilian women. Given that Brazil ranks as the fourth-largest consumer of cosmetics worldwide, the development of new tools to analyze skin microbiota is crucial for formulating cosmetic products that promote a healthy microbiome. Skin samples were analyzed using the Illumina platform. Biometrology assessments were applied. The results showed pH variations were more pronounced in the older age group, along with higher transepidermal water loss values. Metagenomic analysis showed a predominance of Actinobacteria (83%), followed by Proteobacteria (7%), Firmicutes (9%) and Bacteroidetes (1%). In the older group (36–45 years old), an increase in Actinobacteria (87%) was observed and a decrease in Proteobacteria (6%). Moreover, the results differ from the international literature, since an increase in proteobacteria (13.9%) and a decrease in actinobacteria (46.7%) were observe in aged skin. The most abundant genus identified was Propionibacterium (84%), being the dominant species. Interestingly, previous studies have suggested a decline in Cutibacterium abundance with aging; although there is no significant difference, it is possible to observe an increasing trend in this genus in older skin. These studies can clarify many points about the skin microbiota of Brazilian women, and these findings could lead to the development of new cosmetics based on knowledge of the skin microbiome. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) taxa, glomalin protein, and hyphal density are potential indicators of soil functionality of temperate grasslands in marginal environments subject to grazing over the years. This study evaluated how the AMF community composition, glomalin protein, and hyphal density vary in response to grazing intensity (low or high) and seasonality (spring and autumn) in sodic soils of Argentinian temperate grasslands. The AMF community was dominated by Glomeraceae species. Funneliformis geosporus and Glomus brohultii were the most abundant in both seasons and all grasslands. No AMF species were associated with a particular grazing intensity. However, Entrophospora etunicata, Glomus fuegianum, Septoglomus constrictum, and Acaulospora sp. occurred only in spring, and no species were exclusive to autumn. Hyphal density was highest in grasslands with low grazing intensity and can be considered an indicator of soil functionality. Glomalin protein was the highest in spring in all grasslands. The lower grazing intensity in grasslands with poor livestock control showed no changes in AMF diversity. The AMF community showed high adaptation to soil conditions, indicating high resilience. We concluded that longer periods of controlled grazing management are needed to improve soil conditions and, consequently, change the AMF species composition. Full article

Macroalgae (seaweeds) produce unique bioactive metabolites that have enabled their survival for millions of years, offering significant potential for human benefits. In the Israeli Mediterranean Sea, no comprehensive systematic surveys of seaweeds have been published since the 1990s, and their chemical composition remains largely unexplored. This study presents an extensive survey of intertidal seaweed communities along the shallow Israeli coastline, documenting their spatial, temporal, and biochemical diversity. Of the 320 specimens collected, 55 seaweed species were identified: 29 red (Rhodophyta), 14 brown (Phaeophyceae), and 12 green (Chlorophyta). A significant shift in species abundance was documented, with a single dominant annual bloom occurring during spring, unlike previously reported biannual blooms. Chemical analysis of the dominant species revealed significant seasonal variations in compound levels, with higher protein content in winter and increased antioxidant capacity during spring. Phenolic and natural sunscreen compounds (mycosporine-like amino acids, MAAs) showed no general seasonal trend. These findings highlight the optimal environmental conditions for seaweed growth and underscore their potential for aquaculture and biotechnology. We hypothesize that the ecologically unique conditions of the Israeli Mediterranean Sea may foster resilient seaweed species enriched with distinctive chemical properties, suitable for nutritional, health, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications, particularly as climate-adaptive bioresources. Full article

This study evaluated the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding in assessing fish communities in two urban lakes (First Lake and Second Lake) in Zagreb, Croatia, following IAS removal. Water samples were collected in April and June 2024 and analyzed using MiFish primers targeting the 12S rRNA gene. The results indicated that the cleanup efforts were largely successful, as several IAS previously recorded in these lakes were not detected (Ameiurus melas, Lepomis gibbosus, and Hypophthalmichthys spp.). However, some others persisted in low relative abundances, such as grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), and prussian/crucian carp (Carassius sp.). Species composition differed between lakes, with common carp (Cyprinus carpio) dominating Maksimir First Lake, while chub (Squalius cephalus) was prevalent in Maksimir Second Lake. Unexpected eDNA signals from salmonid and exotic species suggest potential input from upstream sources, human activity, or the nearby Zoo Garden. These findings underscore the utility of eDNA metabarcoding in biodiversity monitoring and highlight the need for continuous surveillance and adaptive management strategies to ensure long-term IAS control. Full article

A total of 32 fish species were detected in Xinglin Bay using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and traditional morphological survey methods (TSM), covering eight orders, fifteen families, and twenty-six genera. The dominant order was Perciformes, accounting for 43.75% of the total species. Among the identified species, there were ten non-native fish species. Compared with the TSM, the eDNA detected 13 additional fish species, including two additional non-native fish species—Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) and Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802). In addition, the relative abundance of fish from both methods revealed that tilapia was overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 80.75% and 75.68%, respectively. Furthermore, the AS-ISK assessment revealed that all non-native fish species were classified as medium or high-risk, with five identified as high-risk species, four of which belong to tilapia. These findings demonstrated that tilapia are the dominant and high-risk invasive species in Xinglin Bay and should be prioritized for management. Population reduction through targeted harvesting of tilapia is recommended as the primary control strategy. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA in monitoring fish community structure in brackish ecosystems. Full article

Tropical forests continue to experience high levels of habitat loss and degradation, with wildfires becoming a frequent component of human-modified landscapes. Here we investigate the response of palm species to the conversion of old-growth forests to successional mosaics, including forest patches burned during wildfires. Palms (≥50 cm height) were recorded once in 2023–2024, across four habitat classes: terra firme old-growth stands, regenerating forest stands associated with slash-and-burn agriculture, old-growth stands burned once and twice, and active cassava fields, in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The flammability of palm leaf litter and forest litter were also examined to assess the potential connections between palm proliferation and wildfires. A total of 10 palm species were recorded in this social forest (including slash-and-burn agriculture and resulting successional mosaics), with positive, negative, and neutral responses to land use. Species richness did not differ among forest habitats, but absolute palm abundance was greatest in disturbed habitats. Only Attalea spectabilis Mart. (curuá) exhibited increased relative abundance across disturbed habitats, including active cassava field. Attalea spectabilis accounted for almost 43% of all stems in the old-growth forest, 89% in regenerating forests, 90% in burned forests, and 79% in crop fields. Disturbed habitats supported a five-to-ten-fold increment in curuá leaves as a measure of habitat flammability. Although curuá litter exhibited lower flame temperature and height, its lower carbon and higher volatile content is expected to be more sensitive to fire ignition and promote the spread of wildfires. The conversion of old-growth forests into social forests promotes the establishment of palm-dominated forests, increasing the potential for a forest transition further fueled by wildfires, with effects on forest resilience and social reproduction still to be understood. Full article

The presence of nest boxes not only increases the reproductive success of many passerine birds in transformed forest habitats, but they also constitute important artificial microhabitats for many groups of invertebrates. One of such groups which have been often found in this microhabitat is saprophagous mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata). The current study was conducted in October 2023 and 2024 in Bory Tucholskie National Park (BTNP) (northern Poland), where material from 137 tit (Paridae) and nuthatch (Sitta europaea) nest boxes was collected. The aim of this study was to analyse the stability of the communities of Uropodina in nest boxes in the park in two seasons and to determine whether the mite community structure within these nest boxes is similar in each year. The second aim was to analyse the abundance of Uropodina in relation to the composition of the nest box bedding material. This study revealed that the community in the scrutinised nest boxes was formed in both seasons by two species of nidicolous Uropodina species, i.e., Leiodinychus orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Chiropturopoda nidiphila (Wiśniewski and Hirschmann, 1993), and that the species composition and the community structure were also very similar in both years. This study revealed that Ch. nidiphila dominated in the nest boxes with moss and grass, whereas L. orbicularis was most abundant in the boxes where the bedding was a mixture of mammalian hair and grass. However, no statistically significant differences in the abundance of these two mite species in both cases were revealed. Full article

Similarly to conventional field crops, weeds often pose significant problems in the cultivation of medicinal plants. To date, no comprehensive documentation exists regarding weed infestation levels in these crops in Serbia. The objective of this study was to provide a valuable foundation for developing effective, site-specific weed management strategies in medicinal crop production. Weeds in five medicinal crops (lemon balm, fennel, peppermint, ribwort plantain, German chamomile), were surveyed based on the agro-phytosociological method between 2019 and 2024, and across 59 plots. A total of 109 weed species were recorded, belonging to 29 families and 88 genera. Among them, 75 were annuals and 34 perennials, including 93 broadleaved species, 10 grasses, and one parasitic species. All surveyed plots were heavily infested with perennial weeds such as Elymus repens, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Lepidium draba, Rumex crispus, Sorghum halepense, Taraxacum officinale, etc. Also, several annual species were found in high abundance and frequency, including Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Galium aparine, Lactuca serriola, Lamium amplexicaule, L. purpureum, Papaver rhoeas, Stellaria media, Veronica hederifolia, V. persica, etc. The most important ecological factors influencing the composition of weed vegetation in investigated medicinal crops were temperature and light for fennel and peppermint plots, soil reaction for lemon balm and ribwort plantain plots, and nutrient content for German chamomile plots. A perspective for exploitation of these results is the development of effective weed control programs tailored to this specific cropping system. Weed control strategies should consider such information, targeting the control of the most frequent, abundant, and dominant species existing in a crops or locality. Full article

Currently, due to the complexity of obtaining samples, specific features of laboratory processing and analysis of the results, there is a lack of data on the microbial signature of the small intestine in healthy and diseased states of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Objective: To investigate the characteristics of the small intestinal microbiome in acute pancreatitis of varying severity and to identify correlations with clinical factors. Methods: This study included 30 patients with acute pancreatitis of varying severity treated between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021. The composition of the microbiota was analyzed by metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene from jejunal samples. Results: The mortality rate in the study group was 23.3%. The small intestinal microbiome was dominated by Streptococcus (median relative abundance 19.2%, interquartile range 6.4–35.1%), Veillonella (3.4%; 0.6–7%), Granulicatella (2.7%; 0.6–5%), Fusobacterium (2.2%; 0.3–5.9%), Prevotella (1.5%; 0.3–8%), Haemophilus (0.9%; 0.2–10%), Gemella (0.8%; 0.2–4.3%), and Lactobacillus (0.2%; 0.1–0.9%). More severe disease was associated with decreased abundance of Neisseria mucosa, Parvimonas micra, and Megasphaera micronuciformis. In contrast, the relative abundance of the genera Streptococcus (species S. rubneri/parasanguinis/australis), Actinomyces, and several genera within the family Enterobacteriaceae was higher in these patients. Conclusions: The state of the microbiota has important prognostic value and correlates with the duration from the onset of the pain syndrome to the time of receiving qualified care in the hospital. Full article

Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are small biting midges and are known as vectors for many arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). Tengchong County of Yunnan Province, China, which borders Myanmar, has many private farms with goats, sheep, and cattle. To estimate the risk of Culicoides-borne viral diseases such as bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in this area, an investigation of the diversity and abundance of Culicoides in Tengchong between May 2024 and April 2025 was performed. As a result, 70 collections totaling approximately 93,000 Culicoides were carried out at five farms (cattle + Asian buffaloes, goats, and sheep, respectively). Nineteen species were identified, and eight potential cryptic species were found. A total of 13 cox1 sequences and 4 28S sequences for 13 specimens were generated. The most dominant species were Obsoletus (44.1%), C. homotomus (23.3%), and C. arakawae (12.9%) at the bovine farm; C. tainanus (68.0%), C. orientalis (12.6%), and C. newsteadi (Asia) (6.3%) at the goat farm; and C. tainanus (73.6%), C. fenggangensis (7.3%), and C. sp. nr palpifer (6.3%) at the sheep farm. In this investigation, C. tainanus, Obsoletus, and C. orientalis were the most dominant potential BTV vectors, and the period between July and October may be the main period for epidemics of Culicoides-borne viruses in Tengchong. Full article

Cellulose, the most abundant organic polymer in soil, is degraded by the action of microbial communities. Cellulolytic taxa are widespread in soils, enhancing the biodegradation of cellulose by the synergistic action of different cellulase enzymes. β-glucosidases are the last enzymes responsible for the degradation of cellulose by producing glucose from the conversion of the disaccharide cellobiose. Different soils from the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York were analyzed by direct DNA extraction, PCR analysis, and next generation sequencing of amplicon sequences coding for β-glucosidase genes. To determine the community structure and diversity of microorganisms carrying β-glucosidase genes, amplicon sequence variant analysis was performed. Results showed that the majority of β-glucosidase genes did not match any known phylum or genera with an average of 84% of sequences identified as unclassified. The forest soil sample from New York showed the highest value with 95.62%. When identification was possible, the bacterial phyla Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, and Chloroflexota were found to be dominant microorganisms with β-glucosidase genes in soils. The Delaware soil showed the highest diversity with phyla and genera showing the presence of β-glucosidase gene sequences in bacteria, fungi, and plants. However, the Chloroflexota genus Kallotanue was detected in 3 out of the 4 soil locations. When phylogenetic analysis of unclassified β-glucosidase genes was completed, most sequences aligned with the Chloroflexota genus Kallotenue and the Pseudomonadota species Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Since most sequences did not match known phyla, there is tremendous potential to discover new enzymes for possible biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

The effect of periodical heatwaves and related thermal stratification in freshwater aquatic ecosystems has been a hot research issue. A large dataset of samples was generated from samples exposed to temporary thermal stratification in mesocosms mimicking shallow eutrophic freshwater lakes. Temperature regimes were based on IPCC climate warming scenarios, enabling simulation of future warming conditions. Surface oxygen levels reached 19.37 mg/L, while bottom layers dropped to 0.07 mg/L during stratification. Analysis by FlowCAM revealed dominance of Cyanobacteria under ambient conditions (up to 99.2%), while Cryptophyta (up to 98.9%) and Chlorophyta (up to 99.9%) were predominant in the A2 and A2+50% climate scenarios, respectively. We identified temperature changes and shifts in nutrient concentrations, particularly phosphate, as critical factors in microbial community composition. Furthermore, five distinct Microcystis morphospecies identified by FlowCAM-based analysis were associated with different microbial clusters. The combined use of imaging flow cytometry, which differentiates phytoplankton based on morphological parameters, and nanopore long-read sequencing analysis has shed light into the dynamics of microbial communities associated with different Microcystis morphospecies. In our observations, a peak of algicidal bacteria abundance often coincides with or is followed by a decline in the Cyanobacteria. These findings highlight the importance of species-level classification in the analysis of complex ecosystem interactions and the dynamics of algal blooms in freshwater bodies in response to anthropogenic effects and climate change. Full article

This study assesses whether the rise in water level—following three years of reservoir filling at the Teles Pires Hydroelectric Plant (135.6 km² water surface) in Southern Amazonia—has affected the floristic composition, structure, and dynamics of adjacent forests. We established 62 permanent plots (2000 m² each) across a topographic gradient from the reservoir margin and conducted annual tree inventories for individuals with DBH ≥ 10 cm from 2014 to 2017. A total of 6322 individuals were recorded, representing 322 species, 210 genera, and 61 families. Fabaceae was the most abundant family, and the ten species with the highest importance value index (IVI) before reservoir filling remained dominant afterward. The forests exhibited high species richness and were characterized by a few common and many rare species. Mortality rates were highest within 10 m of elevation from the maximum reservoir level, indicating possible hydrological impacts, although no abnormal dieback or sharp shifts in floristic structure were observed. These results suggest limited short-term effects on species composition, but subtle changes in vegetation dynamics underscore the importance of long-term monitoring. Full article

To investigate the characteristics of rhizosphere soil microbial communities associated with Schisandra sphenanthera across different altitudinal gradients and to reveal the driving factors of microbial community dynamics, this study collected rhizosphere soil samples at four elevations: 900 m (HB1), 1100 m (HB2), 1300 m (HB3), and 1500 m (HB4). High-throughput sequencing and molecular ecological network analysis were employed to analyze the microbial community composition and species interactions. A null model was applied to elucidate community assembly mechanisms. The results demonstrated that bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Chloroflexi. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased with elevation, while that of Acidobacteriota and Actinobacteriota declined. Fungal communities were primarily composed of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with both showing elevated relative abundances at higher altitudes. Diversity indices revealed that HB2 exhibited the highest bacterial Chao, Ace, and Shannon indices but the lowest Simpson index. For fungi, HB3 displayed the highest Chao and Ace indices, whereas HB4 showed the highest Shannon index and the lowest Simpson index. Ecological network analysis indicated stronger bacterial competition at lower elevations and enhanced cooperation at higher elevations, contrasting with fungal communities that exhibited increased competition at higher altitudes. Altitude and soil nutrients were negatively correlated with soil carbon content, while plant nutrients and fungal diversity positively correlated with soil carbon. Null model analysis suggested that deterministic processes dominated bacterial community assembly, whereas stochastic processes governed fungal assembly. These findings highlight significant altitudinal shifts in the microbial community structure and assembly mechanisms in S. sphenanthera rhizosphere soils, driven by the synergistic effects of soil nutrients, plant growth, and fungal diversity. This study provides critical insights into microbial ecology and carbon cycling in alpine ecosystems, offering a scientific basis for ecosystem management and conservation. Full article