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13 pages, 305 KB  
Article
Microbiological Monitoring and Microbial Susceptibility of Salmonella from Aquacultured Tambaqui Hybrids (Colossoma macropomum): Implications for Food Safety
by Cristiane Coimbra de Paula, Yuri Duarte Porto, Fabiola Helena dos Santos Fogaça, Wagner de Souza Tassinari, Vinícius Silva Castro, Adelino Cunha-Neto, Ricardo César Tavares Carvalho, Luciana Kimie Savay-da-Silva, Eduardo Eustáquio de Souza Figueiredo and Tathiana Ferguson Motheo
Antibiotics 2025, 14(10), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14101047 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background: Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness typically associated with gastroenteritis following the ingestion of products contaminated with Salmonella enterica. Although the aquatic environment is not a natural reservoir for Salmonella spp., its occurrence has been reported in various aquacultured species worldwide, including [...] Read more.
Background: Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness typically associated with gastroenteritis following the ingestion of products contaminated with Salmonella enterica. Although the aquatic environment is not a natural reservoir for Salmonella spp., its occurrence has been reported in various aquacultured species worldwide, including species from the Amazon Basin in South America. The World Health Organization has classified the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains as a global priority, underscoring the importance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance to mitigate public health risks. This study aimed to detect Salmonella spp. serotypes of clinical relevance to humans (S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi, S. Typhimurium, and S. Enteritidis) in farmed tambaqui hybrids and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Methods: A total of 55 Salmonella spp. strains, previously isolated from tambaqui hybrids (Colossoma macropomum) produced in fish farms in Mato Grosso, Brazil, were evaluated. Identification and susceptibility profiling were performed using the VITEK®2 Compact automated system (BioMérieux, Marcy l’Étoile, France), testing 14 commonly used antimicrobials, including amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, piperacillin–tazobactam, cephalexin, cefuroxime axetil, ceftriaxone, cefepime, meropenem, ertapenem, amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim. Results: All isolates were confirmed as Salmonella spp., with no detection of clinically important serotypes. Moreover, all 55 strains were susceptible to the 14 antimicrobials tested. Conclusions: These findings indicate a low risk of pathogenic or resistant Salmonella from farmed tambaqui hybrids under the evaluated conditions. Nevertheless, ongoing microbiological monitoring remains essential, particularly in light of regulatory standards that prohibit the presence of Salmonella spp. in fish products and the potential emergence of MDR strains. Full article
24 pages, 2686 KB  
Article
Linking Soil Microbial Functional Profiles to Fungal Disease Resistance in Winter Barley Under Different Fertilisation Regimes
by Mariana Petkova, Petar Chavdarov and Stefan Shilev
Plants 2025, 14(20), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203199 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025
Abstract
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a major fodder crop whose productivity is often reduced by phytopathogens, especially during early growth. Understanding how soil fertility management and microbial communities influence disease outcomes is critical for developing sustainable strategies that reduce fungicide dependence and [...] Read more.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a major fodder crop whose productivity is often reduced by phytopathogens, especially during early growth. Understanding how soil fertility management and microbial communities influence disease outcomes is critical for developing sustainable strategies that reduce fungicide dependence and enhance crop resilience. This study evaluated the resistance of the winter barley cultivar “Zemela” to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei), brown rust (Puccinia hordei), and net blotch (Pyrenophora teres f. maculata). The crop was cultivated under two soil management systems—green manure and conventional—and five fertilisation regimes: mineral, vermicompost, combined, biochar, and control. Phytopathological assessment was integrated with functional predictions of soil microbial communities. Field trials showed high resistance to powdery mildew (RI = 95%) and brown rust (RI = 82.5%), and moderate resistance to net blotch (RI = 60%). While ANOVA indicated no significant treatment effects (p > 0.05), PCA explained 82.3% of the variance, revealing clear clustering of microbial community functions by soil management system and highlighting the strong influence of fertilisation practices on disease-related microbial dynamics. FAPROTAX analysis suggested that organic amendments enhanced antifungal functions, whereas conventional systems were dominated by nitrogen cycling. FUNGuild identified higher saprotrophic and mycorrhizal activity under organic and combined treatments, contrasting with greater pathogen abundance in conventional plots. Overall, results demonstrate that soil fertilisation practices, together with microbial functional diversity, play a central role in disease suppression and crop resilience, supporting sustainable barley production with reduced reliance on chemical inputs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants 2025—from Seeds to Food Security)
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12 pages, 1012 KB  
Article
Lines of Risk: Tunnel Catheter Loss Due to Bloodstream Infections in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
by Muhammad Nauman Hashmi, Fayez Hejaili, Syed Hammad Raza and Muhammad Anwar Khan
Kidney Dial. 2025, 5(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/kidneydial5040049 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 139
Abstract
Background: Despite efforts to rely on arteriovenous fistulas/grafts for maintenance hemodialysis, a significant number of patients still depend on tunnel hemodialysis catheters for treatment. This poses a risk factor for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and, subsequently, vascular access compromise. Method: We conducted [...] Read more.
Background: Despite efforts to rely on arteriovenous fistulas/grafts for maintenance hemodialysis, a significant number of patients still depend on tunnel hemodialysis catheters for treatment. This poses a risk factor for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and, subsequently, vascular access compromise. Method: We conducted a retrospective study in five dialysis centers to determine the potential factors resulting in vascular access loss, CLABSI incidence, and microbe distribution patterns in Saudi Arabia at centers under the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Adults who regularly received hemodialysis and had positive blood cultures between January 2019 and December 2023 were the subjects of the study. Results: Our study identified the presence of tunnel infection (p < 0.001), the presence of a Gram-negative pathogen (p = 0.036), and a high body mass index (BMI > 30) (p = 0.04) as potential risk factors leading to the loss of tunnel central venous catheters. In contrast, there was a lower probability of central venous catheter loss due to Gram-positive pathogens (p = 0.01). The CLABSI rate was 1.55 per 100 patients per month over a five-year period. Patients with CVC required more hospital treatment and had a significantly higher rate of vascular access loss (p < 0.001). Both central and peripheral blood cultures had nearly identical microbe spectra. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus epidermidis had the highest prevalence rates among Gram-positive organisms. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, Enterobacter cloacae was the most common, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the need for rigorous measures and interventions to prevent Gram-negative infections and decrease the reliance on central venous catheters, to decrease infections in hemodialysis patients, and decrease morbidity and cost. Strict hand hygiene, patient education, and surveillance programs are recommended to monitor these patients. Full article
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26 pages, 11124 KB  
Article
Ecological Effects and Microbial Regulatory Mechanisms of Functional Grass Species Assembly in the Restoration of “Heitutan” Degraded Alpine Grasslands
by Zongcheng Cai, Jianjun Shi, Shouquan Fu, Liangyu Lv, Fayi Li, Qingqing Liu, Hairong Zhang and Shancun Bao
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102341 - 11 Oct 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
The restoration of “Heitutan” degraded grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was hindered by suboptimal grass species mixtures, leading to low vegetation productivity, impaired soil nutrient cycling, and microbial functional degradation. Based on a 22-year controlled field experiment, this study systematically elucidated the regulatory [...] Read more.
The restoration of “Heitutan” degraded grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was hindered by suboptimal grass species mixtures, leading to low vegetation productivity, impaired soil nutrient cycling, and microbial functional degradation. Based on a 22-year controlled field experiment, this study systematically elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of different artificial grass mixtures on vegetation community characteristics, soil physicochemical properties, and bacterial community structure and function. The results demonstrated that mixed-sowing treatments significantly improved soil conditions and enhanced aboveground biomass. The HC treatment (Elymus nutans Griseb. + Poa crymophila Keng ex L. Liu cv. ‘Qinghai’ + Festuca sinensis Keng ex S. L. Lu cv. ‘Qinghai’) achieved aboveground biomass of 1580.0 and 1645.0 g·m−2, representing 66.14% and 60.91% increases, respectively, compared to the HA monoculture (E. nutans). Concurrently, this treatment increased soil organic matter content by 52.3% and 48.4%, total nitrogen by 59.4% and 69.2%, while reducing electrical conductivity by 48.99% and 51.72%, with optimal pH stabilization (7.34–7.38). These findings confirmed that optimized grass mixtures effectively enhance soil physicochemical properties and carbon–nitrogen retention. Microbiome analysis revealed that the HE treatment (E. nutans + P. crymophila + F. sinensis + Poa poophagorum Bor. + Festuca kryloviana Reverd. cv. ‘Huanhu’) exhibited superior α-diversity indices (OTU, Shannon, Ace, Chao1, Pielou) with increases of 9.36%, 4.20%, 15.0%, 1.76%, and 13.4%, respectively, over HA, accompanied by optimal community evenness (lowest Simpson index). Core bacterial phyla included Pseudomonadota (22.7–29.9%), Acidobacteriota (21.5–23.6%), and Actinomycetota (13.6–16.0%), with significant suppression of pathogenic bacteria. Co-occurrence network analysis identified specialized functional modules, with HC and HD treatments (E. nutans + P. crymophila + F. sinensis + P. poophagorum) forming a “nitrogen transformation–antibiotic secretion” network (57.3% positive connections). Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that mixed sowing had the strongest direct effect on bacterial diversity (β = 0.76), surpassing indirect effects via soil (β = 0.37) and vegetation (β = 0.11). Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified vegetation cover (24.7% explained variance) and soil pH (20.0%) as key drivers of bacterial community assembly. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed HC and HD treatments as the most effective restoration strategies. This study elucidated a tripartite “vegetation–soil–microorganism” restoration mechanism, demonstrating that intermediate-diversity mixtures (3–4 species) optimize ecosystem recovery through niche complementarity, pathogen suppression, and enhanced nutrient cycling. These findings provided a scientific basis for species selection in alpine grassland restoration. Full article
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26 pages, 1105 KB  
Review
A Review of the Human Health Risks from Microbial Hazards in Recreational Beach Sand
by Nicola King and Margaret Leonard
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101537 - 8 Oct 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
At many recreational beaches, the health of visitors is protected through water quality monitoring programmes. However, visitors may also be exposed to microbiological pathogens in sand via ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. Microbiological pathogens that can cause human illness may be naturally found [...] Read more.
At many recreational beaches, the health of visitors is protected through water quality monitoring programmes. However, visitors may also be exposed to microbiological pathogens in sand via ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. Microbiological pathogens that can cause human illness may be naturally found in beach sands, or introduced with people, animals or water entering the beach. The World Health Organization has recommended that recreational water safety plans consider microbial pathogens in beach sand. This review shows that a range of faecal and non-faecal pathogens can be detected in beach sand, but difficulty in determining whether exposure occurred via the sand or water means that there is insufficient evidence to link their presence with adverse human health effects. Proactively integrating beach sand testing into recreational water safety programmes will generate data to assess the impact of risk management activities. The use of faecal indicator bacteria to indicate elevated risk from faeces should be a priority where there are potential sources of contamination. This should be complemented with sanitary surveys and analyses that elucidate faecal contamination sources. The inclusion of non-faecal pathogens into monitoring programmes needs further, locally relevant justification through evidence from epidemiological studies and human health risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
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19 pages, 3909 KB  
Article
The Effects of Long-Term Manure and Grass Mulching on Microbial Communities, Enzyme Activities, and Soil Organic Nitrogen Fractions in Orchard Soils of the Loess Plateau, China
by Qi Wang, Luxiao Guo, Xue Gao, Songling Chen, Xinxin Song, Fei Gao, Wei Liu, Hua Guo, Guoping Wang and Xinping Fan
Agriculture 2025, 15(19), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15192084 - 6 Oct 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Organic manure and grass mulching are widely recognized as modifiers of soil microbial communities and nutrient dynamics; however, the combined effects of these practices on nitrogen fractionation and microbial functionality in orchard ecosystems remain poorly understood. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of [...] Read more.
Organic manure and grass mulching are widely recognized as modifiers of soil microbial communities and nutrient dynamics; however, the combined effects of these practices on nitrogen fractionation and microbial functionality in orchard ecosystems remain poorly understood. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of soil nitrogen fractions, enzymatic activity, microbial diversity and functional traits in walnut orchards under three management practices: organic manure (OM), grass mulching combined with manure (GM), and chemical fertilization (CF) in China’s Loess Plateau. The results revealed that OM and GM significantly enhanced soil nutrient pools, with GM elevating total nitrogen by 1.96-fold, soil organic carbon by 97.79%, ammonium nitrogen by 128%, and nitrate nitrogen by 54.56% relative to CF. Furthermore, the OM significantly increased the contents of total hydrolysable nitrogen, amino sugar nitrogen, amino acid nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, hydrolysable unidentified nitrogen, non-acid-hydrolyzable nitrogen compared to the CF and GM treatments. Meanwhile, ASN and AN had significant effects on mineral and total nitrogen. The OM and GM had higher activities of leucine aminopeptidase enzymes (LAP), α-glucosidase enzyme, β-glucosidase enzyme (βG), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase enzyme (NAG). Microbial community analysis revealed distinct responses to different treatments: OM and GM enhanced bacterial Shannon index, while suppressing fungal diversity, promoting the relative abundance of copiotrophic bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi. Moreover, GM favored the enrichment of lignocellulose-degrading Ascomycota fungi. Functional annotation indicated that Chemoheterotrophy (43.54%) and Aerobic chemoheterotrophy (42.09%) were the dominant bacterial metabolic pathways. The OM significantly enhanced the abundance of fermentation-related genes. Additionally, fungal communities under the OM and GM showed an increased relative abundance of saprotrophic taxa, and a decrease in the relative abundances of potential animal and plant pathogenic taxa. The Random forest model further confirmed that βG, LAP, and NAG, as well as Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Ascomycota served as pivotal mediators of soil organic nitrogen fraction. Our findings demonstrated that combined organic amendments and grass mulching can enhance soil N retention capacity, microbial functional redundancy, and ecosystem stability in semi-arid orchards. These insights support the implementation of integrated organic management as a sustainable approach to enhance nutrient cycling and minimize environmental trade-offs in perennial fruit production systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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16 pages, 587 KB  
Article
Portulaca oleracea as a Functional Ingredient in Organic Cooked Frankfurters: A Sustainable Approach to Shelf-Life Extension and Oxidative Stability Without Synthetic Nitrites
by Kadyrzhan Makangali, Gulnazym Ospankulova, Gulzhan Tokysheva, Aknur Muldasheva and Kalamkas Dairova
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3167; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103167 - 5 Oct 2025
Viewed by 386
Abstract
Consumer demand for organic and nitrite-free meat products has stimulated the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic curing agents. Conventional nitrites are effective in stabilizing color, inhibiting lipid oxidation, and suppressing pathogens, but their use raises health concerns due to potential nitrosamine formation. [...] Read more.
Consumer demand for organic and nitrite-free meat products has stimulated the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic curing agents. Conventional nitrites are effective in stabilizing color, inhibiting lipid oxidation, and suppressing pathogens, but their use raises health concerns due to potential nitrosamine formation. This study investigated the application of Portulaca oleracea powder as a multifunctional ingredient to fully replace sodium nitrite in organic cooked frankfurters. Two formulations were produced: control frankfurters with sodium nitrite and experimental frankfurters with purslane powder 1.2%. Physicochemical, oxidative, proteomic, and antioxidant parameters were monitored during refrigerated storage. Purslane incorporation improved the lipid profile by increasing α-linolenic acid and lowering the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, while peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and acid values remained significantly lower than in nitrite-containing controls after 10 days. Protein oxidation was also reduced, and SDS-PAGE profiles confirmed that the major structural muscle proteins remained stable, indicating that purslane addition did not disrupt the core proteome. Antioxidant assays showed strong ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity 13.7 mg GAE/g and enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity 22.3%, highlighting purslane’s contribution to oxidative stability. Although redness (a*) was lower than in nitrite controls, overall color stability (L*, b*) remained high. Taken together, purslane enhanced oxidative stability and quality attributes of nitrite-free organic frankfurters; microbiological validation is ongoing and will be reported separately. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Innovative Processes in Food Engineering)
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14 pages, 550 KB  
Systematic Review
Gynecological Cancer Oncobiome Systematic Review
by Tomasz Łatkiewicz, Karolina Rasoul-Pelińska, Krzysztof Kułak, Rafał Tarkowski, Anna Kułak and Iwona Puzio
Cancers 2025, 17(19), 3227; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17193227 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review is to present current knowledge about the oncobiome of gynecological cancers. Methods: Our systematic review contains data about the oncobiome of uterine corpus cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Articles about other gynecological [...] Read more.
Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review is to present current knowledge about the oncobiome of gynecological cancers. Methods: Our systematic review contains data about the oncobiome of uterine corpus cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Articles about other gynecological cancers were excluded. Results: A total of 72 articles were included in our systematic review. In uterine corpus cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer, representatives of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites can be found. The oncobiome of ovarian cancer is connected with the oncobiome of head and neck cancers. Our systematic review proved that the human papilloma virus is connected with ovarian and cervical cancer. Gut dysbiosis can be used as a marker of ovarian cancer. In cervical cancer, we found the difference between the microbiota of healthy patients and patients with cervical cancer. Methylobacter, Robignitomaculum, Klebsiella, Micromonospora and Microbispora have an impact on overall survival. The microbiome of uterine corpus cancer is more differentiated than in cancer-free samples. Chronic endometrial inflammation has an impact on endometrial microbiome. Discussion: Treatment of gynecological cancers is changing permanently. Chemotherapy, as a systematic treatment, is being left in the past. Modern methods of therapy are addressed to specific genes. In the past, researchers claimed that tumors are sterile. However, the newest research indicates that malignancies were found to have genetic fragments of pathogens, which can be used as vectors for medications or as markers for the detection of a specific malignancy. Three most common gynecological cancers are as follows: endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Each of these has their specific microbiome, which can be used for oncological treatment. These discoveries create possibilities for new, efficient methods of treatment. This systematic review analyzes publications about the composition of the gynecological tumor microenvironment, correlation between microbiomes of different organs, the female reproductive tract and the microbiome of the female reproductive tract during malignancy. Moreover, we provide information on the influence of some pathogens on the treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis in Cancer Research)
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18 pages, 2149 KB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis of Potential Genes Involved in Innate Immunity in Mudflat Crab (Helice tientsinensis)
by Lulu Chen, Ming Wang, Mengdi Zhou, Youkun Fang, Tingting Ji, Ruyang Xia, Menglu Bai, Zhengfei Wang and Jiafei Shen
Animals 2025, 15(19), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192855 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
The mudflat crab (H. tientsinensis) is a dominant species in coastal tidal flat areas, primarily inhabiting the high tide region of the intertidal zone, and possesses significant ecological and economic value. Vibrio species are one of the main bacterial pathogens responsible [...] Read more.
The mudflat crab (H. tientsinensis) is a dominant species in coastal tidal flat areas, primarily inhabiting the high tide region of the intertidal zone, and possesses significant ecological and economic value. Vibrio species are one of the main bacterial pathogens responsible for diseases in marine organisms, and they are widely distributed in seawater and estuarine environments. However, the immune mechanisms employed by H. tientsinensis in response to Vibrio infections remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the physiological and immune mechanisms by analyzing the structural changes and differential gene expression in the gill and hepatopancreas following Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. The results indicate that V. parahaemolyticus infection causes cellular damage, with structural alterations observed in the gills (epithelial cell edema in the gill filaments, and aneurysm formation) and the hepatopancreas (changes in lumen size, nuclear condensation, and modifications in connective tissue morphology). Transcriptome analysis revealed 9766 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gills of the experimental group, with 4687 upregulated and 5079 downregulated genes. These DEGs are primarily involved in different ribosomal subunits. In the hepatopancreas, 1594 DEGs were identified, with 834 upregulated and 760 downregulated. These DEGs are predominantly associated with energy-coupled proton transmembrane transport, electron transport-coupled proton transport, and lipid transporter activity. H. tientsinensis gene annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that chemical carcinogens DNA adducts, amino acid metabolism, and some immune pathways play key roles in the ability of H. tientsinensis to defend against V. parahaemolyticus infection. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the immune mechanisms of H. tientsinensis against V. parahaemolyticus infection and provide new insights for aquaculture management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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17 pages, 810 KB  
Article
Characterisation and Fertiliser Potential of Mechanically Dewatered Faecal Sludge from Anaerobic Digestion
by Dennis Ofori-Amanfo, Eugene Appiah-Effah, Barbara Gyapong-Korsah, Esi Awuah, Helen M. K. Essandoh, Miriam Appiah-Brempong and Issahaku Ahmed
Waste 2025, 3(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/waste3040031 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
While mechanical dewatering is widely used in faecal sludge treatment, the agricultural potential of mechanically dewatered faecal sludge (MDFS) combined with anaerobic digestion (AD) remains underexplored, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where nutrient recovery is critical for food security. This study provides the first [...] Read more.
While mechanical dewatering is widely used in faecal sludge treatment, the agricultural potential of mechanically dewatered faecal sludge (MDFS) combined with anaerobic digestion (AD) remains underexplored, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where nutrient recovery is critical for food security. This study provides the first comprehensive characterisation of MDFS from Ghana’s largest treatment facility and evaluates anaerobic digestion effectiveness for agricultural application. Over six months, 182 composite MDFS samples from Lavender Hill Faecal Treatment Plant were analysed for physicochemical properties, nutrients, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants before and after AD treatment. MDFS demonstrated exceptional nutrient density, with total nitrogen (2141.05 mg/kg), phosphorus (190.08 mg/kg), and potassium (4434.88 mg/kg) concentrations comparable to commercial organic fertilisers. AD achieved significant pathogen reduction, decreasing total coliforms from 148,808.70 to 493.33 cfu/100 g (p < 0.001) and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs from 12.08 to 3.33 eggs/L, while maintaining nutrient integrity and keeping heavy metals within safe agricultural limits. Statistical modelling revealed a significant correlation between treatment duration and pathogen reduction efficiency. Despite substantial improvements, treated MDFS still exceeded some regulatory thresholds, indicating a need for complementary post-treatment strategies. This research establishes AD as an effective primary treatment for converting MDFS into a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser, supporting circular economy principles in urban sanitation systems and providing a sustainable pathway for agricultural nutrient recovery in resource-constrained settings. Full article
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17 pages, 4865 KB  
Article
Biocontrol Efficiency of Leuconostoc mesenteroides GY-2 Against Postharvest Black Rot Caused by Alternaria alternata and the Mechanisms of Action
by Pengbo Dai, Bing Li, Yanan Li, Li Wang, Tongle Hu, Yanan Wang, Xianglong Meng, Bo Li, Keqiang Cao, Shutong Wang and Manli Sun
J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100705 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 472
Abstract
Apple black rot, a destructive postharvest disease caused by Alternaria alternata, poses significant economic threats during fruit storage and transportation. However, effective biocontrol bacteria to manage this disease remain limited. In this study, Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain GY-2, isolated from healthy apple fruit [...] Read more.
Apple black rot, a destructive postharvest disease caused by Alternaria alternata, poses significant economic threats during fruit storage and transportation. However, effective biocontrol bacteria to manage this disease remain limited. In this study, Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain GY-2, isolated from healthy apple fruit surfaces, had a remarkable biocontrol ability on apple black rot. While GY-2 exhibited no direct inhibitory effects in confrontation assays, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the strain suppressed colony diameter of A. alternata by 70.8% in dual plate assays, indicating potent fungistatic activity. Notably, these VOCs produced by L. mesenteroides displayed broad-spectrum antifungal properties against multiple apple fungal pathogens. Microscopic analysis revealed that VOC exposure induced structural anomalies in A. alternata hyphae, including surface perforations and protoplast leakage, suggesting membrane integrity disruption. The VOCs produced by strain GY-2 were identified; four compounds had antifungal activities, among them, isoamylol exhibited the highest antifungal activity. Applying bacterial suspensions of strain GY-2 on apple fruit significantly reduced 91.4% of lesion areas of black rot. The strain exhibited robust colonization capacity on fruit surfaces, maintaining viable populations for over 15 days post-application, guaranteeing a sustained disease prevention. Furthermore, GY-2 treatment enhanced systemic resistance in apple fruit, as evidenced by upregulated antioxidant enzymes and defense-related enzymes. Importantly, application of GY-2 did not adversely affect key parameters of fruit quality, including firmness, soluble solids content, or acidity. These findings showed that the bacterial L. mesenteroides GY-2 was a promising biocontrol agent for managing postharvest black rot of apple fruit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)
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41 pages, 7341 KB  
Article
Dynamics of Pathomorphological and Pathophysiological Alterations in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) During Acute Aeromonas salmonicida Infection
by Dmitry Nikiforov-Nikishin, Nikita Kochetkov, Kirill Gavrilin, Viktoria Gaffarova, Kirill Medvedev, Svetlana Smorodinskaya, Anastasia Klimuk, Yuri Kuchikhin, Ivan Svinarev, Natalya Gladysh, Anna Kudryavtseva, Egor Shitikov and Alexei Nikiforov-Nikishin
Biology 2025, 14(10), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14101330 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 661
Abstract
Furunculosis caused by Aeromonas salmonicida is one of the most common diseases in aquaculture, leading to significant economic losses. This study comprehensively investigated the dynamics of pathophysiological and histopathological disorders in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) infected with the moderately virulent strain [...] Read more.
Furunculosis caused by Aeromonas salmonicida is one of the most common diseases in aquaculture, leading to significant economic losses. This study comprehensively investigated the dynamics of pathophysiological and histopathological disorders in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) infected with the moderately virulent strain A. salmonicida SL0n. Whole-genome analysis showed that strain SL0n belongs to the A. salmonicida species complex, possessing a single circular chromosome. The genome encodes a wide range of virulence factors, including adhesion systems (type IV pili, fimbriae), toxins (aerolysin, hemolysins), and a type II secretion system (T2SS), but notably lacks plasmids and a type III secretion system (T3SS). This genomic profile likely dictates a pathogenic mechanism reliant on secreted exotoxins (via T2SS), explaining the observed systemic cytotoxic damage. In an acute experiment, the 4-day LD50 was determined to be 1.63 × 106 CFU/fish. In a prolonged experiment, fish were injected with a sublethal dose (1.22 × 106 CFU/fish—75% of LD50). The disease progressed through three consecutive stages. The early stage (1–2 DPI) was characterized by maximal bacterial load and activation of nonspecific immunity. The acute stage (4 DPI) manifested as severe septicemia and anemia, associated with systemic organ damage, which correlated with peak AST and ALT enzyme activity. The recovery stage (6 DPI) was marked by partial regression of inflammation, key biochemical and histological parameters indicated persistent liver and kidney dysfunction, signifying an incomplete recovery. These results demonstrate the pathogenesis of acute furunculosis and reveal that the genomic profile of the SL0n strain causes a sequential, systemic infection characterized by severe organ dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Animal Pathogens and Immunity)
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16 pages, 1915 KB  
Article
Effects of Mn Deficiency on Hepatic Oxidative Stress, Lipid Metabolism, Inflammatory Response, and Transcriptomic Profile in Mice
by Yaodong Hu, Shi Tang, Silu Wang, Caiyun Sun, Binlong Chen, Binjian Cai and Heng Yin
Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3030; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193030 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Introduction: Mn is a trace element essential for growth and development in organisms, and adequate Mn levels are crucial for maintaining normal liver function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Mn deficiency on the liver and elucidate the underlying mechanisms using [...] Read more.
Introduction: Mn is a trace element essential for growth and development in organisms, and adequate Mn levels are crucial for maintaining normal liver function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Mn deficiency on the liver and elucidate the underlying mechanisms using transcriptomics. Methods: Weanling mice were fed a Mn-deficient diet, and Mn chloride (MnCl2) was administered intraperitoneally to correct the deficiency. Liver pathological changes were evaluated through histological examination. Liver function and key lipid metabolism markers were assessed using biochemical assays, while hepatic oxidative stress levels were measured via flow cytometry and biochemical kits. Alterations in inflammatory factors were detected using ELISA and qPCR. The mechanisms underlying Mn’s effects on liver function were further explored through Western blot, qPCR, and transcriptome sequencing. Results: Mn deficiency impaired liver morphology and structure. Serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP were significantly elevated, while ALB decreased, confirming hepatic dysfunction. This dysfunction led to oxidative stress, characterized by increased hepatic ROS and MDA levels, alongside reduced Mn-SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities. Additionally, Mn deficiency elevated serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels, indicating abnormal lipid metabolism. Hepatic pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were significantly upregulated. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns under different Mn conditions, with KEGG pathway analysis identifying the PPAR signaling pathway as a key regulatory target. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential pathogenic cascade in which manganese deficiency may initially induce hepatic oxidative stress, potentially leading to suppression of the PPAR signaling pathway. This inhibition of PPARα/γ could subsequently orchestrate downstream manifestations of aberrant lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Thus, the PPAR signaling pathway is proposed as a plausible central hub for translating oxidative damage into metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction in the manganese-deficient liver. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective: The Effect of Trace Elements on Human Health)
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10 pages, 2476 KB  
Data Descriptor
In Situ Monitoring and Bioluminescence Kinetics of Pseudomonas fluorescens M3A Bioluminescent Reporter with Bacteriophage ΦS1
by Phillip R. Myer, Pankaj Bhatt, Halis Simsek and Bruce M. Applegate
Data 2025, 10(10), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/data10100152 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Food spoilage and the associated organisms are a continuing concern for the food industry. The microorganisms involved with food spoilage in pasteurized milk can be introduced in a variety of ways, which include those that survive pasteurization and/or are introduced post-pasteurization. The use [...] Read more.
Food spoilage and the associated organisms are a continuing concern for the food industry. The microorganisms involved with food spoilage in pasteurized milk can be introduced in a variety of ways, which include those that survive pasteurization and/or are introduced post-pasteurization. The use of bacteriophages for therapeutic regimens and as a method for the biocontrol of food-borne pathogens has been widely studied and applied; however, their use in the biocontrol against spoilage organisms is in its nascency. Bioluminescent bacteria offer the ability to act as cell-death reporters. In the case of using bacteriophage against spoilage-associated bacteria, cell death results in the loss of bioluminescence. In this study, a bioluminescent Pseudomonas species, Pseudomonas fluorescens M3A, was used to monitor the efficacy of the bacteriophage-associated biocontrol system within laboratory bacterial growth broth and fluid milk using bacteriophage ΦS1. Utilizing a bioluminescence kinetic assay with ten-fold serially diluted P. fluorescens M3A and bacteriophage ΦS1, data demonstrated rapid inactivation of bacterial growth, and at low bacteriophage titers. Cell death was indicated by the loss of bacterial bioluminescence. These data help to support the application of bacteriophage-based technologies against spoilage-associated bacteria to prolong shelf life in the event of microbial growth. Full article
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12 pages, 716 KB  
Article
Development of a Chemiluminescence Immunoassay for the Serological Diagnosis of Sheep and Bovine Brucellosis
by Xin Yan, Mingze Chen, Yuning Liu, Mingjun Sun, Mengkun Huang, Jihui Jin, Jiaqi Li, Xiangxiang Sun, Mengda Liu, Haobo Zhang, Weixing Shao, Shufang Sun, Xiaoxu Fan and Wenlong Nan
Microorganisms 2025, 13(9), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13092214 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Brucellosis, a zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular pathogen Brucella, leads to chronic multi-organ damage. Currently, rapid, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic technologies are crucial for the prevention and control of brucellosis. This study describes the development of a chemiluminescent immunoassay (Bru-CLIA) for [...] Read more.
Brucellosis, a zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular pathogen Brucella, leads to chronic multi-organ damage. Currently, rapid, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic technologies are crucial for the prevention and control of brucellosis. This study describes the development of a chemiluminescent immunoassay (Bru-CLIA) for sheep and bovine brucellosis antibody detection, utilizing Brucella abortus strain A19 lipopolysaccharide-coated magnetic particles (LPS-MPs) as the serum antigen and acridinium ester-labeled recombinant streptococcal protein G (AE-SPG) for signal generation. After optimizing the assay’s parameters, the Bru-CLIA demonstrated a sensitivity of approximately 1 IU/mL and 2 IU/mL for detecting sheep and bovine brucellosis, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed with sera from animals immunized with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Vibrio cholerae, Legionella, Salmonella, Foot and Mouth Disease virus types O and A, Bovine viral diarrhea virus, Sheep contagious pleuropneumonia, Goat pox virus, or Peste des Petits Ruminants virus, indicating strong specificity. The testing of 81 sheep serum samples and 96 bovine serum samples revealed that Bru-CLIA showed 87.65% and 93.75% concordance with the ID-VET commercial kits for sheep and bovine brucellosis detection, respectively. These results demonstrate that Bru-CLIA offers high specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reliability, making it a viable rapid diagnostic tool for the epidemiological surveillance of brucellosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology)
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