Search Results (10,712)

Historically, the study of oral fungal species was limited by the inability to cultivate most of them. However, advances in metagenomic techniques have enabled the direct identification of microbial genomes from human samples, markedly broadening our understanding of the oral mycobiome. This narrative review aims to analyze the available scientific evidence on the composition and dynamics of the oral mycobiome, as well as its influence on the development of local pathological conditions. The oral mycobiome is highly diverse, with emphasis on genus Candida, followed by Cladosporium, Aureobasidium and Saccharomyces. Candida albicans remains the most frequently identified species in both health and diseases state. However, individuals with oral candidiasis present a higher detection of Candida dubliniensis, Candida parapsilosis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Antrodiella micra and Cladosporium sphaerospermum. In dental caries, C. albicans and C. dubliniensis are associated with advanced lesions, whereas Debaryomyces and Rhodotorula may exert protective effects against Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacterium. In periodontitis, an increase in yeast-bacteria interactions is observed. Additionally, C. albicans has been implicated in oral carcinogenesis through multiple mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the oral mycobiome to enable early detection of oral diseases and the development of therapeutic approaches. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the differences in serum metabolomes at different stages of estrus synchronization in Kazakh horses, to characterize dynamic changes in serum metabolites during estrus synchronization, and to screen potential metabolic markers and key regulatory pathways. Four sampling stages (M1: intravaginal device insertion; M3: device removal, labeled consistently with the pre-experiment timeline; P: 24 h post-PG injection; L: tertiary follicle emergence) were selected. The research results showed that 37 significantly different metabolites (DAMs) were identified in the M1-vs.-M3 positive ion mode, with 16 metabolites significantly upregulated and 21 significantly downregulated. In the M1-vs.-M3 negative ion mode, 47 significantly different metabolites were identified, including 17 upregulated and 30 downregulated. In the M3-vs.-P positive ion mode, 69 significantly different metabolites were identified, with 53 upregulated and 16 downregulated. In the M3-vs.-P negative ion mode, 63 significantly different metabolites were identified, including 39 upregulated and 24 downregulated. In the Pvs-L positive ion mode, 65 significantly different metabolites were identified, with 16 upregulated and 49 downregulated. In the P-vs.-L negative ion mode, 61 significantly different metabolites were identified, including 13 upregulated and 48 downregulated. The significantly different metabolites mainly included lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, and organic acids and their derivatives. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the significantly different metabolites in Kazakh horses at different stages were mainly enriched in nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and related pathways. This study revealed significant differences in the serum metabolome, and nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism, by generating NAD⁺ and NADPH, simultaneously supporting energy supply, steroid hormone synthesis, and antioxidant protection, which are the basic metabolic guarantees for the development of follicles from quiescence to growth; amino acid synthesis not only provides protein raw materials for follicular cell proliferation but also participates in the regulation of the follicular microenvironment by synthesizing signaling molecules and antioxidant substances. This study enriched the research on the metabolic regulation of estrus synchronization in equine species, filled the gap in the metabolomics research of estrus synchronization in Kazakh horses, and provided an important theoretical basis and practical reference for optimizing the estrus synchronization treatment plan for Kazakh horses, adjusting the focus of feeding and management at each stage and improving the conception rate. Full article

Woodpeckers (Picidae) are exposed to repeated mechanical loading and particulate material during climbing, drilling, pecking, and foraging on tree trunks, but the microscopic organization of their eyelids and nictitating membrane remains poorly known. This study asked whether European woodpeckers share a common histological pattern of ocular adnexa and whether selected structural features may be interpreted in the context of ocular surface protection. The upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and nictitating membrane were examined in 40 birds representing six European woodpecker species using routine histological and histochemical methods. In all of these species, the eyelids showed a layered organization with a keratinized anterior palpebral surface, non-keratinized conjunctival surface with goblet cells, marginal zone, musculofibrous stroma, and no tarsal glands. Species-related differences were observed in the examined material in epithelial thickness, skin fold development, melanin pigment distribution, and marginal zone organization. The lower eyelid contained a compact fibrous tarsal plate and CALT represented by lymphoid nodules and diffuse lymphocytes, with morphologically identified HEV-like venules located within or close to lymphoid tissue. The nictitating membrane showed regional variation in the marginal plait, leading edge, epithelial surfaces, stromal pigmentation, and fold organization. These findings provide the first comparative histological baseline for the eyelids and the nictitating membrane of European Picidae and support the cautious interpretation that these structures may contribute to mechanical, mucosal, and immune protection of the ocular surface in woodpeckers. Because sample sizes were unequal, these interspecific observations should be treated as descriptive, sample-level findings rather than definitive species-level traits. Full article

Iron overload is a recognized risk factor for female reproductive dysfunction, yet the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, the effects of iron overload on ovarian granulosa cells were investigated, and a protective role of the steroid biosynthesis pathway against ferroptosis was identified. A mouse model of ovarian iron overload was established by daily gavage of ferric citrate (FC, 120 mg/kg for 40 days). Iron-overloaded female mice exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, reduced serum estradiol levels, impaired antral follicle development, and decreased pregnancy rates and litter sizes. Metabolomic analysis of freshly isolated granulosa cells revealed significant depletion of unsaturated glycerophospholipids and fatty acids, along with reduced antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q6, and enrichment of the ferroptosis pathway. Transcriptomic analysis showed marked upregulation of genes involved in steroid biosynthesis, including Hmgcr and Fdft1, and their master transcription factor Srebf2. In cultured KK1 granulosa cells, FC treatment increased intracellular Fe²⁺ and reactive oxygen species, decreased glutathione content and NADPH/NADP⁺ ratio, elevated malondialdehyde levels, and induced lipid peroxidation and plasma membrane rupture, all of which were attenuated by the iron chelator deferoxamine. Knockdown of Srebf2 suppressed Hmgcr and Fdft1 expression, exacerbated lipid peroxidation, and increased membrane damage in iron-overloaded cells, confirming that SREBF2-driven steroid biosynthesis acts as an endogenous anti-ferroptotic mechanism. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that iron overload triggers ferroptosis in granulosa cells, leading to follicular arrest and reduced fertility, and that activation of the steroid biosynthesis pathway counteracts ferroptosis, likely through the production of protective intermediates. This study provides a mechanistic basis for iron overload-induced female infertility and identifies the steroid biosynthesis pathway as a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Fusarium graminearum and F. avenaceum often co-contaminate Canadian durum wheat grain, resulting in the co-deposition of species-specific mycotoxins, including trichothecenes produced by F. graminearum and enniatins produced by F. avenaceum. These mycotoxins pose significant risks to human and animal health. Although these fungi commonly co-occur in infected wheat, relatively little is known about how they interact during host infection. Interactions between the two species were examined using co-inoculation experiments on durum wheat spikes. In pathology trials, co-inoculations often reduced both disease severity and trichothecene accumulation compared with inoculations of F. graminearum alone, despite F. graminearum greatly out-competing F. avenaceum in total fungal biomass. Transcriptomic profiling identified strong induction of the F. graminearum ABC transporter gene FgABCB8 during co-inoculation with an enniatin-producing F. avenaceum strain. When F. graminearum was grown in vitro, FgABCB8 was induced upon exposure to F. avenaceum culture filtrate, or the related cyclohexadepsipeptides enniatin B1 or beauvericin. Heterologous expression of FgABCB8 in yeast provided partial protection against enniatin and beauvericin toxicity. Gene disruption of FgABCB8 increased F. graminearum sensitivity to enniatins. These findings demonstrate that FgABCB8 expression enhances the ability of F. graminearum to tolerate enniatin-producing fungi. Full article

Quantitative probabilistic risk assessment of trace metal(loid)s in sediment is highly important for the protection and management of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, surface sediment from the Huaihe River (Anhui Province, China) was collected. In addition to the total content, the bioaccessible fractions of trace metal(loid)s (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, and Ni) were investigated using the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. Multiple-level risk assessments, including the toxicity unit (TU), risk quotient (RQ), and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), were conducted based on the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) to evaluate the probabilistic risk of trace metal(loid)s to aquatic biota. The results reveal that the Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni levels were higher than the corresponding background levels; however, the total levels were lower than those reported in previous studies, which might be attributed to dredging activities in recent years. The ∑TU values suggested that the trace metal(loid)s in the sediment posed a low toxicity risk. The DGT-labile concentration values were low, demonstrating the low bioaccessibility of the trace metal(loid)s. The DGT-SSD coupled with the PRA revealed that the trace metal(loid)s had a 0.01–3.30% probability of adversely affecting the aquatic biota. Furthermore, the combined toxicity, calculated by summing probabilities of individual metal(loid), indicated a 5.58% probability of adverse effects on aquatic biota. Full article

Background/Objectives: Manumycin A, a natural polyketide antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces species, has been reported to exhibit anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities through regulation of multiple signaling pathways. However, its therapeutic potential in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Manumycin A in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Methods: Experimental colitis was induced in male ICR mice by administration of 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Manumycin A (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Disease severity was evaluated by body weight changes, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemical assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Results: Manumycin A treatment attenuated DSS-induced colitis in a dose-dependent manner. Although body weight changes were modest and did not show statistically significant differences among groups, Manumycin A significantly reduced DAI scores compared with the DSS-treated group. Treatment also alleviated DSS-induced colon shortening and improved histopathological alterations, including epithelial damage, mucosal disruption, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Manumycin A reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in colon tissues. Conclusions: Manumycin A exerted protective effects against DSS-induced colitis by attenuating inflammatory responses and improving colonic tissue damage. These findings suggest that Manumycin A may have therapeutic potential as a candidate for the treatment of IBD. Full article

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) shows neuroprotective potential in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (CIR) injury, but its variable efficacy suggests that the underlying cellular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. We previously showed that HBO suppresses microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation after CIR injury in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner; yet, how ROS couples to this effect remains unclear. Since mitochondria regulate ROS and inflammasome signaling, we investigated whether HBO modulates microglial mitochondrial dynamics in CIR injury. In adult male ICR mice (n = 71, 8–12 weeks) subjected to 60 min middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion, HBO improved neurological function, reduced infarct area, and decreased ASC-positive microglia/macrophages. In lipopolysaccharide/nigericin-stimulated primary microglia, HBO suppressed IL-1β release, reduced mitochondrial fragmentation, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, maintained mitofusin 2 (MFN2) protein level, and reduced DRP1 Ser616 phosphorylation without altering total DRP1 or FIS1 expression. MitoTEMPOL abolished HBO-mediated protection against mitochondrial fragmentation, MFN2 reduction, and DRP1 Ser616 phosphorylation in vitro. Edaravone, when combined with HBO, attenuated HBO-mediated neuroprotection and counteracted HBO-induced regulation of MFN2 and DRP1 Ser616 phosphorylation in vivo. These findings support ROS-dependent remodeling of microglial mitochondrial dynamics as a mechanism contributing to HBO-mediated suppression of inflammasome-associated inflammation after CIR injury. Full article

This study investigates shading technologies used to protect vertical green façades (VGF) from excessive solar exposure and climate-related stresses. A scoping review of 176 publications from the past decade was conducted, focusing on innovative materials and components applied in adaptive and passive shading systems relevant to Central and Southern European climates (BSh, Csa, Csb, Cfa, Cfb, Dfb). Only technologies that reached at least the prototype or small-scale trial stage were included. The review identifies several categories of emerging adaptive solutions—such as smart materials, pneumatic systems, PCM-integrated, PV-integrated, algae-based, hygromorphic, electro-optic, fluidic, and mechanical or mechatronic devices—which show potential to improve microclimatic regulation and user comfort, though their long-term durability and integration with VGFs remain insufficiently documented. Advances in digital fabrication and optimisation support the development of high-performance passive elements, while experimental and simulation studies indicate that dynamic shading can offer promising outcomes across diverse climatic contexts. To strengthen the plant-centred perspective, each shading category is evaluated through four criteria: PAR transmission, microclimatic regulation, evapotranspiration behaviour, and integration constraints. Climate projections suggest that radiation and heat stress may increasingly challenge certain VGF species in warmer regions, highlighting the need for shading strategies aligned with plant requirements, local conditions, user needs, and long-term maintenance. Full article

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) are major contributors to the porcine respiratory disease complex. Although PCV2-Mhp bivalent inactivated vaccines are useful for simultaneous disease control, their immunogenicity may be improved by adjuvant optimization. This study evaluated a composite adjuvant consisting of porcine interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6 and MnJ(beta), a colloidal manganese adjuvant, in an initial murine immunogenicity model. Thirty female Kunming mice were assigned to three groups (n = 10/group): bivalent antigen plus IL-2/IL-4/IL-6/MnJ(beta), bivalent antigen plus MnJ(beta), or phosphate-buffered saline. Body weight, complete blood count, peripheral blood T- and B-cell subsets, PCV2-specific IgG and Mhp-specific indirect hemagglutination titers were monitored after primary and booster immunization. The composite formulation did not suppress body-weight gain or induce sustained abnormalities in erythrocyte- or platelet-related indices. WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were elevated in group A at days 7 and 28 post-primary immunization, indicating transient immune activation. Day-56 flow cytometry indicated increased CD19+IgM-IgD- B-cell and effector/memory T-cell-associated responses. PCV2-specific IgG increased from day 14 onward. At day 56, the OD450 value in group A reached 1.532 ± 0.006, compared with 1.095 ± 0.004 in group C1 and 0.102 ± 0.002 in group C2, corresponding to approximately 1.40-fold and 15.09-fold higher levels than the MnJ(beta)-adjuvanted and PBS control groups, respectively. Mhp-specific IHA titers were also maintained at high levels after booster immunization; at day 56, group A showed a log2 endpoint titer of 13.00 ± 0.00, corresponding to a GMT of 1:8192, whereas group C1 showed a log2 endpoint titer of 12.00 ± 0.00, corresponding to a GMT of 1:4096, and group C2 remained negative. These results indicate that the IL-2/IL-4/IL-6/MnJ(beta) composite adjuvant demonstrates potential for improving antibody and peripheral lymphocyte responses to PCV2-Mhp bivalent antigen, but protective efficacy must be confirmed in target-species challenge studies. Full article

Guide-net marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) are intended to reduce protected species interactions in trawl fisheries, but their use may also cause catch loss of commercial fish and cephalopods. We restructured June and September 2024 sea trial records into a final six-taxon BRD/COD modeling dataset containing 5641 individual records from 24 unique haul clusters. Logistic GLM, random forest, and XGBoost models were evaluated using haul-grouped cross-validation, and random forest SHAP and permutation analyses were used as exploratory variable contribution diagnostics. Model discrimination was modest and split-sensitive, but Brier score and accuracy were interpreted cautiously because the catch loss prevalence was 0.163 and trivial baselines were strong. Body length and headline height were the leading non-species contributors, while nominal guide-net angle remained a relevant design variable but ranked below several biological, tow condition, and realized gear geometry variables. Additional haul-clustered GEE sensitivity analyses treated nominal guide-net angle as a two-level categorical factor (30°/45°). Across four GEE specifications, the 45° angle term was consistently positive, but confidence intervals were wide, p-values were not significant, and the full species-adjusted model showed suspected quasi-separation in the hairtail term. These results indicate that nominal angle contribution cannot be cleanly isolated from species composition and realized gear geometry in this field dataset. We therefore interpret guide-net angle as an exploratory predictive contributor rather than as a causal factor of catch loss. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are central regulators of gene expression and play pivotal roles in plant antiviral defense. In Cucurbitaceae, a globally important crop family including cucumber, melon, and watermelon, viral pathogens such as CGMMV, CMV, and ZYMV represent major constraints on productivity. However, the regulatory complexity of miRNA-mediated antiviral responses in these species remains incompletely understood. This review provides an integrated overview of recent advances in miRNA-guided antiviral immunity in Cucurbitaceae, highlighting the dynamic reprogramming of small RNA pathways upon viral infection. Conserved miRNA families act as key regulatory hubs, controlling development, hormone signaling, and defense responses, while viral suppressors interfere with RNA silencing machinery, reshaping host regulatory networks. Emerging evidence further reveals multilayered interactions between miRNAs and other non-coding RNAs, including lncRNAs and circRNAs, indicating complex cross-talk that fine-tunes antiviral responses in a species- and virus-specific manner. Importantly, miRNAs exhibit a dual role by contributing both to antiviral defense and to symptom development. Advances in artificial miRNAs and RNA-based technologies underscore their potential for engineering durable virus resistance. Overall, miRNA-centered regulatory networks represent a promising target for next-generation crop protection strategies in Cucurbitaceae. Full article

Bundibugyo virus disease, caused by Bundibugyo virus (Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense), is a severe human Ebola disease with substantial mortality, unresolved reservoir ecology, limited diagnostic implementation, and no licensed vaccines or therapeutics specifically approved for this Orthoebolavirus species. The May 2026 public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda renewed the need for a focused synthesis of Bundibugyo virus-specific diagnostics and medical countermeasures. This review synthesizes the peer-reviewed literature, preprints, and official public-health documents on diagnostics, antivirals, therapeutics, vaccines, and post-exposure prophylaxis. Comparative evidence from the Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Marburg virus, and pan-filovirus platforms is included only where it clarifies Bundibugyo virus-specific evidence, exposes unsupported extrapolation, or defines preparedness gaps. The 2007–2008 outbreak showed that assays optimized for known filoviruses can miss divergent ebolaviruses; the 2026 outbreak underscored the importance of diagnostic breadth, sequencing-based confirmation, decentralized laboratory capacity, and regional coordination. Clinical and immunological data indicate that Bundibugyo virus cannot be reduced to an Ebola virus-like model. Countermeasure evidence remains largely preclinical: recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vaccines expressing Bundibugyo virus glycoprotein provide the strongest direct animal protection data, whereas antiviral and antibody-based evidence varies widely and requires careful separation of direct Bundibugyo virus data from platform-based extrapolation. Full article

The 21st century is defined by converging anthropogenic and biophysical stressors. This study assessed the vulnerability of the endemic specialist lizard Liolaemus multimaculatus and the habitat generalist L. wiegmannii to climate change and land-use/land-cover (LULC) transformation within the Pampean Eastern Dune Barrier up to 2050. Using satellite data, LULC spatial projections, and ecological niche models (ENMs), we quantified habitat dynamics and projected future climatic suitability. Historical analysis (1994–2022) revealed a 20% retraction of active dunes driven by exotic afforestation and urban growth. Projections for 2050 indicate an intensification of these trends, with urban areas accounting for nearly 26% of the regional territory, leading to an additional 17% loss of active dunes. Abundance modeling predicted a decline in L. multimaculatus within the remaining active dunes, while ENMs projected a near-total contraction of climatically suitable areas. Crucially, these correlative models may overlook potential physiological or behavioral adjustments; however, the limited dispersal capacity and physical landscape barriers inherent to this specialist likely preclude effective niche tracking. These findings confirm that ecological specialization heightens sensitivity to global change, creating a “double threat” for endemic species. Protecting remnant active dune patches is essential to mitigate the projected collapse of these range-restricted lineages. Full article

Salvia somalensis Vatke is a source of specialized metabolites with potential biological and agrochemical applications. Previous studies on the dichloromethane plant surface extract demonstrated strong antifungal activity associated with abietane diterpenoids. Building on these findings, the present study aimed to characterize the methanolic extract of S. somalensis and evaluate its antifungal potential against major phytopathogenic fungi, with the broader goal of exploring the extract as a sustainable source of antifungal metabolites for crop protection. LC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract revealed a diverse phytochemical profile comprising phenolic acids, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rosmarinic acid, as well as abietane-type diterpenoids such as carnosol, rosmanol, and carnosic acid. Quantitative analysis showed that carnosic acid was present only at low levels (0.09% w/w of fresh biomass). The extract exhibited antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. More than 80% inhibition of mycelial growth was observed against B. cinerea and C. coccodes at 1000 μg/mL. In addition, as in vitro cultivation of this species has not previously been explored, micropropagated plants and callus culture were established. Phytochemical profiling revealed distinct chemical compositions in the in vitro biomass. Extracts obtained from micropropagated plants inhibited mycelial growth of the tested phytopathogens by 60–70% at 1000 μg/mL, except for F. oxysporum, which showed 35.29% inhibition at the same concentration. Collectively, these findings highlight S. somalensis as a source of bioactive metabolites with antifungal potential. Full article