16S rDNA Research Articles

Studies on western Pacific gorgonians (Anthozoa: Octocorallia). Part 3: towards a revision of the bamboo corals (Keratoisididae) with descriptions of three new genera and four new species

Members of clade J3 in Keratoisididae form a large monophyletic branch but show a diversity of morphological features. Based on an integrated taxonomy approach, six specimens of deep-sea bamboo corals (Octocorallia: Keratoisididae) collected from the seamounts in the Western Pacific Ocean are described as three new genera and four new species of clade J3. Aethisis turriformis gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by branches originating in different planes forming a tree-shaped colony, a bare sclerite-free area present at the base of each tentacle, and in polyps and coenenchyme flat rods and thick scales often with toothed lateral edges and two rounded ends. Parajasonisis flabellata gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by alternately and biserially arranged polyps, flat rods/needles in the upper polyp body wall, and flat rods and elongate and thick scales in the basal polyp body wall and coenenchyme. Dentatisis gen. nov. is characterized by flat rods in tentacles with dentate lateral edges and two rounded and slightly expanded ends, irregular rods with conical projections in the pharynx, granulated needles and flat rods both present in polyp body wall. Dentatisis bathyalis sp. nov. has dense scales with a medial constriction in basal polyp body wall and coenenchyme, and needles forming longitudinal bands at the mesenterial insertions, extending to the upper polyp body wall. Dentatisis projecta sp. nov. is characterized by trumpet-shaped polyps with large needles projecting beyond the tentacles bases, abundant granulated rods/needles, and scales absent in polyp body wall and coenenchyme. The species in clade J3, especially the genus Dentatisis gen. nov., show high morphological differentiation. Phylogenetic analyses of mtMutS and 28S rDNA both supported the assignment of the new genera and species. Compared with mtMutS, 28S rDNA showed high genetic variation with the three new genera each forming single clades respectively with moderate to high support in 28S rDNA trees. The nuclear marker 28S rDNA may be more effective than the mitochondrial marker mtMutS, and could be a promising marker to distinguishing keratoisidid congeners.

Genome Studies in Amaranthus cruentus L. and A. hypochondriacus L. Based on Repeatomic and Cytogenetic Data

Amaranthus cruentus L. and Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. are valuable and promising food crops for multi-purpose use that are distributed worldwide in temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones. However, their karyotypes and genomic relationships still remain insufficiently studied. For the first time, a comparative repeatome analysis of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus was performed based on the available NGS data; bioinformatic analyses using RepeatExplorer/TAREAN pipelines; and chromosome FISH mapping of 45S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and the most abundant satellite DNAs. In the repeatomes of these species, interspecific variations in the amount of Ty3/Gypsy and Ty1/Copia retroelements, DNA transposons, ribosomal, and satellite DNA were detected. In the repeatomes of both species, shared satDNAs with high sequence similarity were identified. The chromosome distribution patterns of four effective molecular markers, 45S rDNA, 5S rDNA, AmC4, and AmC9, allowed us to identify all chromosome pairs in the species karyotypes, construct unique karyograms of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus, and confirm the close relationship between their genomes. These results are important for comparative karyotypic studies within the genus Amaranthus. Our findings demonstrated that cytogenomic analyses might provide important data on genomic relationships within Amaranthus and increase knowledge on genome organization in these valuable crops.

Screening and diversity analysis of Dibutyl phthalate degrading bacteria in agricultural soil in Chengdu, China.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) with teratogenicity, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis, is a ubiquitous endocrine disruptor in the environment. The widespread usage of plastic mulch has resulted in a severe DBP pollution problem in agricultural soil. One of the most vital ways to mitigate the DBP pollution problem is to use DBP degrading bacteria to reduce the concentration of DBP in agricultural soil. DBP degrading bacteria studied in previous studies mainly come from sewage treatment plants, rivers, landfills, bioreactors, and other environmental media. At the same time, there was relatively little research on DBP degrading bacteria in agricultural soil. Therefore, using the pure culture approach, the candidate DBP degrading strains were isolated and screened from vegetable plots contaminated with plastic mulch in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China. The taxonomy of the strains was determined using the 16 sedimentation ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S rDNA) molecular technique. Furthermore, ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess the degrading capability of strains. The findings showed that a total of twenty-six DBP degrading strains were screened from vegetable plots contaminated with plastic mulch in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China, and these strains belonged to two phyla: Proteobacteria and Bacillota, eight families, including Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillaceae, as well as ten genera, such as Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. One of them, the strain SWDB-7 was a potentially new species in the Enterobacter genus. The most prominent genus of the isolated strains was Enterobacter. There were significant variations in the degradation capability of different obtained DBP degrading strains. and their degradation efficiency was 14.12%-91.86%. With a total DBP removal rate of 91.86%, strain SWDB-15 had the most effective degrading capability among them. To sum up, the DBP degrading strains in vegetable plots contaminated with plastic mulch in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China are rich in diversity and capable of breaking down DBP.

Exploring the influence of age and diet on gut microbiota development in children during the first 5 years: a study from Yaoundé, Cameroon

IntroductionThe development of the human gut microbiota is shaped by factors like delivery mode, infant feeding practices, maternal diet, and environmental conditions. Diet plays a pivotal role in determining the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which in turn impacts immune development and overall health during this critical period. The early years, which are vital for microbial shaping, highlight a gap in understanding how the shift from milk-based diets to solid foods influences gut microbiota development in infants and young children, particularly in Yaoundé, Cameroon.MethodsThis study involved an analysis of the gut microbiota composition in 70 children aged ≤5 years through 16S rDNA gene metagenomic sequencing of fecal metagenomic DNA. The participants were grouped into four age categories: 0–6 months, 7–12 months, 13–24 months, and 25–60 months.ResultsWe observed a reduction in microbial diversity in the younger age groups, which increased progressively with age. At the taxonomic level, our analysis identified Firmicutes as the predominant phylum, with its abundance rising in older age groups, suggesting a maturation of the microbiota characterized by distinct genera associations. In the 0–6 month age group, we noted an enrichment of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which may play a crucial role in modulating and supporting immune system development during infancy. After 6 months, we found a higher prevalence of Clostridium, Bacillus, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium, which are associated with fiber fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).ConclusionThese findings underscore the influence of milk products and complementary diets on gut microbiota across various age groups, promoting increased diversity essential for healthy gut development. More such studies in the LMICs would augment and strengthen understanding towards functional microbiome.

Maternal group B Streptococcus decreases infant length and alters the early-life microbiome: a prospective cohort study

Background Maternal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disrupts the vaginal microbiota, potentially affecting infant microbiota assembly and growth. While the gut microbiota’s importance in infant growth is recognized, the specific effects of maternal GBS on growth remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of maternal vaginal GBS during pregnancy on early infant growth, microbiome, and metabolomics. Methods We recruited and classified 453 pregnant women from southern China into GBS or healthy groups based on GBS vaginal colonization. Their infants were categorized as GBS-exposed or GBS-unexposed groups. We comprehensively analyzed infant growth, gut microbiota, and metabolites during early life, along with maternal vaginal microbiota during pregnancy, using 16S rDNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics. Results GBS-exposed infants exhibited lower length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) than GBS-unexposed infants, especially at 2 months. Altered gut microbiota and metabolites in GBS-exposed infants correlated with growth, mediating the impact of maternal GBS on infant LAZ. Changes in the vaginal microbiota of the GBS group during the third trimester correlated with infant LAZ. Additionally, differences in neonatal gut microbiota, metabolites, and vaginal microbiota during pregnancy were identified between infants with overall LAZ<-1 within 8 months after birth and their counterparts, enhancing the discriminatory power of fundamental data for predicting the occurrence of LAZ<-1 during the first 8 months of life. Conclusions GBS exposure is associated with decreased infant length growth, with altered microbiota and metabolites potentially mediating the effects of maternal GBS on offspring length growth, offering potential targets for predicting and addressing growth impairment.

Co-cultivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Trichoderma harzianum: Synergistic effects on plant growth and biocontrol of jasmine collar rot

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a valuable and culturally significant flowering crop in India. Still, its cultivation is greatly impacted by collar rot disease, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., resulting in yield losses of up to 50%. This study explores co-culture technology, utilizing Trichoderma harzianum TR(D)-4 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BC(M)-2, as an integrated single-product solution for the biological control of this pathogen. Field surveys conducted across major jasmine-growing districts in Tamil Nadu revealed a range of disease severity (20% - 52%) and incidence (29% - 64%). The collar rot pathogen, and biocontrol agents were isolated from surveyed locations and identified through morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and 16S rDNA sequences. In vitro assays using dual-plate and paired-plate methods demonstrated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BC(M)-2 achieved inhibition rates of 71.34% and 78.27%, respectively, while Trichoderma harzianum TR(D)-4 exhibited inhibition rates of 86.27% and 75.43% against Sclerotium rolfsii SR(D)-5. Co-culturing these antagonistic strains synergistically improved antifungal effectiveness, achieving an 87% inhibition rate against S. rolfsii compared to their separate cultures. The synergistic interaction in co-culture promoted the production of novel compounds, including alpha-bisabolol (AB), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and harziandione, which enhanced plant growth and inhibited S. rolfsii. Further planta studies confirmed that the co-culture significantly reduced disease incidence and enhanced plant growth in both pre-and post-inoculation strategies. This research highlights the potential of co-culturing T. harzianum TR(D)-4 and B. amyloliquefaciens BC(M)-2 as an effective and sustainable approach for managing collar rot disease in jasmine.

Association between Porphyromonas gingivalis in subgingival plaque and coronary artery disease: A case-control study.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting tissue surrounding the teeth. The disease is caused by specific bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, which lead to the destruction of periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the prevalence of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque and coronary artery disease (CAD). Fifty patients with CAD and 50 healthy controls (non-CAD) participated in this case-control study. The periodontal health in the groups was evaluated through the assessment of the pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BoP). The presence of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque samples was determined through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The data was analyzed using the χ2 test and the Mann-Whitney U test. The mean PD was 3.30 ±1.55 mm and 3.56 ±0.97 mm in CAD patients and non-CAD subjects, respectively (p = 0.028). No significant differences were observed in the CAL (p = 0.858) and BoP (p = 1.000) between the groups. The RT-PCR results revealed the presence of P. gingivalis 16S rDNA in 32% and 22% of the subgingival plaque of patients with CAD and non-CAD, respectively, with a mean concentration of 7.7 × 106. No statistically significant association was observed between the prevalence of P. gingivalis and CAD (p = 0.260). The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed an association between CAD and male sex (p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR): 4.163), as well as age (p = 0.011, OR: 1.067). The findings of this study indicated that there is no statistically significant correlation between the prevalence of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque and CAD.

Taxonomic novelty in Pleomonodictydaceae and new reports for Ampelomyces quisqualis (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Melomastia maolanensis and M. oleae (Pleurotremataceae)

This study introduces a novel genus Robiniigena, with its type R. hyalinospora. The specimen was collected on dead aerial branches of Robinia pseudoacacia in Italy. Based on the examination of morphology and the results of phylogenetic analyses involving nuclear 18S rDNA (SSU), nuclear 28S rDNA (LSU), nuclear rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) sequences, Robiniigena is referred to the family Pleomonodictydaceae (Pleosporales). It is characterized by immersed to erumpent, ostiolate ascomata, filiform, septate and cellular pseudoparaphyses, bitunicate, clavate to cylindric-clavate asci and fusiform, hyaline ascospores surrounded by a mucilaginous sheath. This research also establishes the taxonomic placement of the previously unclassified Inflatispora (Pleosporales genus incertae sedis) within the Pleomonodictydaceae. The sexual morph of Ampelomyces quisqualis (Phaeosphaeriaceae) is described for the first time and it is characterized by immersed, perithecial ascomata, a peridium comprising two layers, branched, septate and filiform pseudoparaphyses, short-pedicellate, bitunicate asci with an ocular chamber and sub-hyaline, fusiform, septate ascospores. This species, previously known only in its asexual morph, has been found as a saprobe on Sonchus sp. in Italy. Our identification of the sexual morph was based on LSU rDNA and ITS rDNA sequence data. Melomastia maolanensis (Pleurotremataceae) is reported for the first time in Thailand, collected from Chromolaena odorata, while M. oleae is documented as a new record from Duranta erecta in Thailand.

Spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities in Liujiaxia Reservoir at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Eukaryotic plankton are important parts of the aquatic ecosystem and their community composition and spatiotemporal distribution patterns are affected by environmental factors. The Liujiaxia Reservoir is located at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and is a vital resource for communities and agriculture in the region. Revealing the plankton diversity and their correlation with environmental factors is essential for understanding the ecological processes and mechanisms by which plankton contribute to, and maintain the ecosystem function of, the Liujiaxia Reservoir and beyond. This study investigated the detailed spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities in Liujiaxia Reservoir for three periods during 2021. Significant spatial and temporal variations of abundance and community distribution of eukaryotic plankton were demonstrated. In addition, environmental factors such as water transparency, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and pH were confirmed to have the most significant impact on the distribution of these communities in the reservoir. The dominant eukaryotic plankton group was Pyrrophyta, and the species interactions were predominantly cooperative. The trophic level index indicated excellent overall water quality in the reservoir. Deterministic processes were demonstrated as the predominant factors governing the assembly of eukaryotic plankton communities. This study provides valuable insight into the eukaryotic plankton community structure in the Liujiaxia Reservoir and reveals the complex relationships between plankton communities, environmental factors, and water quality.IMPORTANCEBased on 18S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities were investigated. This study provides valuable insight into the eukaryotic plankton community structure in the Liujiaxia Reservoir in the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the relationships between eukaryotic plankton communities, environmental factors, and water quality. Through the dynamic changes of these communities, the water quality of the reservoir was assessed to provide basic data for the protection of its biodiversity. The findings of the present study will help to improve knowledge and understanding of the ecological processes and mechanisms by which plankton contribute to ecosystem function in the Liujiaxia Reservoir and beyond.

New insights into the taxonomy and the evolutionary relationships of the rare nematode genus Lindseyus Ferris & Ferris, 1973 (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Belondiridae), after the molecular characterization of an Iranian population of its type species.

A new Iranian population of Lindseyus costatus is characterized, including morphometrics, microphotographs, and molecular (18S, 28S rDNA) studies. It is compared with previously known populations. The results derived from molecular analyses failed to find close evolutionary relationships with other traditional genera of Belondiridae and Swangeriinae, adding more uncertainties about the internal phylogeny of the family. The taxonomy of Lindseyus is revised, with a new diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compilation of their main morphometrics.

Hymenochaete liyiriana sp. nov. (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

ABSTRACT A new polypore, Hymenochaete liyiriana T. Rakhe & R. K. Singh, is described based on its morphological and molecular characterisation. It was collected from the sub-tropical forest of Arunachal Pradesh (India) that lies within the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. H. liyiriana is characterised by a concentrically lamellate hymenophore, tramal hyphae with hooked tip, and cyanophilous basidiospores. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial nc 28S rDNA (nLSU) region-based phylogenetic analysis also differentiated H. liyiriana from the closely related species, H. campylopora and H. setipora.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Candida species from the oral cavity of healthy individuals in Lublin province, Poland

ABSTRACT Background Candida spp., particularly C. albicans, are commonly isolated fungi in the oral cavity. However, their prevalence in healthy participants and their genotype–phenotype relation remains elusive. Aim This study aimed to update the information on Candida species colonizing the oral cavity of healthy population, identify the most common species, and characterize the intraspecific diversity to determine the genotype-phenotype relationship. Methods Oral swabs of healthy participants who declared an absence of oral infection were analyzed. Microbiological methods: chromogenic media, sugar assimilation tests, drug susceptibility, filamentation tests, temperature tolerance analysis, and assessment of biofilm formation ability. Genotyping methods: PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region with MspI restriction enzyme digestion and 25S rDNA region. Results Of the 500 individuals tested, 130 harbored C. albicans in 77%, C. dubliniensis in 12%, Pichia kudriavzevii (previously C. krusei) in 8%, and Nakaseomyces glabrata (previously C. glabrata) in 3%. The microbiological tests yielded conflicting results. Analysis of the 25S rDNA transposable intron region contributed to the identification of individual Candida spp. and intraspecific identification of C. albicans genotypes. Genotype A accounted for 70% (n = 100) of C. albicans isolates, whereas genotypes B, C, and D (C. dubliniensis) accounted for 17%, 9%, and 4% of the isolates, respectively. Conclusion The results indicate a complex genotype–phenotype relationship in Candida spp. and recommends combining microbiological and molecular methods for the efficient typing of Candida spp.

Inter-year consistencies and discrepancies on intestinal microbiota for overwintering relict gulls: correlations with food composition and implications for environmental adaptation

The gut microbiota of migratory birds is influenced by their food choices, and exploring the potential relationship between diet composition and gut microbiota can help better protect related species. By integrating non-invasive sampling techniques, high-throughput sequencing technology, and microscopic examination technology, this study presents the first evidence on diet composition during overwintering periods as well as the potential relationship between diet composition and gut microbiota in wild relict gulls (Larus relictus). Thirty-five fecal samples from two consecutive overwintering periods (2021 and 2022 overwintering periods) in Tianjin coastal wetland were used to investigate inter-year consistencies and discrepancies on diet composition and gut microbiota in wild Larus relictus. It was found that the common dominant phyla of both 2021 and 2022 group included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Actinobacteriota. The common dominant genera were Catellicoccus and Ilumatobacter. The diversity of gut microbiome in 2022 group was higher, while the richness was not significantly different. Based on the high-throughput sequencing technology of 18S rDNA, the study found that the dominant classes within the diet components of Larus relictus included Polychaeta, Bivalvia, Malacostraca, Gastropoda, unclassified_p__Dinoflagellata, Dinophyceae, and Ostracoda. Among them, Bivalvia, Malacostraca, and Gastropoda were also found with microscopic examination technology from the same samples. The abundance of Fusobacteriota and Cetobacterium were positively correlated with the abundance of Bivalvia and Malacostraca; while the abundance of Psychrobacter and Breznakia were negatively correlated with the abundance of Malacostraca and Gastropoda. Findings from this study could provide scientific references for health monitoring and conservation of relict gulls.

Integrating microbial profiling and machine learning for inference of drowning sites: a forensic investigation in the Northwest River.

Drowning incidents present significant challenges for forensic investigators in determining the exact site of occurrence. Traditional forensic methods often rely on physical evidence and circumstantial clues, but the emerging field of forensic microbiology offers a promising avenue for enhancing precision and reliability in site inference. Our study investigates the application of microbiome analysis in inferring drowning sites, focusing on microbial diversity in water samples and lung tissues of drowned animals from different sites in the Northwest River. We utilized 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze microbial diversity in water samples and lung tissues, revealing distinct microbial signatures associated with drowning sites. Our findings highlight variations in species richness and diversity across different sampling points, indicating the influence of environmental factors on microbial community structure. Machine learning models trained on microbial data from lung tissues demonstrated high accuracy in predicting drowning sites, with cross-validation accuracy ranging from 83.53% ± 3.99% to 95.07% ± 3.17%. Notably, the Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) method achieved a classification accuracy of 95.07% ± 3.17% for different sampling points at a submersion time of 1 day. Moreover, our cross-species site inference results revealed that utilizing data from drowned mice to predict the drowning sites of rabbits in location W5 achieved an accuracy of 72.22%. In conclusion, our study underscores the potential of microbiome analysis in forensic investigations of drowning incidents. By integrating microbial data with traditional forensic techniques, there is significant potential to enhance the reliability of scene inferences, thereby making substantial contributions to case investigations and judicial trials.IMPORTANCEBy employing advanced techniques like microbial profiling and machine learning, the study aims to enhance the accuracy of determining drowning sites, which is crucial for both legal proceedings. By analyzing microbial diversity in water samples and drowned animal lung tissues, the study sheds light on how environmental factors and victim-related variables influence microbial communities. The findings not only advance our understanding of forensic microbiology but also offer practical implications for improving investigative techniques in cases of drowning.

Transforming Agricultural and Sulfur Waste into Fertilizer: Assessing the Short-Term Effects on Microbial Biodiversity via a Metagenomic Approach

Fungi and soil bacteria are vital for organic matter decomposition and biogeochemical cycles, but excessive synthetic fertilizer use contributes to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Despite this, about 97% of soil microorganisms are unculturable, making them difficult to study. Metagenomics offers a solution, enabling the direct extraction of DNA from soil to uncover microbial diversity and functions. This study utilized metagenomics to analyze the rhizosphere of two-year-old Tonda di Giffoni hazelnut saplings treated with synthetic NPK, composted olive pomace, and an innovative fertilizer derived from sulfur-based agro-industrial waste stabilized with bentonite clay. Using 16S rDNA for bacteria and ITS2 for fungi, Illumina sequencing provided insights into microbial responses to different fertilizer treatments. The results highlighted a significant increase in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Thiobacillus, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Thermomyces, especially when organic materials were included. Additionally, microbial biodiversity improved with organic inputs, as shown by increased species richness (Chao1) and diversity (Bray-Curtis) greater than 20% compared with NPK and unfertilized soils (CTR). These findings emphasize the importance of organic fertilization in enhancing soil microbial health, offering a sustainable approach to improving soil quality and hazelnut productivity.

Eriophyes pouteriae sp. nov., a New Mite Species Infesting Pouteria sapota

Pouteria sapota, or “mamey sapote”, is a tropical fruit tree native to Central America and Southern Mexico, producing sweet, nutrient and vitamin-rich fruit. Several insect pests are known to infest P. sapota, but none have been associated with plant growth alterations. Eriophyoid mites are well known to cause plant malformations, but mites that cause this type of damage to mamey sapote have not been reported. Trees with abnormal leaf growth, including stunted leaves, outward curling, leaf yellowing, and diminishing overall tree vigor, were found in multiple locations in Southern Florida and one location in Brazil. Numerous plant samples were examined for the presence of minute eriophyoid-like mites, and a new species was found. It was morphologically described, and DNA fragments of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), the nuclear subunit D2 region in 28S rDNA, and the ITS nuclear regions were PCR-amplified and sequenced. Morphological and molecular descriptions of the new species, named E. pouteriae sp. nov., are provided to aid the identification and future detection of this mite. Even though several species within the genus Eriophyes have been reported on other Sapotaceae species, this is the first eriophyoid mite known to be associated with mamey sapote.

Gut microbiota and metabolic responses to a 12-week caloric restriction combined with strength and HIIT training in patients with obesity: a randomized trial

BackgroundNowadays, obesity has become a major health issue. In addition to negatively affecting body composition and metabolic health, recent evidence shows unfavorable shifts in gut microbiota in individuals with obesity. However, the effects of weight loss on gut microbes and metabolites remain controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week program on gut microbiota and metabolic health in patients with obesity.MethodsWe conducted a controlled trial in 23 male and female patients with obesity. Twelve participants completed a 12-week program of caloric restriction combined with strength and HIIT training (INT, pre-BMI 37.33 ± 6.57 kg/m2), and eleven participants were designated as non-intervention controls (pre-BMI 38.65 ± 8.07 kg/m2). Metagenomic sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene from fecal samples allowed for gut microbiota classification. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy characterized selected serum and fecal metabolite concentrations.ResultsWithin INT, we observed a significant improvement in body composition; a significant decrease in liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GMT); a significant increase in the relative abundance of the commensal bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila, Parabacteroides merdae, and Phocaeicola vulgatus); and a significant decrease in the relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., the genera Butyrivibrio, Coprococcus, and Blautia). In addition, significant correlations were found between gut microbes, body composition, metabolic health biomarkers, and SCFAs. Notably, the Random Forest Machine Learning analysis identified predictors (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Blautia caecimuris, Coprococcus comes, and waist circumference) with a moderate ability to discriminate between INT subjects pre- and post-intervention.ConclusionsOur results indicate that a 12-week caloric restriction combined with strength and HIIT training positively influences body composition, metabolic health biomarkers, gut microbiota, and microbial metabolites, demonstrating significant correlations among these variables. We observed a significant increase in the relative abundance of bacteria linked to obesity, e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila. Additionally, our study contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of SCFAs in obesity, as we observed a significant decrease in SCFA producers after a 12-week program.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on [05/12/2014] with ClinicalTrials.gov (No: NCT02325804).

Exploring the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Eurasian Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) Under Rehabilitation in Portugal and Their Potential Role as Reservoirs of Human and Animal Pathogens

The Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), a widely distributed scavenger, plays a crucial role in ecosystem health by consuming decomposing carcasses. Scavengers have adapted to avoid disease from the rotting carrion they feed on, probably through a specialized gut microbiome. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome of G. fulvus (n = 8) present in two rehabilitation centers in mainland Portugal and evaluate their potential as reservoirs of pathogens. Samples were studied through high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of the hypervariable V3-V4 regions and further analyzed using the Qiime2 bioinformatics platform. Our results showed that factors such as sex, location, and time of sampling did not significantly affect the gut microbiome of the griffon vulture. Its composition was highly similar to that of phylogenetically closed animals. However, several potential human and veterinary pathogens were identified. In conclusion, the gut microbiome of Gyps fulvus in rehabilitation centers is not significantly altered by stress associated with captivity. Its composition is similar to that of other vultures and scavengers due to their identic diet and needs, suggesting a well-conserved functional gut microbiome, which seems to be influenced by season. The potential risks posed by the identified pathogens to humans and other animals should be further investigated.

Sodium Butyrate-Loaded Microspheres With Enhanced Bioavailability for Targeted Treatment of Intestinal Barrier Injury.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is related to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Butyrate and its derivatives (e.g., sodium butyrate (SB)) can alleviate gut inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, these substances usually cannot fully exert protective effects due to low bioavailability. This research aimed to offer microspheres for treating intestinal barrier injury. Sodium alginate solution is prepared to dissolve SB, followed by mixingwith chitosan (CS)-protocatechuic aldehyde (PA)/calcium chloride solution. The required CS-PA/calcium alginate/SB (CPC/SB) microspheres are formed in this manner. Subsequently, the therapeutic effects of CPC/SB microspheres on intestinal barrier injury through in vivo dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced IBD and sodium taurocholate (STC)-induced SAP models is explored. Results: The CPC/SB microspheres exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. In vivo bioluminescence imaging experiment confirmed the microspheres effectively targeted the inflammatory gut in IBD. Further in vivo experimental results indicated the microspheres significantly repaired intestinal barrier damage, exerting protective effects in IBD and SAP. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing explained the microspheres can regulate the balance between harmful and beneficial bacteria (such as Alistipes, Odoribacter, and Rikenellaceae RC9). This study provides a possible synthetic strategy of microsphere carriers to serve as a potential therapeutic tool for intestinal barrier injury.

Molecular identification of whole squids and calamari at fairs and markets in regions of Latin America

The commercial importance of cephalopods has increased considerably, being an important fishing resource. However, during the preparation for commercialization of those species, they suffer the process known as “finning” which includes removing and separating the head, arm, skin or even having the body structure cut into rings, which ends up making it difficult or often prevents the identification of the species, which can lead to replacements. In this sense, the present study aimed to use the large ribosomal region, rrnL (16S rDNA) to genetically identify cephalopod species sold in markets and fairs in Latin America. Whole and processed samples were collected from supermarkets and directly from local fishers the approximate collection location. Each generated sequence was submitted to the blastn portal for molecular comparison and included in the database for subsequent genetic identification. Our results indicate labeling errors in samples from the State of Pará that contained the species Dosidicus gigas found only in the Pacific Ocean and were generically labeled as “National Lula”. No type of substitution was found among the samples that were being sold at fairs and markets, only labeling errors. Thus, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the rrnL for identifying species and evaluating labeling errors.