Soil microbiota are key players of terrestrial ecosystem functioning, including decomposition, soil organic matter formation, and nutrient cycling, and interact strongly with plants in the rhizosphere. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of plants to alter soil microbiome assembly and functioning (i.e., through manipulation of soil organic matter pools via root exudation), which can be critical for sustaining soil ecosystem functioning. Using soil from a long-term biodiversity experiment in Germany, we investigated how soil microbial communities responded to variations in plant species richness (1-16 species), functional group richness (1-4 groups), and plant identity (grasses, legumes, small herbs, and tall herbs) using 16S rRNA gene and ITS amplicon sequencing. We examined bacterial and fungal community structure, metabolic potential, and microbial network architecture to better understand the role of the soil microbiome and its net positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Plant diversity induced gradual shifts in microbial community composition, while increasing soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. Microbial networks exhibited increased connectivity, particularly between bacteria and fungi. Meanwhile, mutualistic and antagonistic functional guild representation increased, that is the sum total of plant-beneficial (i.e., endophytes) and plant- or fungi-detrimental (i.e., pathogens and parasites) fungal guilds, respectively. Key nodes shifted from generalist taxa at low plant diversity to more specialized communities at high plant diversity. Notably, fungi responded more strongly than bacteria, and their functional potential was driven by plant functional identity rather than species richness. At low plant diversity, generalist taxa likely exploit less complex and diverse organic carbon inputs, allowing them to dominate available niches. In contrast, higher plant diversity promotes a broader array of specialist taxa that likely benefit from the greater diversity of organic carbon compounds, and thus greater niche availability. As network complexity grows, ecosystem functions are being distributed across more taxa, leading to greater microbiome stability, and ultimately more efficient soil carbon and nutrient cycling. Our findings suggest that higher plant diversity strengthens microbial functioning and enhances microbiome resilience, that is the capacity of the microbial community to maintain soil functioning despite environmental disturbances.

The composition and metabolic characteristics of gut microbiota in heart transplant patients with and without preoperative and postoperative infection were investigated to elucidate the impact of antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Twenty patients undergoing allogeneic heart transplantation were enrolled. Gut microbiota profiles were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolic pathway prediction (PICRUSt2) at 5-9 days preoperatively and 30 days postoperatively. Patients were categorized into preoperative non-infected (Pre-NI), preoperative infected (Pre-I), postoperative non-infected (Post-NI) and postoperative infected (Post-I) groups for comparative analysis. Alpha/beta diversity, Maaslin and functional analyses were performed. Preoperative microbiota had similar α-diversity indices and community structures among groups. Pre-NI microbiota were dominated by Bacteroides and Pre-I samples were enriched with Enterococcus casseliflavus、Limosilactobacillus and Weissella cibaria. Post-NI patients showed higher microbial diversity (Shannon/Simpson indices) and Blautia (butyrate-producer) whereas Post-I patients formed a distinct cluster with Enterococcus faecium dominance. Metabolic analysis highlighted Blautia-associated pathways, e.g., L-1,2-propanediol degradation. Dynamic preoperative shifts in the Bacteroides-Enterococcus-Limosilactobacillus axis and postoperative shifts toward Blautia-Enterococcus dominance were found in heart transplant patients and were associated with infection status and antibiotic exposure. Dual-target intervention with an emphasis on restoring butyrate-producing microbiota and monitoring Enterococcus dynamics is recommended to optimize personalized infection control systems in transplant patients.

The composition of gut microbiota is jointly determined by the host's food habit, ecological niche, and genetic background, serving as a direct reflection of the host's adaptation to its environment and evolutionary pressures. To investigate the distinct adaptation mechanisms of four sympatric small mammal species in the Hengduan Mountains region, this study compared the environmental adaptation strategies of endemic and alien species. This study collected ten wild specimens each of the Eothenomys miletus, Eothenomys oliter, Tupaia belangeri, and Apodemus chevrieri from Yunlong County, Yunnan Province. Using 16SrRNA gene sequencing technology, we analyzed the gut microbial composition, abundance, and community structure across species, investigating the distinct gut microbial community characteristics between the endemic species (E. miletus and E. oliter) and the alien species (T. belangeri and A. chevrieri.). Results indicate: E. miletus and E. oliter possess complex and diverse gut microbial communities with plant-degrading functions. These communities with sparse interactions are capable of utilizing multiple plant sources for nutrition and exhibit strong resilience against environmental disturbances. In contrast, T. belangeri and A.chevrieri exhibit simple, specialized, yet tightly cooperative omnivorous gut microbial communities. While capable of utilizing diverse food resources within specific adaptive environments, they demonstrate extreme specificity in adaptation to particular habitats or survival strategies and are relatively sensitive to external disturbances. Furthermore, the E. miletus, widely distributed across the Hengduan Mountains, its gut bacterial community is dominated by stochastic processes. In contrast, the T. belangeri shows a positive correlation with various gut bacteria associated with omnivorous characteristics. The distinction between these two distinct environmental adaptation strategies is particularly pronounced. In summary, Among these four sympatric small mammal species in the Hengduan Mountains, the gut microbiota of endemic and alien species showed high similarity respectively and exhibited convergence.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) are economically important legumes widely cultivated in China. Phytoplasmas are phloem-limited plant-pathogenic bacteria transmitted by the phloem-sucking insect vectors (e. g., leafhoppers, planthoppers, and psyllids) (Kumari et al. 2019; Wang et al. 2024). In October 2025, typical phytoplasma-like symptoms of phyllody, witches’ broom, small leaves, wrinkling were observed on mungbean and cowpea plants at the harvesting stage in Wuming district, Nanning city, Guangxi, China, with a disease incidence of less than 10%, which may represent a potential, yet unconfirmed, risk to local mungbean and cowpea cultivation. To determine the causal agent, total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and healthy leaf midribs (2 symptomatic, 1 healthy sample per crop from the same field plot) using the CTAB method. The 16S rRNA and tuf genes were amplified via nested PCR with primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 (Gundersen and Lee 1996) or fTuf1/rTuf1 (Schneider and Gibb 1997), respectively. Approximately 1800 bp and 1250 bp (for 16S rRNA) or 1000 bp (for tuf) fragments were amplified from symptomatic mungbean and cowpea samples, but no amplicons from healthy controls. The PCR products were purified, cloned into a TA vector, and transformed into Escherichia coli cells for sequencing. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from mungbean and cowpea were both 1806 bp in length and identical to each other. Representative sequences were deposited in NCBI GenBank under accession numbers PX597226 (Mungbean phyllody phytoplasma GX-NN-01) and PX597227 (Cowpea phyllody phytoplasma clone GX-NN-01). BLASTN analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed a 99.94% identity (1,805/1,806 nt) with Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiaticum strain CrWB-Hnsy1 (16SrII-A subgroup, GenBank accession no. EU650181), a provisional species in the 16SrII group, from Crotalaria pallida in Hainan, China. Further, virtual RFLP analysis of the P1/P7-amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences were performed using the online iPhyClassifier tool (Zhao et al. 2009), further confirming the classification of the isolated phytoplasmas into the 16SrII-A subgroup (Peanut WB group). Additionally, a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree constructed using MEGA 11 (Bootstrap value 1,000) confirmed that the phytoplasmas from mungbean and cowpea clustered within the 16SrII group. To our knowledge, this is the first report of 16SrII group-related phytoplasmas infecting mungbean and cowpea in Guangxi, China. This finding highlights a new threat to local legume cultivation and provides a foundation for further studies on the dissemination of phytoplasma diseases in legumes.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are obligate endoparasites among the most ‎destructive agricultural worldwide causing substantial yield losses across numerous crops. ‎Current management options are limited, and the overuse of chemical nematicides poses ‎serious risks to human health and the environmental. In this study, a bacterial isolate ‎obtained was investigated as a biocontrol agent against Meloidogyne incognita, identified as ‎Pantoea conspicua strain PC (GeneBank accession no.ON203125) based on 16S rRNA gene ‎sequencing. Exposure of second-stage juveniles (J2s) caused mortality rates of 67.9%, ‎‎94.7%, 97.7%, and 99.3% in M. incognita at 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours after exposure to a ‎‎100% concentration of bacterial filtrate, respectively. In comparison, bacterial pellets ‎resulted in 18.5%, 51.8%, 62.9%, and 82.9% mortality at the same time intervals. Both, the ‎bacterial filtrate and pellets significantly inhibited egg hatchability in vitro. Greenhouse ‎experiment demonstrated that tomato plant treated with the bacterial filtrate or pellets ‎exhibited marked improvements in root and shoot growth parameters. Specifically, the ‎bacterial filtrate caused reduced the number of galls, eggs, and eggmasses per gram of root ‎by 93.12%, 97.9%, and 79.9% respectively, along with a 92.7% decrease in J2s per 250 ‎grams of soil. Overall, P. conspicua strain PC demonstrated high potential as a biocontrol ‎agent, offering advantages in its mode of action, efficacy, and contribution to ongoing ‎nematode management, while also reducing environmental impact and supporting integrated ‎pest management strategies.

Aging is associated with significant alterations in gut microbiota composition, which are closely linked to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and age-related diseases. This study investigated the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) intervention on gut microbiota structure in elderly individuals using fecal sample–based analysis. Elderly participants received an n-3 PUFA dietary intervention, and fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Changes in microbial diversity, community structure, and taxonomic composition were systematically evaluated. The results showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly modulated gut microbiota profiles, characterized by increased microbial diversity, enrichment of beneficial bacteria associated with short-chain fatty acid production, and a reduction in potentially pro-inflammatory taxa. Beta diversity analysis revealed a clear separation between pre- and post-intervention microbial communities, indicating a substantial shift in overall gut microbiota structure. These findings suggest that n-3 PUFA intervention may contribute to the improvement of gut microbial balance in the elderly and provide a potential nutritional strategy for mitigating age-related gut dysbiosis and promoting healthy aging.

Background: Local specific biomarkers for MASLD risk stratification are urgently needed in Argentina. Aim: The aim of the study was to characterize the interaction of gut microbiome signatures and genetic and clinical risk factors for MASLD in patients with diabetes from different regions of Argentina. Materials and Methods: We recruited 214 patients with diabetes from different regions of Argentina. Anthropometric, clinical, and lifestyle data were obtained from all participants, who also underwent abdominal ultrasound for MASLD diagnosis and oral swabbing. The PNPLA3 gene was amplified by PCR from the swabs, and the rs738409 genotype was determined via bidirectional sequencing. To profile the MASLD-associated microbiome, stool was collected from 170 participants. V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed, and reads were analyzed using QIIME2 2024.10.1. R Studio 2023.05.1 was used for statistical analyses. Results: MASLD prevalence was 77.9%, with similar rates of occurrence in all regions represented. FIB-4 scores < 1.3 and > 2.67 were detected in 55.3% and 7.4% of patients, respectively. Half of the diabetic patients had the PNPLA3 GG genotype, with the highest rates occurring in patients from Northwestern Argentina (64.9%; p = 0.02 vs. Buenos Aires). The PNPLA3 GG genotype was an independent risk factor for FIB-4 score (p = 0.0008) and a protective factor against glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.004), fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.008), and cholesterol levels (p = 0.02). Marked regional differences were observed in microbiota diversity and composition in Argentina. After adjusting for geographical region, Negativibacillus genus was exclusively detected in diabetic patients with MASLD and GG carriers. The Catenibacterium genus was related to FIB-4 > 2.67. Short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria were linked to the absence of MASLD. Conclusions: Although some geographical regions of Argentina were not represented in this study and these results therefore cannot be generalized to the country as a whole, these specific signatures could be useful as biomarkers for MASLD risk stratification in Argentines with diabetes.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in children under five years of age worldwide. The association between preterm birth and long-term outcomes is vaguely known. In very preterm infants, the gut microbiome is highly variable and impacted by the neonatal intensive care unit environment. Our objective was to better understand the crosstalk between the gut microbiome and the host at one month of age in very preterm infants and its impact on neurological outcomes at two years of age. We performed a multi-omics analysis of fecal samples collected in 2011 from 73 very preterm French infants at one month of age, grouped according to their neurodevelopment assessed at two years of age using the Ages & Stages questionnaire. Multi-omics profiling and integrative analyses were performed between 2022 and 2023, including fecal microbiome, metabolome, and host transcriptome characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, LC-MS, and mRNA sequencing, respectively. The gut microbiome of very preterm infants at one month is mostly driven by either Escherichia or Staphylococcus, which are differentially associated with host immune markers (CAMP), metabolomic pathways, notably the energy pathway due to the presence of various nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NAD+) and two-year neurodevelopmental outcomes. The gut microbiome at one month of age could be a noninvasive biomarker of gut immaturity and metabolic defects. Escherichia and Staphylococcus proportions were found to be the best indicators of physiological maturity and immaturity, respectively. Escherichia may help the process of intestinal maturation in preterm infants through specific metabolites production and is associated with a better neurodevelopment.

Distinct bacteria profiles in primary and secondary/persistent endodontic infections: a 16S rRNA gene sequencing study.

A novel aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, short rod-shaped strain X10-3T, was isolated from Daihai Lake, Inner Mongolia, China. The strain formed circular, smooth, transparent, orange-colored colonies with convex elevation and entire margins, which measured approximately 1.0-4.0mm in diameter after 48h of incubation on Luria-Bertani agar at 32°C. The strain was able to grow at pH levels between 6.5 and 9.0 (optimal at 7.5-8.0), temperatures from 4 to 40°C (optimal at 37°C), and in 0-13% (optimal at 2-3%, w/v) NaCl. The complete genome of strain X10-3T comprises 3,244,194bp with a DNA G + C content of 45.9%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship to members of the genus Planococcus, showing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 99.2% with P. salinarum DSM 23820T, 98.8% with P. wigleyi Sa1BUA13T, 98.6% with P. koreense JG07T, and 98.6% with P. halotolerans SCU63T. The average nucleotide identity between strain X10-3T and the species within the genus Planococcus fell below the species delineation thresholds of 95%, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were lower than 70%. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that the predominant cellular fatty acids of strain X10-3T were anteiso-C15:0 and C16:1 ω7c alcohol. The primary cellular polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol, while the predominant isoprenoid quinones were menaquinone-8 and menaquinone-7. Based on these comprehensive analyses, strain X10-3T represents a new species of the genus Planococcus, for which the name Planococcus daihaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X10-3T (= CGMCC 1.60163T = KCTC 43688T).

Sorghum genotypes differentially shape their rhizosphere microbiomes to cope with salt stress; however, the modulatory role of biochar in this genotype-specific plant–microbe interplay remains unclear. In this study, we investigated how salt-sensitive (Henong 16, HN16) and salt-tolerant (Jizaonuo 1, JZN) sorghum genotypes leverage biochar to assemble distinct functional rhizosphere microbiomes under salt stress (5 g kg−1 NaCl). Biochar application (20 g kg−1) alleviated ionic stress by reducing soil electrical conductivity (EC decreased by 46% in HN16) and enhanced soil fertility through increased organic matter (SOM increased by 26% in JZN). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that biochar selectively enriched genotype-specific, stress-resistant taxa. The salt-sensitive HN16 primarily recruited Sporosarcina (a genus reported to exhibit salt tolerance and nitrogen-fixing capabilities) and Intrasporangiaceae, thereby rapidly establishing a rhizosphere barrier. In contrast, the salt-tolerant JZN consistently enriched Salinimicrobium (an extreme halophile) and the family LWQ8, forming more complex and stable co-occurrence networks with a higher proportion of positive correlations (81%). Plant genotype was the primary determinant of core microbiome assembly: Bacillus and Arthrobacter dominated in HN16, whereas Sphingomonas and Streptomyces prevailed in JZN. Biochar reinforced this genotype-specific assembly by modulating soil pH and SOM, which were identified as key drivers of microbial community divergence. Importantly, these biochar-shaped microbial modules showed significant positive correlations with increased plant biomass. Our findings demonstrate that biochar enhances salt tolerance not merely by improving soil properties, but primarily by facilitating the deterministic assembly of genotype-specific, functional rhizosphere microbiomes. This mechanistic insight shifts the paradigm of biochar from a universal soil amendment to a precision tool for rhizosphere engineering, providing a genotype-aware foundation for enhancing salinity resilience in sustainable agriculture.

In mangrove ecosystems, research on bacterial abundance in the rhizosphere and the non-rhizosphere soils remains limited. Moreover, the variation in bacterial taxonomy during the acclimation of sediment samples subjected to high-molecular-weight (HMW) organic pollutant stress remains poorly understood. This study was conducted in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils at depths ranging from 0 to 20 cm in the coastal mangrove of Yunxiao to evaluate the diversity and abundance of the bacterial community and to characterize the profile of its variation arising during acclimation under pyrene stress. Rhizosphere sediments were defined as those directly adhering to the roots of mangrove plants, while non-rhizospheres were those collected 3 m away from the roots. Each sample was divided into two groups: the first group was stored at 4 °C for the determination of the physicochemical characteristics of the sediments, and the second group, used for DNA analysis, was stored at −20 °C. A DNA isolation kit was used to extract total genomic DNA from the samples before and after acclimation. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA genes targeting the V3-V4 region was performed. The results of this study showed that although the physicochemical properties of both rhizosphere and the non-rhizosphere sediments were unevenly distributed, no significant difference in bacterial abundance between the two zones was observed. Moreover, the abundance at 0–10 cm depth was significantly higher in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere sediments. The acclimation process revealed that pyrene significantly impacted bacterial community composition and abundance. In total, 23 genera were identified in the first transfer (G1), dominated by Burkholderia (23.9% vs. 9.23%), Rhodobacter (4% vs. 10.95%), Bacillus (11% vs. 10%), Xanthobacter (6.82% vs. 7.62%), Dyella (4.9% vs. 7%), Pseudomonas (6% vs. 7.70%), and Acinetobacter (5% vs. 8.63%) in non-rhizosphere vs. rhizosphere samples, respectively. Overall, the findings indicate that bacterial abundance in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of mangrove ecosystems may differ from that in terrestrial plants and that the acclimation of functional bacteria could be an effective means of adapting bacterial communities to environmental disturbances.

Social wasps, including hornets, are increasingly recognized not only as invasive pests but also as farmed insects; however, their gut microbiota and associated diseases remain poorly characterized. In indoor rearing facilities for the hornet Vespa analis in Dehong, Yunnan, China, we observed recurrent larval disease with weakness, larvae falling from the nests, and high mortality. To identify the causative agent and its effects on the gut community, we isolated bacteria from diseased larvae, characterized them by morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and then established an oral infection model. A red-pigmented isolate, designated YR2, was identified as Serratia marcescens. Oral inoculation with YR2 reproduced disease signs and significantly increased larval mortality, and a phenotypically consistent S. marcescens isolate was reisolated from infected larval guts. Amplicon sequencing showed that healthy larvae harbored gut communities dominated by Proteobacteria, whereas infection was associated with reduced diversity and a dysbiotic shift with enrichment of Enterobacterales. Our results support S. marcescens as a strong candidate pathogen associated with larval disease and mortality in Vespa analis under indoor-rearing conditions. Our findings provide a basis for pathogen surveillance and microbiota management in indoor hornet husbandry, and support improved biosecurity and health monitoring practices.

This study focused on the links between soil physicochemical properties and the gut microbiota of goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) in the hyper-arid Qaidam Basin. By integrating 16S rRNA gene sequencing, soil physicochemical analysis (11 soil indicators), and microbial source tracking (FEAST) on samples of feces (n = 58), soil (n = 35), and water (n = 35) collected from six typical regions. We systematically revealed the mechanisms by which soil properties influence the gut microbiome of wildlife in an arid desert ecosystem based on source tracking and Multiple Regression on distance Matrices (MRM) analysis. The results showed that soil total phosphorus (TP) was significantly positively correlated with the α-diversity of gut microbiota (coefficient = 0.4/0.23/0.332; p < 0.05), while soil organic carbon (SOC) was significantly negatively correlated (coefficient = −0.44/−0.436; p < 0.05), indicating that soil nutrients indirectly predict host microbial diversity by regulating vegetation productivity and forage quality. β-diversity analysis further demonstrated that spatial heterogeneity in soil pH (coefficient = 0.3083; p < 0.05) and TP (coefficient = 0.227; p < 0.05) significantly drove the structural differentiation of gut microbial communities. Source-tracking results based on FEAST revealed significant regional differences in the proportional contribution of environmental microorganisms to the gut microbiota, with individuals in resource-poor habitats (ALK region) exhibiting higher input from soil microbes (8.0672% ± 6.9291%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study clarifies the ecological mechanism by which soil physicochemical properties regulate the diversity and composition of herbivore gut microbiota through a “soil–plant–food–gut microbiota” cascading pathway, providing important empirical evidence for understanding animal–microbe–environment interactions and adaptive evolution in extreme environments.

Two aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacteria, designated as strains TEGAF015T and KACHI17T, were isolated from surface lake and river waters in Japan. Strains TEGAF015T and KACHI17T had cell dimensions of ~0.4-0.6×1.3-2.9 µm and 0.4-0.5×2.5-4.8 µm (width×length), respectively. Strain KACHI17T was positive for casein hydrolysis, whereas strain TEGAF015T was negative. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene (1,290 bp) and 120 ubiquitous single-copy protein-encoding genes (5,035 aa) revealed that TEGAF015T and KACHI17T formed clusters closely related to Sediminibacterium salmoneum NJ-44T and Sediminibacterium goheungense HME7863T, respectively. However, the average nucleotide identity by orthology, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values confirmed that the isolates represent distinct species from closest phylogenetic relatives. The major cellular fatty acids identified in both strains included iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH. Additionally, TEGAF015T contained anteiso-C15:1 A, iso-C15:0 3-OH and iso-C16:0 3-OH. Phosphatidylethanolamine was identified as the major polar lipid of strains TEGAF015T and KACHI17T, which also contained menaquinone-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and had DNA G+C contents of 38.5 and 40.0 mol%, respectively. Genome sequencing of the two isolates revealed genome sizes of 3.06 and 3.14 Mbp, respectively. Furthermore, both isolates were capable of converting dissolved organic nitrogen into ammonium during growth. These results indicated that strains TEGAF015T and KACHI17T represent two distinct novel species within the genus Sediminibacterium. The proposed names are Sediminibacterium planctonicum sp. nov. (type strain TEGAF015T=JCM 16661T=NCIMB 15525T) and Sediminibacterium longum sp. nov. (type strain KACHI17T=JCM 36264T=LMG 33984T).

Vanda tricolor Lindl. var. Suavis is an orchid indigenous to Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Conservation efforts are necessary due to its diminishing presence in its natural habitat, which is caused by recurrent eruptions and exploitation by irresponsible parties. Ex situ conservation initiatives using in vitro culture propagation have been implemented; however, the growth of Vanda tricolor in acclimatization remains slow, as reflected by minimal increases in plant height, leaf length, leaf width, root length, and root diameter. Consequently, efforts to promote the development of Vanda tricolor must be implemented, especially using bacteria that are symbiotic with orchid roots. The obtained characterization data could assist in the future selection of bacteria that can promote the growth of Vanda tricolor orchids. This study aims to identify and characterize bacteria from the roots and rhizosphere of Vanda tricolor orchids. The results indicated that fourteen isolates were isolated, of which eight showed nitrogen fixation and nitrification capabilities. The isolates were identified as members of the genus Bacillus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, including Bacillus cereus , Bacillus toyonensis , Bacillus paramycoides and Bacillus sp. Phylogenetic research revealed that these isolates grouped within the Bacillus cereus sensu lato complex, signifying significant genetic similarity and possible ecological functions in enhancing plant growth. The results indicate that Bacillus isolates from the Vanda tricolor rhizosphere have beneficial properties for bioinoculant production aimed at promoting orchid growth. Future research emphasizing physiological and genetic validation is essential to verify their working processes and enable safe application in orchid conservation efforts.

During a survey for natural-rubber-degrading actinobacteria associated with soils from Hevea brasiliensis plantations in Thailand, two strains, ABSL1-1T and ABSL49-1T, were isolated using mineral salts medium with natural rubber as the sole carbon source. Polyphasic taxonomy placed both strains within the genus Gordonia. Strain ABSL1-1T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Gordonia otitidis NBRC 100426T (98.5%) and Gordonia soli NBRC 108243T (98.3%), while ABSL49-1T showed the highest similarity to Gordonia polyisoprenivorans DSM 44302T (98.4%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity based on blast values between ABSL1-1T and closely related type strains were 20.1-20.9%, and 74.1-76.5%, respectively, while those for ABSL49-1T and closely related type strains were 20.6-22.9%, and 74.3-79.1%, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of both strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars comprised ribose, arabinose, galactose and glucose. Both strains contained MK-9(H2) as the major menaquinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside were detected as the polar lipids. The predominant fatty acids of ABSL1-1T were C16:0, and C18:1 ω9c, while those for ABSL49-1T were C16:0, C18:1 ω9c, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c) and C18:0 10-methyl. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains ABSL1-1T and ABSL49-1T were 67.0 mol% and 66.0 mol%, respectively. Based on the results of a polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strains ABSL1-1ᵀ and ABSL49-1ᵀ represent the type strains of two novel species of the genus Gordonia, for which the names Gordonia heveisoli sp. nov. (type strain ABSL1-1ᵀ=TBRC 15892ᵀ=NBRC 116252ᵀ) and Gordonia gummivorans sp. nov. (type strain ABSL49-1ᵀ=TBRC 15624ᵀ=NBRC 115559ᵀ) are proposed.

Understanding the composition of microbial communities is essential for optimizing anammox-based nitrogen removal in saline wastewater environments. This study examined the microbial diversity and ecological structure within a filter bioreactor inoculated with shrimp pond sludge and operated under saline conditions (30.1–33.0 ppt) and fed with synthetic seawater containing 70 mg-N/L of ammonium and nitrite with hydraulic retention time 24 h. Over 175 days of operation, the reactor maintained stable nitrogen removal, with peak ammonium conversion and nitrogen removal efficiencies of 46.25% and 44.33%, respectively. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing illuminated a diverse microbial community, dominated by Candidatus Brocadia (8.07%), alongside significant representations of Candidatus Jettenia (0.88%). The microbial consortium also included key nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira, indicating synergistic interactions in nitrogen transformation. These taxa play key functional roles in nitrogen transformation, biofilm stability, and adaptation to saline, anoxic environments. Phylogenetic analysis showed close affiliations between amplicon sequence variants and recognized anammox species, such as Candidatus Brocadia sinica and Candidatus Jettenia asiatica. The detection of freshwater-associated anammox genera in a saline system highlights their ecological adaptability and potential application in saline wastewater treatment. Overall, this study provides insights into microbial consortia that drive anammox processes in engineered saline environments and supports the development of biological nitrogen removal strategies for marine and coastal applications.

Background This study investigated the ameliorative effects of combined 1-DNJ and TFs on IR in mice through gut microbiota modulation. Methods An HFD-induced IR model was established in male mice, which were subsequently divided into Control, Model, 1-DNJ (200 mg/kg·bw/day), TFs (100 mg/kg·bw/day), and 1-DNJ + TFs (200 + 100 mg/kg·bw/day) groups for daily oral administration over 11 consecutive weeks. The ameliorative effects were evaluated by examining biochemical parameters in serum and histopathological changes in the liver pancreatic and colon. Mechanistic insights were elucidated through 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples and untargeted metabolomics analysis of intestinal contents. Results Interventions with 1-DNJ, TFs, or thecombination effectively reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity. The combined treatment demonstrated superior efficacy, decreasing circulating levels of LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α, alleviating hepatic lipid accumulation, and reducing colon tissue barrier damage. Furthermore, the combined intervention profoundly modulated the gut microbiota, characterized by an increased abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Alloprevotella) and a reduction in harmful genera (e.g., Roseburia, Intestinimonas). These microbial shifts were concomitantly associated with significant alterations in intestinal metabolic pathways, including sphingolipid metabolism, necroptosis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, pentose and glucuronic acid interconversion, and tyrosine metabolism. Conclusion The combined administration of 1-DNJ and TFs demonstrated superior efficacy in ameliorating HFD-induced IR compared to individual components, with gut microbiota modulation playing a pivotal role. These findings position 1-DNJ and TFs as promising natural candidates for functional food development targeting metabolic health.

A phylogenetically distinct bacterial strain, designated as DFM-14T, was isolated in 2022 from marine mud collected in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea, and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolate is Gram-stain-negative, motile, pale white and coccoid-shaped, typically forming clusters. It is facultatively aerobic, and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene placed it within the genus Thaumasiovibrio (family Vibrionaceae, phylum Pseudomonadota). Strain DFM-14T formed a distinct clade with Thaumasiovibrio subtropicus C4V358T and Thaumasiovibrio occultus C4II189ᵀ, sharing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.6% and 95.2%, respectively. The major fatty acids are C12 : 0, C12 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 0, C16 : 1 ω9c and C18 : 1 ω9c, while the predominant polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and glycolipids. The draft genome is 4.4 Mb in size, assembled into 56 contigs, and contains 4,445 coding sequences and 110 RNAs (8 rRNAs and 102 tRNAs), with a G+C content of 45.4 mol%. Optimal growth occurs at 25 °C, pH 7.0 and 2% (w/v) NaCl. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and genomic evidence, strain DFM-14ᵀ represents a novel species of the genus Thaumasiovibrio, for which the name Thaumasiovibrio clandestinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DFM-14T (=KEMB 24352T=JCM 37837T=KCTC 8887T).