Metronidazole (MTZ) is frequently used in both human and veterinary medicine to treat infections caused by certain protozoa and anaerobic bacteria. This study investigates the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of MTZ for available species in the literature by utilizing a linear, allometric, minimal physiologically-based PK (mPBPK) model. High quality PK data for intravenous (IV, n = 13) and oral (PO, n = 10) single doses were collected. Reported clearances (CL) and volumes of distribution (VSS) were highly correlated (R2 = 0.957, 0.969) with body weights (BW) with allometric power coefficients of 0.97 and 0.87. A mPBPK model with one perfusion-limited tissue compartment was used to evaluate MTZ PK using anatomical and physiological parameters for each species. The mPBPK model adequately captured the IV PK profiles when using species-specific CL values and a generalized tissue:plasma partition coefficient (Kp = 0.792 (CV 2.76%)) except for sheep and goats that had very low Kp values. The IV and PO profiles were best fitted jointly with shared physiological parameters and species-specific clearances, Kp values (range 0.55 to 1.44, mean 0.86), and bioavailability (F 0.32 - 1.00, mean 0.73). Overall, successfully integrating allometric scaling into a mPBPK model for diverse species revealed very consistent disposition of MTZ with generally BW-proportional CL values, reasonably conserved Kp values, and a moderate range of absorption rates and high bioavailability.

ConspectusThe nano-bio interface, where nanomaterials and biological systems converge, represents a critical frontier in modern science, bridging materials chemistry with biotechnology. A deep understanding of the physicochemical processes at this interface is essential for both assessing the environmental impact of nanomaterials and for designing new bioinspired technologies. While much of this field has focused on bacteria and eukaryotes, the domain of Archaea, pivotal to global biogeochemical cycles and a promising resource for bioenergy, remains a comparatively underexplored territory. The unique cellular architecture of archaea, particularly their distinct membrane lipids and crystalline surface layers (S-layers), presents a unique set of rules for nano-bio interactions, making the study of the nano-archaea interfaces a grand challenge of fundamental importance.In this Account, we summarize the biophysical tools and bioengineering strategies developed in our laboratory to probe and program the nano-archaea interaction. We first developed a single-cell anaerobic atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique to overcome the primary technical barrier of measuring these sensitive, strictly anaerobic organisms in situ, which provided an unprecedented window into the archaeal nanomechanical world. This platform enabled us to reveal the critical role of the archaeal S-layer in maintaining the cellular stability and mediating hydrophobic interactions. We then deciphered the complex chemical dialogue between nanoparticles and archaea, discovering the dominant influence of nanoparticle surface chemistry on the nature of the interaction and the ultimate biological response. Building upon this foundation of fundamental understanding, we have rationally designed and constructed several functional nano-archaeal biohybrid systems. These breakthroughs, progressing from tool development to fundamental discovery and finally to functional engineering, not only help fill a theoretical gap in nanointerface science but also provide new strategies and insights for developing next-generation biotechnologies.

Synergy in the transformation of Bisphenol A by anaerobic microorganisms and manganese dioxide: The bridging role of extracellular polymeric substances.

Clinical and microbiological profile of patients with chronic otitis media - Squamosal disease with special reference to anaerobes.

Microbial-photoelectrochemical cell for the conversion of raw cellulose materials into electrical power and chemicals.

Downregulation of an NfsA-like nitroreductase causes metronidazole resistance in Gardnerella vaginalis.

Effects of bisphenol A on nitrogen removal in sulfur autotrophic denitrification-Anammox microbial consortia: Resilience, biotransformation, and toxicity.

Effects of co-metabolic carbon sources on the formation of Algal-Bacterial Granular Sludge and pollutant degradation under quinoline stress: sludge characteristics, degradation pathways, and molecular mechanisms.

Oxidative stress and metabolic adaptation in Synurella ambulans: Assessing pollution impact in the hyporheic zone.

Lipoproteins from Bilophila wadsworthia cell wall induce innate immune responses through Toll-like receptor 2.

Enhancing biohydrogen efficiency via gel immobilisation with assessment of anaerobic bacteria in system and process stimulation

Effect and mechanism of Mn2+ on extracellular polymers of anaerobic microorganisms in landfill leachate

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) inhibits methane production during sludge anaerobic digestion by breaking the carbon-transfer bridge between methanogenesis and acidogenesis.

Background: Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) is an infection of the maxillary sinus caused by issues with the posterior maxillary dentition or as a complication of dental procedures. The prevalence of OMS varies widely, with epidemiological data from Indonesia indicating a rate of 0.57%, while studies using computed tomography (CT) report prevalence as high as 26.9%. Anatomical factors such as the proximity of the first maxillary molars to the sinus floor and sinus pneumatization significantly influence susceptibility to OMS. Objective: To investigate the causes, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS), with a focus on its microbiological composition, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing epidemiological data, clinical case studies, and imaging techniques for diagnosing OMS was conducted. Specific attention was given to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as the diagnostic standard, as well as the pharmacological and surgical treatments for OMS, including the use of decongestants, antibiotics, corticosteroids, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), and Modified Endoscopy-Assisted Maxillary Sinus Surgery (MESS). Results: OMS is primarily caused by iatrogenic events like oroantral fistula formation, implant displacement, sinus lift procedures, and extrusion of endodontic materials, alongside infections from periapical origins. The condition is often polymicrobial, with anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Peptostreptococcus spp. and Fusobacterium spp.) predominating, and in some cases, fungal infections such as Aspergillus can also occur. Symptoms include nasal obstruction, purulent nasal discharge with a fetid odor, maxillofacial pain, and halitosis. CBCT provides superior diagnostic accuracy for visualizing anatomical changes. Pharmacological treatments are effective in managing the infection, and surgical interventions like FESS and MESS are less invasive and more effective than the traditional Caldwell-Luc procedure. Conclusion: Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis is a significant condition that necessitates accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management, involving both medical and surgical interventions. The collaboration between dental and otolaryngology specialists is critical for effective treatment, and advancements in diagnostic imaging like CBCT and minimally invasive surgical techniques have improved patient outcomes. Addressing the odontogenic source of infection is crucial to achieving optimal therapeutic results.

The role of commensal anaerobic bacteria in chronic respiratory infections is unclear, yet they can exist in abundances comparable to canonical pathogens in vivo. Their contributions to the metabolic landscape of the host environment may influence pathogen behavior by competing for nutrients and creating inhospitable conditions via toxic metabolites. Here, we show that the anaerobe-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) propionate and butyrate negatively affect Staphylococcus aureus physiology by disrupting branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) metabolism. In turn, alterations to BCFA abundance impair S. aureus growth, compromise membrane integrity, diminish expression of the accessory gene regulator quorum-sensing system, and increase sensitivity to membrane-targeting antimicrobials. Disrupted BCFA metabolism also reduced S. aureus fitness in competition with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting that airway microbiome composition and the metabolites they exchange can directly impact pathogen succession over time. The pleiotropic effects of SCFAs on S. aureus fitness and their ubiquity as metabolites in the human host also suggest that they may be effective as adjuvants to traditional antimicrobial agents when used in combination.IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus aureus is a primary pathogen of chronic airway disease yet is also found in the upper airways of 30%-50% of the population to no obvious detriment. Thus, identifying the host and/or microbial factors that tip the balance between its commensal and pathogenic states may be key to its control. Here, we reveal that short-chain fatty acids produced by commensal microbiota promote a marked remodeling of the S. aureus lipid membrane that, in turn, sensitizes the pathogen to antimicrobials, disrupts accessory gene regulator quorum signaling, and reduces its competitive fitness. Altogether, these data suggest that co-colonizing microbiota and the metabolites they exchange with S. aureus may be key players in the microbial ecology of airway disease.

This study aimed to characterize disturbances in vaginal microbiota among patients with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) or cervical cancer (CC), and to identify specific bacterial genera with potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. We also explored microbiota of peritoneal fluid in CC patients across different pathological subtypes. A total of 76 participants were enrolled, including 44 SIL and 32 CC patients, further classified into four groups: low-grade SIL (LSIL; n = 14), high-grade SIL (HSIL; n = 30), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; n = 18) and adenocarcinoma (ADC; n = 14). Vaginal secretions were collected from all participants, and free peritoneal fluid was obtained from 16 SCC and 12 ADC patients. Vaginal HPV status was monitored semiannually over two years in 25 HSIL patients. Microbial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Vaginal bacterial abundance was significantly higher in the CC group than in the SIL group. A non-significant decrease in Lactobacillus abundance (SIL: 60.89% vs. CC: 52.37%; p = 0.247) and an increase in anaerobic bacteria including Prevotella (SIL: 0.14% vs. CC: 0.79%; p < 0.001) and Sneathia (SIL: 0.21% vs. CC: 1.57%; p = 0.097) were observed in CC patients. Lactobacillus abundance was negatively correlated with these anaerobic genera. Among HSIL patients, those who cleared HPV infection had a significantly higher abundance of Atopobium (5.25% vs. 0.65%; p = 0.022). Furthermore, ADC patients showed significantly higher microbial abundance in both vaginal and peritoneal fluid samples compared to SCC patients. LEfSe analysis indicated that Prevotella was the most distinguishing genus in the ADC group. Our study suggests that vaginal microbiota diversity may be associated with the severity of cervical lesions. Additionally, ADC patients showed heightened microbial diversity in both vaginal and peritoneal fluid microbiota compared to SCC patients.

Pradofloxacin is a third-generation dual enzyme targeting bactericidal veterinary fluoroquinolone, recently approved for use in cattle for bovine respiratory disease, which is active against Gram-positive/negative, atypical and anaerobic bacteria. We compared in vitro killing by pradofloxacin to that by ceftiofur, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, marbofloxacin, tildipirosin, tilmicosin and tulathromycin against bovine isolates of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida over a range of bacterial densities (106–109 cfu/mL). Drug concentrations used in the kill assays included the minimum inhibitory and mutant prevention drug concentrations and maximum serum and maximum tissue drug concentrations. Regardless of bacteria density tested and drug concentration used, pradofloxacin consistently killed as many or more (but not fewer) bacterial cells than any other drug tested against M. haemolytica strains. At the 108–109 cfu/mL densities, pradofloxacin killed 99–99.9%, 100% and 100% of bacterial cells at the MPC, maximum serum and maximum tissue drug concentrations, respectively, following 24 h of drug exposure. Indeed, pradofloxacin killed 99.9–99.99% of cells following 30–60 min of exposure to the maximum serum concentration. Similar trends were seen with killing of P. multocida strains by pradofloxacin. Against high-density bacterial populations, pradofloxacin was rapidly bactericidal and consistently killed more cells than the other agents tested. This manuscript represents the most comprehensive comparative in vitro kill study completed to date.

Ammonia (NH₃), a vital nutrient for biological metabolism, is also increasingly recognized as a promising carbon-free energy carrier. However, its production is dominated by the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process, which consumes approximately 35–50 MJ per kilogram of nitrogen and accounts for nearly 2% of global energy use, contributing roughly 1.6% of global CO₂ emissions. The primary commercial application of NH₃ is as a nitrogen-based fertilizer, with an estimated 30% of the applied fertilizer eventually entering the wastewater stream. This substantial ammonia runoff negatively impacts the activity of anaerobic microorganisms and contributes to eutrophication and other environmental concerns. Conventional ammonia treatment technologies typically aim to convert NH₃ into inert N₂ gas. However, recovery-oriented approaches are more desirable and increasingly necessary. Although physical, chemical, and biological methods for NH₃ recovery exist, their economic viability remains limited. In this study, we propose a novel electrochemical strategy employing a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) to recover ammonia from ammonia-rich wastewater, particularly in its gaseous form. The system is distinguished by a carbon-based GDE that facilitates efficient oxygen delivery as an electron acceptor via airflow, enabling direct redox reactions at the electrode surface. A key design feature is the narrow, physically and chemically isolated cathodic compartment between the cation exchange membrane (CEM) and the GDE. This configuration maintains a highly alkaline environment, promoting the immediate conversion of transported NH₄⁺ to NH₃, which is then stripped by the supplied airflow—eliminating the need for a separate stripping unit. Electrochemical operation with an airflow of 20 mL/min effectively suppressed NH₃ back-diffusion. Continuous operation using both synthetic and real livestock wastewater (LW) achieved nitrogen fluxes of 890 g N/m²·d and 770 g N/m²·d, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA/cm². The specific energy input was 7.42 kWh/kg N for synthetic LW and 9.44 kWh/kg N for real LW. Compared to traditional air stripping, economic analysis demonstrated that the GDE-based electrochemical system significantly reduces energy consumption—13.44 kWh/kg N versus 27.6 kWh/kg N—primarily due to decreased demand for chemicals, air supply, and pumping, resulting in a 51.3% reduction in total energy usage. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of GDE-based electrochemical systems as an energy-efficient and cost-effective method for ammonia recovery in gaseous form from livestock wastewater.

Abstract Fencing is a dynamic combat sport distinguished by rapid footwork patterns, sudden accelerations, explosive offensive maneuvers, and frequent shifts between attack and defense. These actions occur in short, intermittent bursts, followed by brief pauses that allow athletes to reassess tactics and prepare for the next exchange. Such a movement structure places simultaneous demands on both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. A clear understanding of how these systems contribute during competitive fencing is crucial for designing evidence-based conditioning programs and improving overall performance. The present study investigates the relative involvement of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism during high-intensity fencing bouts by examining key physiological indicators, including heart rate responses, post-exercise blood lactate accumulation, and detailed time–motion characteristics derived from bout analysis. Results demonstrate that the most explosive fencing actions—such as lunges, fleches, counterattacks, and rapid directional changes—are predominantly fueled by the anaerobic pathways, particularly the ATP–PCr system and anaerobic glycolysis. These systems support high-power output and short-duration efforts typical of competitive exchanges. In contrast, the aerobic energy system becomes more influential during recovery intervals and across repeated rounds within a tournament. It assists in clearing lactate, replenishing phosphocreatine stores, and sustaining the athlete’s ability to perform multiple bouts over extended durations. This dual reliance highlights the complex physiological nature of fencing, which requires athletes to rapidly shift between intense anaerobic bursts and sustained aerobic support. Overall, the findings emphasize that optimal conditioning for fencers should incorporate a balanced combination of anaerobic power development, speed endurance training, and aerobic capacity enhancement. Such an integrated approach not only improves immediate bout performance but also ensures better recovery, tactical consistency, and resilience during prolonged competition schedules.

Syphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, which can progress to neurosyphilis when it affects the central nervous system. Recently, the role of the human microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the body has gained attention in understanding the pathogenesis of syphilis. The genital microbiota, particularly those dominated by Lactobacillus, help maintain mucosal balance and protect against infection. Imbalance in the microbiota, or dysbiosis, such as a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in anaerobic bacteria like Prevotella and Gardnerella, has been shown to raise the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and syphilis. In women, Lactobacillus maintains an acidic vaginal pH and suppresses inflammation, while the dominance of anaerobic bacteria can trigger proinflammatory cytokine production that promotes pathogen colonization. In men, a penile microbiota rich in anaerobes has also been linked to a higher risk of infection. Recent studies suggest that alterations in the gut microbiota may contribute to the progression of neurosyphilis, with increased Akkermansia levels associated with immune activation and inflammation. The complex interaction between the microbiome, immune system, and T. pallidum influences disease progression and treatment response. A deeper understanding of this relationship may lead to new strategies for preventing and managing syphilis..