High Diversity Research Articles

Unveiling new fungal discoveries in Yunnan Province, China

Fungal taxa can be found almost anywhere and China is recognized as one of the most diverse regions globally. Within Asia, China leads major fungal hotspot studies, with Yunnan Province noted for its high plant and fungal diversity compared to other regions in the country. The Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is a leading research institute with a botanical garden focused on the taxonomy and phylogeny of plants, fungi, lichen, and related projects. This study introduces new and known taxa from KIB collections based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and multigene phylogenetic analyses were used to identify four taxa within the class Dothideomycetes (Pleosporales). This includes a new genus (Paracrassiperidium), a new species (P. fusiforme), and two previously known species (Chaetopyrena penicillata and Pseudokeissleriella bambusicola). The new genus is characterized by dome-shaped, semi-immersed to immersed ascomata with a thick-walled peridium, a hamathecium composed of branched pseudoparaphyses, cylindrical to cylindric-clavate pedicellate asci with a well-developed ocular chamber, and fusiform, hyaline to light brown, septate ascospores.

Redescription and validity of Formosania gilberti Oshima, 1919 (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae), an endemic hillstream loach from Taiwan

For over a century, only one species of Formosania has been recognised in Taiwanese waters. However, through the use of mitogenomic analyses and the identification of morphological differences, an endemic balitorid loach was revalidated and redescribed based on specimens herein of northern Taiwan. Formosania gilberti Oshima, 1919 was previously mistreated as a junior synonym of F. lacustris (Steindachner, 1908), but the two can be clearly differentiated by their vertebral counts (26+11 vs. 26+12) and body marking patterns (intensely mottled with vermicular markings vs. cloud-like blotches or brown and blotchless). Furthermore, mitogenomic analyses also showed high intra-specific diversity among Formosania loaches in Taiwan, which not only supports F. gilberti as a valid species but also hints the presence of a species complex distributed in western Taiwan.

Macrophyte banks and fish early stages in a cascade of small hydropower reservoirs (south-eastern Brazil): temporal changes along the reproductive cycle and influence of the limnological and spatial organisation

Context Small hydroelectric power plants (SHPs) are worldwide-distributed infrastructures, the ecological impacts of which are still poorly known. Aim To evaluate the role of littoral macrophytes as nursery areas for fishes in a cascade of three SHP reservoirs in south-eastern Brazil. Methods Three random macrophyte banks, from the intermediate and lentic compartments of each reservoir, were sampled (with manual sieves and gillnets) monthly along the peak of the reproductive period. Basic limnological variables were simultaneously measured. Key results In all, 88 larvae and 393 juveniles were captured, corresponding to 29 taxa, constituting almost 30% of the regional pool of fishes in the river. Non-migrants and short-distance migrants (with or without parental care) predominated. The species accumulation curve tended to an asymptotic configuration (whole dataset sampling effort). Fish abundance differed, mainly temporally, and, at a lower degree, spatially. Higher diversity (rarefaction and extrapolation curves) occurred both at the beginning of the reproductive peak and in the first (upstream) reservoir, where there was also a good correspondence between observed and estimated richness, i.e. 90%. Conclusions The macrophyte banks in these SHP reservoirs are effectively used as nursery areas. Implications Results have provided important insights for actions of conservation and management of the local and regional ichthyofauna, in a condition where typical nursery areas do not exist.

Regular Family Meals Associated with Nutritional Status, Food Consumption, and Sedentary and Eating Behaviors of Brazilian Schoolchildren and Their Caregivers

The influence of family meals on nutrition and health for families has been understudied, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to analyze associations between regular family meals and body mass index (BMI), food consumption, eating, and sedentary behaviors among Brazilian schoolchildren and their caregivers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1887 Brazilian schoolchildren aged 6–11 years and their caregivers. Caregivers provided sociodemographic data, their child’s weight and height, and the frequency of family meals. Schoolchildren provided data on gender and silhouette scale. Both provided their food consumption, eating, and sedentary behavior data. Associations between regular family meals and BMI, ultra-processed food consumption, and dietary diversity were assessed through multivariate logistic regression models. Correlations of regular family meals with eating and sedentary behaviors were assessed using Pearson chi-square. Regular family meals were frequent (86.6%), and they were associated with less unhealthy BMI in caregivers (AOR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.5–0.9), as well as higher dietary diversity in caregivers (AOR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.0–2.7) and in schoolchildren (AOR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.4–2.3). The coexistence of high dietary diversity and both low ultra-processed food consumption (AOR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.0–2.1) and healthy BMI (AOR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.0–1.9) in children was associated with regular family meals. Regular family meals were correlated with healthy eating behaviors in child-caregiver dyads (p < 0.002) and with sedentary behavior in caregivers (p = 0.019). Our findings underscore regular family meals as a protective factor against malnutrition among Brazilian families.

The impact of export diversification on business startups in Africa

This paper aims to examine the impact of export diversification on business formation in Africa. The study used a panel dataset comprising 10 African countries (Algeria, Gabon, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia) observed annually from 2008 to 2018. The model was estimated using an instrumental variable regression approach within a count data framework and the difference-in-difference method. Main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) export diversification facilitates the formation of new businesses in the sampled countries, (ii) the odds of a business start-up increase by 1.7 – 3.5 times in response to a percentage point increase in export diversification, and finally (iii) business start-ups are at least 95 percent higher in countries with high export diversification compared to countries with narrow export baskets. These findings emphasize the need for policies aimed at moving away from concentrated export baskets towards more diversified ones to leverage entrepreneurial effort in the selected African countries.

Genetic homogeneity in soldier crab Mictyris guinotae populations across their geographic distribution in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan

ABSTRACT The Japanese Archipelago comprises a chain of islands; therefore, gaps between islands can represent potential dispersal barriers for coastal species, especially those inhabiting tidal flats. This study investigates the population genetic structure of the soldier crab Mictyris guinotae (Brachyura: Thoracotremata: Mictyridae) using mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Specimens were collected from Tanegashima Island and five Ryukyu Islands, covering the species’ known geographic distribution. Although the Mantel test identified a moderate trend (r2 = 0.41, P < 0.01) for isolation by distance, all populations exhibited high haplotype and nucleotide diversities, with neither analysis of molecular variance nor ΦST detecting genetic differences among populations. Notably, the northernmost population (Tanegashima Island), approximately 260 km from the nearest known geographic distribution on Amami-Oshima Island, shared haplotypes with other populations, although the number of specimens from Tanegashima Island is only four due to its small population size. This absence of genetic differences among populations of M. guinotae differs from other intertidal organisms in the region examined in previous studies. Mismatch distributions suggest contrasting demographic history in M. guinotae and the sand bubbler crab Scopimera ryukyuensis, which has been revealed to show population genetic structuring despite its similar geographic distribution to M. guinotae. The present study provides another case of genetic diversity among intertidal organisms in the Ryukyu Islands.

Discovery, Biomanufacture, and Derivatization of Licorice Triterpenoids.

Triterpenoids are the major active constituents of licorice, a well-known traditional medicinal herb. Licorice triterpenoids, represented by glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid, have a high structural diversity and are excellent lead compounds for the development of potent pharmaceuticals. However, their further application can be limited by insufficient activities, low bioavailability, and the presence of side effects, as well as the inefficiency of traditional plant extraction processes for compound production. To address these issues, researchers are focusing on rare triterpenoid components in the genus Glycyrrhiza and developing derivatives to preserve or enhance the original physiological activities with improved bioavailability and reduced side effects. At the same time, synthetic biology offers opportunities to shorten the production cycle, create eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and reduce the cost of producing licorice triterpenoids. Although much progress has been achieved in this field in recent years, there is still a lack of a comprehensive review to summarize the overall characteristics of licorice triterpenoids rather than glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid. Based on this, our review comprehensively outlines the structures, origins, and pharmacological activities of licorice triterpenoids and predicts their pharmacological activities using the drugCIPHER algorithm. Furthermore, this paper reviews the advances and strategies for the biomanufacturing of licorice triterpenoids using synthetic biology methods and outlines the perspectives and structure-activity relationships for the derivatization of licorice triterpenoids. This review provides new insights into the discovery and synthesis of pharmaceuticals derived from natural triterpenes.

A Gravity-Driven Membrane Bioreactor in Treating Real Fruit Juice Wastewater: Response Relationship Between Filtration Behavior and Microbial Community Evolution

The issue of environmental pollution caused by wastewater discharge from fruit juice production has attracted increasing attention. However, the cost-effectiveness of conventional treatment technology remains insufficient. In this study, a gravity-driven membrane bioreactor (GDMBR) was developed to treat real fruit juice wastewater from secondary sedimentation at pressures ranging from 0.01 to 0.04 MPa without requiring backwashing or chemical cleaning, with the aim of investigating flux development and contaminant removal under low-energy conditions. The results demonstrate an initial decrease in flux followed by stabilization during long-term filtration. Moreover, the stabilized flux level achieved with the GDMBR at pressures of 0.01 and 0.02 MPa was observed to surpass that obtained at 0.04 MPa, ranging from 4 to 4.5 L/m−2 h−1. The stability of flux was positively associated with the low membrane fouling resistance observed in the GDMBR system. Additionally, the GDMBR system provided remarkable efficiencies in removing the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN), with average removal rates of 82%, 80%, 83%, and 79%, respectively. The high biological activity and microbial community diversity within the sludge and biofilm are expected to enhance its biodegradation potential, thereby contributing to the efficient removal of contaminants. Notably, a portion of total phosphorus (TP) can be effectively retained in the reactor, which highlighted the promising application of the GDMBR process for actual fruit juice wastewater based on these findings.

New Insights on the Diversity, Ecology and Genetic Population Structure of Anisakis spp. from Fish and Cetacean Hosts from Northeast Atlantic Waters

In the last 25 years, nematode parasites of the genus Anisakis have attracted international attention from various socio-economic sectors, with serious concern about the impact of these parasites on seafood quality and safety, and public health (related to both zoonoses and allergy). A knowledge-based understanding of the population structure of Anisakis spp. is useful to provide valuable data about the infection dynamics, host specificity and its ability to adapt to local environments and to climate change by adapting to the food-web structure. This study first aimed to investigate the taxonomic biodiversity of Anisakis spp. collected from commercial fish and cetacean species from the most significant Northeast Atlantic fishing grounds and evaluate the ecological connections of A. simplex and A. pegreffii (L3 and adults) in cetaceans and fish from NW Spain, through the analysis of their genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 1399 Anisakis spp. L3 larvae from six fish species and 475 adults from six cetacean species were identified using the ITS rDNA region as a molecular marker. Molecular identification allowed for the first detection of A. berlandi in European waters parasitizing the long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas and the first report of A. nascettii and A. zhiphidarum infecting the striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba, as well as the identification of A. simplex, A. pegreffii and the hybrid genotype between both species. The analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 2 gene of A. simplex and A. pegreffii, the most prevalent species in FAO area 27, revealed panmictic populations for both species with high haplotype diversity. The predatory–prey relationship involving two major fish species (European hake and blue whiting) and the common dolphin appears to provide an important mechanism for maintaining genetic diversity and structure in major Anisakis species in the NE Atlantic.

High genetic diversity, low population genetic structure, strong natal philopatry, and longevity revealed in the Black Swift (Cypseloides niger borealis)

High genetic diversity, low population genetic structure, strong natal philopatry, and longevity revealed in the Black Swift (Cypseloides niger borealis)

Enzyme Catalysis for Sustainable Value Creation Using Renewable Biobased Resources

Enzyme catalysis was traditionally used by various human cultures to create value long before its basic concepts were uncovered. This was achieved by transforming the raw materials available from natural resources into useful products. Tremendous scientific and technological progress has been made globally in understanding what constitutes an enzyme; what reactions enzymes can catalyze; and how to search, develop, apply, and improve enzymes to make desired products. The useful properties of enzymes as nature’s preferred catalysts, such as their high selectivity, diversity, and adaptability, enable their optimal function, whether in single or multiple reactions. Excellent opportunities for the resource-efficient manufacturing of compounds are provided by the actions of enzymes working in reaction cascades and pathways within the same reaction space, like molecular robots along a production line. Enzyme catalysis plays an increasingly prominent role in industrial innovation and responsible production in various areas, such as green and sustainable chemistry and industrial or white biotechnology. Sources of inspiration include current manufacturing or supply chain challenges, the treasure of natural enzymes, and opportunities to engineer tailor-made enzymes. Making the best use of the power of enzyme catalysis is essential for changing how current products are manufactured; replacing renewable biobased resources with fossil-based resources; and improving the safety, health, and environmental aspects of manufacturing processes to support cleaner and more sustainable production.

Ecological diversification in sexual and asexual lineages

The presence or absence of sex can have a strong influence on the processes whereby species arise. Yet, the mechanistic underpinnings of this influence are poorly understood. To gain insights into the mechanisms whereby the reproductive mode may influence ecological diversification, we investigate how natural selection, genetic mixing, and the reproductive mode interact and how this interaction affects the evolutionary dynamics of diversifying lineages. To do so, we analyze models of ecological diversification for sexual and asexual lineages, in which diversification is driven by intraspecific resource competition. We find that the reproductive mode strongly influences the diversification rate and, thus, the ensuing diversity of a lineage. Our results reveal that ecologically-based selection is stronger in asexual lineages because asexual organisms have a higher reproductive potential than sexual ones. This promotes faster diversification in asexual lineages. However, a small amount of genetic mixing accelerates the trait expansion process in sexual lineages, overturning the effect of ecologically-based selection alone and enabling a faster niche occupancy than asexual lineages. As a consequence, sexual lineages can occupy more ecological niches, eventually resulting in higher diversity. This suggests that sexual reproduction may be widespread among species because it increases the rate of diversification.

Effects of land cover and protected areas on flying insect diversity.

Widespread insect losses are a critical global problem. Mitigating this problem requires identifying the principal drivers across different taxa and determining which insects are covered by protected areas. However, doing so is hindered by missing information on most species owing to extremely high insect diversity and difficulties in morphological identification. To address this knowledge gap, we used one of the most comprehensive insect DNA metabarcoding data sets assembled (encompassing 31,846 flying insect species) in which data were collected from a network of 75 Malaise traps distributed across Germany. Collection sites encompass gradients of land cover, weather, and climate, along with differences in site protection status, which allowed us to gain broader insights into how insects respond to these factors. We examined changes in total insect biomass, species richness, temporal turnover, and shifts in the composition of taxa, key functional groups (pollinators, threatened species, and invasive species), and feeding traits. Lower insect biomass generally equated to lower richness of all insects and higher temporal turnover, suggesting that biomass loss translates to biodiversity loss and less stable communities. Spatial variability in insect biomass and composition was primarily driven by land cover, rather than weather or climate change. As vegetation and land-cover heterogeneity increased, insect biomass increased by 50% in 2019 and 56% in 2020 and total species richness by 58% and 33%, respectively. Similarly, areas with low-vegetation habitats exhibited the highest richness of key taxa, including pollinators and threatened species, and the widest variety of feeding traits. However, these habitats tended to be less protected despite their higher diversity. Our results highlight the value of heterogeneous low vegetation for promoting overall insect biomass and diversity and that better protection of insects requires improved protection and management of unforested areas, where many biodiversity hotspots and key taxa occur.

High tree host diversity buffers the effect of Fraxinus excelsior dieback on epiphytic bryophytes composition in the Białowieża Primeval Forest

High tree host diversity buffers the effect of Fraxinus excelsior dieback on epiphytic bryophytes composition in the Białowieża Primeval Forest

Genotyping and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of &lt;i&gt;Aspergillus flavus&lt;/i&gt; Isolated from Clinical Specimens

Background: After Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus is the second leading cause of invasive and non-invasive aspergillosis. These fungi are of significant epidemiological importance in provinces with dry and hot climates. Objectives: In the present study, antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) and genotyping of sixty-five A. flavus clinical isolates originating from patients in Mazandaran and Tehran were performed. Methods: Antifungal susceptibility testing of 65 clinical isolates of A. flavus was conducted against amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VOR), posaconazole (POS), isavuconazole (ISA), luliconazole, lanoconazole, and 5-fluorocytosine according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method (M38-A2). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for each antifungal drug against all strains. Additionally, microsatellite typing using six variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers was performed to assess the genetic diversity and potential relationships among the clinical strains. Results: Luliconazole had the lowest geometric mean MIC (0.020 μg/mL), followed by lanoconazole (0.021 μg/mL), POS (0.089 μg/mL), ISA (0.115 μg/mL), ITR (0.220 μg/mL), VOR (0.244 μg/mL), AMB (0.870 μg/mL), and 5-fluorocytosine (58.76 μg/mL). Microsatellite typing revealed sixty-five distinct sequence genotypes. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between genotypes and AFST profiles (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Luliconazole and lanoconazole demonstrated the greatest in vitro activity among all tested antifungals. However, most A. flavus strains exhibited reduced sensitivity to AMB. Microsatellite genotyping indicated no genetic similarity among the clinical strains, revealing high genetic diversity among A. flavus isolates obtained from clinical samples.

Isolation and Characterization of Effective Crude Oil Degrading Bacteria from Some Mussels Collected at Makaran Sea

Mussels are a group of beneficial marine organisms that have the ability to filter seawater so that seawater circulates inside the mussels and exits from the other side. Crude oil degrading bacteria exist in the tissue of mussels were enriched in ONR7a medium with crude oil as sole energy source. Some screening tests such as emulsification activity and bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons were used for selection the best crude oil degrading bacteria. The quantity of heterotrophic bacteria was higher than degrading bacteria. Nineteen crude oil degrading bacteria were isolated from mussel’s samples collected from Makran shorelines. Most of the isolated bacteria were Gram-negative and bacilli. G5, O4, O10 and Q2 strains were selected as the best degrading strains based on screening analysis. The results of molecular identification showed that these four strains belonged to the following genera: Alcanivorax dieseloili Strain G5, Alcanivorax xenomutans strain O10, Halomonas denitrificans strain O4 and Pseudidiomarina aquimaris strain Q2. The results of this study showed that Makaran Sea have high diversity for degrading bacteria. If these bacteria were enriched and replicated in pilot phase the crude oil pollution can be managed in the real field at Makaran Sea.

Multicomponent reactions driving the discovery and optimization of agents targeting central nervous system pathologies

The ongoing quest to discover effective treatments for diseases remains a significant challenge for the scientific community. Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have emerged as powerful tools in accelerating drug discovery, enabling the rapid generation of chemical libraries with high diversity in a time-efficient and environmentally sustainable manner. In this review, we focus on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy, where MCRs have contributed to the development of promising ligands in recent years. Rather than providing an exhaustive overview, this review aims to highlight key studies that address major CNS pathologies, relevant drug targets, and various MCR approaches. We have carefully selected representative articles and apologize to the authors whose important contributions may not be included. By concentrating on these pivotal studies, we strive to offer a clear and concise perspective on current research trends and breakthroughs in this field.

Comparative and Adaptive Analyses of the Complete Chloroplast Genome Diversity in Sium serra

Background/Objectives: Sium serra is distributed in Korea, China, and Japan. It was first identified as the genus Pimpinella and then reclassified as Sium by Kitagawa. Some Sium species are used as herbal medicine and are often confused with the similar form Ligusticum sinense. In this study, we analyzed the cp genome of S. serra and conducted comparative analyses with the cp genomes of related taxa. Methods: We extracted gDNA from fresh leaves and sequenced it using Illumina HiSeq2500. For the chloroplast genome assembly, de novo assembly was performed using Velvet v1.2.07. For the annotation, GeSeq and NCBI BLASTN were used. Afterwards, related taxa were analyzed using programs such as DnaSP and MISA. Results: S. serra was excluded from the study on the chloroplast (cp) genome in Sium because it was classified as Pimpinella in China. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the cp genome of S. serra for the first time and its location within the genus Sium. The complete cp genome of S. serra was 154,755 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeats, each 26,255 bp, a large single-copy region of 84,581 bp, and a small single-copy region of 17,664 bp. The cp genome comprised 79 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. Furthermore, six regions of high nucleotide diversity were identified in the genus Sium. In the genus Sium, 1630 repeats that can serve as markers were also identified. Eight protein-coding genes with high KA/KS values were under positive selection in the Sium. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that S. serra was positioned with high bootstrap support within the Sium of the tribe Oenantheae, specifically in the southern Palearctic subclade. Conclusions: In this study, the S. serra chloroplast genome was sequenced and assembled. The genus Sium formed a monophyletic group; however, as not all the Sium species were included in this study, further research is necessary. This study can serve as foundational data not only for Sium but also for the tribe Oenantheae.

Intraspecific variability of rice root knot nematodes across diverse agroecosystems for sustainable management

In the rice agroecosystems of Southeast Asia, rice root knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) significantly impairs yield, representing a major species within the ‘graminis-group’ known for its morphological similarities with other root knot nematodes (RKNs). This study delves into the variations in reproductive potential, morphology, morphometrics, and genetic diversity among thirty RKN populations in rice across three distinct agroecological zones in Jharkhand, India. Despite notable differences in reproductive potential among the populations, morphological and morphometric correlations to reproductive potential were inconclusive. However, male and juvenile morphometrics were crucial for identifying intraspecific variability. Genetic analysis utilizing five molecular markers (ITS, 18 S rRNA, D2-D3 of 28 S, COX-I, and COX-II) affirmed the populations as M. graminicola, with ITS marker revealing significant intraspecific variability. Phylogenetic analysis underscored the close relationship between M. oryzae and M. graminicola, distinct from other mitotic RKN species. Low genetic distance and nucleotide diversity, coupled with high haplotype diversity, negative Tajima’s D, and Fu’s Fs of haplotype network analysis, suggested that all M. graminicola populations are expanding. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies against M. graminicola, providing valuable insights for growers, extension officials, and plant breeders to develop targeted management approaches and resistance breeding programs.

Gut Microbiome modulation in patients treated with an enriched nutraceutical composition: a multi target strategy

Introduction: The contribution of gut microbiota to health and disease is now well accepted and under continuous investigation. It is the most representative in the body (about 70% of the total) with over 400 different species of microorganisms living there. It is exclusive to each individual and therefore represents a real biological imprint, capable of distinguishing humans from one another. Gut microbiota works synergically with the host, promoting health by performing protective, metabolic and structural functions. Thus, when a modification of the personal normal gut microbiota composition occurs, a predisposition to develop different diseases may increase. Probiotics are functional food that may modulate gut microbiota stimulating protective bacterial properties and inhibiting detrimental activity. We have previously reported a beneficial effect from the administration of an enriched nutraceutical composition containing probiotics in reducing irritable bowel syndrome-related symptoms and improving metabolic profile by lowering triglycerides. However, if these effects are attributed to gut microbiota remain unknown. Objective: This analysis aims at evaluating microbiota modulation in subjects before and after Triobiotix® administration using a metagenomic approach Methods: Triobiotix® is an enriched nutraceutical composition containing maltodextrin, hyaluroic acid and mineralized seaweed extract Lithothamnion Calcareum plus a mix of five different lactic bacterial species. A total of 46 subjects with availability of sample test before and after treatment were included in the present analysis selected from 265 subjects. A fecal sample was collected before and up to 90 days after the administration of Triobiotix®. Feces were analyzed by Wellmicro® gut test that uses the next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on Illumina MiSeq. Additionally, for 171 subjects a 90-day clinical evaluation was available. Results: Treatment with this enriched nutraceutical for up to 3 months resulted in a positive modulation of the main indices of improved gut microbiota, such as biodiversity and dysbiosis. Improvement on metabolic functions, such as glycemic and lipid metabolisms, as well as on immunological and anti-inflammatory activities have been described, thus indicating that the observed clinical benefits associated with the administration of this nutraceutical formulation might be also attributed to a gut microbiota modulation. Improvement in main IBS-related symptoms and bloating was maintained up to 90 days as well as microbiota diversity. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that the gut microbiota of subjects taking Triobiotix® rapidly returns to a high diversity with reduced dysbiosis after treatment with associated improvement of main physiological functions linked to brain, heart and liver. Keywords: gut microbiota; microbiome, metagenomic; Nutraceuticals