Incidence of resistance to ALS and ACCase inhibitors in Echinochloa species and soil microbial composition in Northern Italy.

The increasing amount of weeds surviving herbicide represents a very serious problem for crop management. The interaction between microbial community of soil and herbicide resistance, along with the potential evolutive consequences, are still poorly known and need to be investigated to better understand the impact on agricultural management. In our study, we analyzed the microbial composition of soils in 32 farms, located in the Northern Italy rice-growing area (Lombardy) with the aim to evaluate the relationship between the microbial composition and the incidence of resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibiting herbicides in Echinochloa species. We observed that the coverage of weeds survived herbicide treatment was higher than 60% in paddy fields with a low microbial biodiversity and less than 5% in those with a high microbial biodiversity. Fungal communities showed a greater reduction in richness than Bacteria. In soils with a reduced microbial diversity, a significant increase of some bacterial and fungal orders (i.e. Lactobacillales, Malasseziales and Diaporthales) was observed. Interestingly, we identified two different microbial profiles linked to the two conditions: high incidence of herbicide resistance (H-HeR) and low incidence of herbicide resistance (L-HeR). Overall, the results we obtained allow us to make hypotheses on the greater or lesser probability of herbicide resistance occurrence based on the composition of the soil microbiome and especially on the degree of biodiversity of the microbial communities.

Enhancement of soil aggregation and physical properties through fungal amendments under varying moisture conditions.

Soil structure and aggregation are crucial for soil functionality, particularly under drought conditions. Saprobic soil fungi, known for their resilience in low moisture conditions, are recognized for their influence on soil aggregate dynamics. In this study, we explored the potential of fungal amendments to enhance soil aggregation and hydrological properties across different moisture regimes. We used a selection of 29 fungal isolates, recovered from soils treated under drought conditions and varying in colony density and growth rate, for single-strain inoculation into sterilized soil microcosms under either low or high moisture (≤-0.96 and -0.03 MPa, respectively). After 8 weeks, we assessed soil aggregate formation and stability, along with soil properties such as soil water content, water hydrophobicity, sorptivity, total fungal biomass and water potential. Our findings indicate that fungal inoculation altered soil hydrological properties and improved soil aggregation, with effects varying based on the fungal strains and soil moisture levels. We found a positive correlation between fungal biomass and enhanced soil aggregate formation and stabilization, achieved by connecting soil particles via hyphae and modifying soil aggregate sorptivity. The improvement in soil water potential was observed only when the initial moisture level was not critical for fungal activity. Overall, our results highlight the potential of using fungal inoculation to improve the structure of agricultural soil under drought conditions, thereby introducing new possibilities for soil management in the context of climate change.

The CRZ1 transcription factor in plant fungi: regulation mechanism and impact on pathogenesis.

Calcium (Ca2+) is a universal signaling molecule that is tightly regulated, and a fleeting elevation in cytosolic concentration triggers a signal cascade within the cell, which is crucial for several processes such as growth, tolerance to stress conditions, and virulence in fungi. The link between calcium and calcium-dependent gene regulation in cells relies on the transcription factor Calcineurin-Responsive Zinc finger 1 (CRZ1). The direct regulation of approximately 300 genes in different stress pathways makes it a hot topic in host-pathogen interactions. Notably, CRZ1 can modulate several pathways and orchestrate cellular responses to different types of environmental insults such as osmotic stress, oxidative stress, and membrane disruptors. It is our belief that CRZ1 provides the means for tightly modulating and synchronizing several pathways allowing pathogenic fungi to install into the apoplast and eventually penetrate plant cells (i.e., ROS, antimicrobials, and quick pH variation). This review discusses the structure, function, regulation of CRZ1 in fungal physiology and its role in plant pathogen virulence.

Fungal fermentation of Fuzhuan brick tea: A comprehensive evaluation of sensory properties using chemometrics, visible near-infrared spectroscopy, and electronic nose.

Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT) fungal fermentation is a key factor in achieving its unique dark color, aroma, and taste. Therefore, it is essential to develop a rapid and reliable method that could assess its quality during FBT fermentation process. This study focused on using electronic nose (e-nose) and spectroscopy combination with sensory evaluations and physicochemical measurements for building machine learning (ML) models of FBT. The results showed that the fused data achieved 100 % accuracy in classifying the FBT fermentation process. The SPA-MLR method was the best prediction model for FBT quality (R2 = 0.95, RMSEP = 0.07, RPD = 4.23), and the fermentation process was visualized. Where, it was effectively detecting the degree of fermentation relationship with the quality characteristics. In conclusion, the current study's novelty comes from the established real-time method that could sensitively detect the unique post-fermentation quality components based on the integration of spectral, and e-nose and ML approaches.

Dynamics and drivers of fungal communities in a multipartite ant-plant association.

BACKGROUND: Fungi and ants belong to the most important organisms in terrestrial ecosystems on Earth. In nutrient-poor niches of tropical rainforests, they have developed steady ecological relationships as a successful survival strategy. In tropical ant-plant mutualisms worldwide, where resident ants provide the host plants with defense and nutrients in exchange for shelter and food, fungi are regularly found in the ant nesting space, inhabiting ant-made dark-colored piles ("patches"). Unlike the extensively investigated fungus-growing insects, where the fungi serve as the primary food source, the purpose of this ant-fungi association is less clear. To decipher the roles of fungi in these structures within ant nests, it is crucial to first understand the dynamics and drivers that influence fungal patch communities during ant colony development. RESULTS: In this study, we investigated how the ant colony age and the ant-plant species affect the fungal community in the patches. As model we selected one of the most common mutualisms in the Tropics of America, the Azteca-Cecropia complex. By amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region, we analyzed the patch fungal communities of 93 Azteca spp. colonies inhabiting Cecropia spp. trees. Our study demonstrates that the fungal diversity in patches increases as the ant colony grows and that a change in the prevalent fungal taxa occurs between initial and established patches. In addition, the ant species significantly influences the composition of the fungal community in established ant colonies, rather than the host plant species. CONCLUSIONS: The fungal patch communities become more complex as the ant colony develops, due to an acquisition of fungi from the environment and a substrate diversification. Our results suggest a successional progression of the fungal communities in the patches during ant colony growth and place the ant colony as the main driver shaping such communities. The findings of this study demonstrate the unexpectedly complex nature of ant-plant mutualisms in tropical regions at a micro scale.

Responses of soil and rhizosphere microbial communities to Cd-hyperaccumulating willows and Cd contamination.

BACKGROUND: The pollution of soil by heavy metals, particularly Cd, is constitutes a critical international environmental concern. Willow species are renowned for their efficacy in the phytoremediation of heavy metals owing to their high Cd absorption rate and rapid growth. However, the mechanisms underlying microbial regulation for high- and low-accumulating willow species remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the responses of soil and rhizosphere microbial communities to high- and low-Cd-accumulating willows and Cd contamination. We analyzed soil properties were analyzed in bulk soil (SM) and rhizosphere soil (RM) planted with high-accumulating (H) and low-accumulating (L) willow species. RESULTS: Rhizosphere soil for different willow species had more NH4+ than that of bulk soil, and RM-H soil had more than RM-L had. The available phosphorus content was greater in hyper-accumulated species than it was in lower-accumulated species, especially in RM-H. Genome sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities showed that RM-L exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, whereas RM-H displayed the greatest richness than the other groups. SM-L exhibited the highest diversity and richness of fungal communities. Ralstonia emerged as the predominant bacterium in RM-H, whereas Basidiomycota and Cercozoa were the most enriched fungi in SM-H. Annotation of the N and C metabolism pathways revealed differential patterns: expression levels of NRT2, NarB, nirA, nirD, nrfA, and nosZ were highest in RM-H, demonstrating the effects of NO3-and N on the high accumulation of Cd in RM-H. The annotated genes associated with C metabolism indicated a preference for the tricarboxylic pathway in RM-H, whereas the hydroxypropionate-hydroxybutyrate cycle was implicated in C sequestration in SM-L. CONCLUSIONS: These contribute to elucidation of the mechanism underlying high Cd accumulation in willows, particularly in respect of the roles of microbes and N and C utilization. This will provide valuable insights for repairing polluted soil using N and employing organic acids to improve heavy metal remediation efficiency.

Marine seaweed endophytic fungi-derived active metabolites promote reactive oxygen species-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Endophytic fungi have an abundant sources rich source of rich bioactive molecules with pivotal pharmacological properties. Several studies have found that endophytic fungi-derived bioactive secondary metabolites have antiproliferative, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, but the molecular mechanism by which they induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathways is unknown. This study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer property of the endophytic fungi derived active secondary metabolites on human breast cancer cells. METHODS: In this study, we identified four endophytic fungi from marine seaweeds and partially screened its phytochemical properties by Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Moreover, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer property of these active secondary metabolites (FA, FB, FC and FE) on human breast cancer cells were examined on MCF-7 cells by TT assay, Apoptotic assay by Acridine orang/Ethidium Bromide (Dual Staining), DNA Fragmentation by DAPI Staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination by DCFH-DA assay, Cell cycle analysis was conducted Flow cytometry and the apoptotic signalling pathway was evaluated by westernblot analysis. Doxorubicin was used as a positive control drug for this experiment. RESULTS: The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungi from the marine macro-algae revealed the different functional groups and bioactive secondary metabolites. From the library, we observed the FC (76%), FB (75%), FA (73%) and FE (71%) have high level of antioxidant activity which was assessed by DPPH scavenging assay. Further, we evaluated the cytotoxic potentials of these secondary metabolites on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells for 24 h and the IC50 value were calculated (FA:28.62 ± 0.3 µg/ml, FB:49.81 ± 2.5 µg/ml, FC:139.42 ± µg/ml and FE:22.47 ± 0.5 µg/ul) along with positive control Doxorubicin 15.64 ± 0.8 µg/ml respectively by MTT assay. The molecular mechanism by which the four active compound induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells was determined H2DCFDA staining, DAPI staining, Acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) dual staining, flowcytometry analysis with PI staining and apoptotic key regulatory proteins expression levels measured by westernblot analysis. CONCLUSION: Our findings, revealed the anticancer potential of endophytic fungi from marine seaweed as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with anticancer properties and underscore the significance of exploring marine-derived endophytic fungi as a promising avenue for the development of novel anticancer agents. Further investigations are necessary to isolate and characterize specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and to validate their therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical settings.

Microbial extracellular vesicles contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

With the escalating global antimicrobial resistance crisis, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies against drug-resistant microbes. Accumulating evidence indicates microbial extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, comprehensively elucidating the roles and mechanisms of microbial EVs in conferring resistance could provide new perspectives and avenues for novel antimicrobial approaches. In this review, we systematically examine current research on antimicrobial resistance involving bacterial, fungal, and parasitic EVs, delineating the mechanisms whereby microbial EVs promote resistance. Finally, we discuss the application of bacterial EVs in antimicrobial therapy.

Clinical Situation, Species Distribution, and Antibiotic Resistance of Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi in 626 Cases of Vulvovaginitis in Hangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Female vulvovaginitis was one of the most common gynecological diseases. It had a great negative impact on their work and quality of life. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical and laboratory data of patients with vulvovaginitis in Hangzhou, China. To analyze the clinical situation, species distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogenic fungi and bacteria in 626 cases of vulvovaginitis in Hangzhou. Microorganism culture, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing were conducted. The study aimed to provide a theoretical value for an effective treatment of vulvovaginitis. METHODS: In total, 626 outpatients and inpatients diagnosed with vulvovaginitis were selected from January 2018 to January 2023. Data of all the patients were collected from the hospital's electronic medical records. Vaginal secretion was collected for testing and SPSS 25.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 626 strains of fungi, Gram-positive, and -negative bacteria were detected. Clinical situations of patients infected with the top five pathogenic fungi and bacteria were analyzed. Pathogenic fungi and bacteria were slightly different in each age group and in each onset time group. The results of antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the resistance rates of itraconazole and fluconazole were high and Gram- negative and -positive bacteria were multidrug resistant. Gram-negative bacteria were more sensitive to carbenicillins and compound antibiotics, while Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to rifampicin and daptomycin. MRSA and non vancomycin-resistant strains were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Fungi and bacteria were usually detected as pathogenes in patients with vulvovaginitis in Hangzhou. Some factors, such as age and onset time, often affected the incidence. Pathogenic fungi and bacteria were resistant to some common antibiotics, and clinical treatments should be carried out in a timely and reasonable manner according to the results of antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Analysis of Salt Stress on Soil Microbial Community Composition and Its Correlation with Active Components in the Rhizosphere of Acanthopanax senticosus.

Salt stress can adversely affect plant seed germination, growth and development, and eventually lead to slow growth and even death of plants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4 stress on the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, rhizosphere microbial community and seven active components (L-phenylalanine, Protocatechuic acid, Eleutheroside B, Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Eleutheroside E, Isofraxidin) of Acanthopanax senticosus rhizosphere soil. Statistical analysis was used to explore the correlation between the rhizosphere ecological factors of Acanthopanax senticosus and its active components. Compared with Acanthopanax senticosus under NaCl stress, Na2SO4 generally had a greater effect on Acanthopanax senticosus, which reduced the richness of fungi in rhizosphere soil and adversely affected the content of multiple active components. Pearson analysis showed that pH, organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, catalase and urease were significantly correlated with active components such as Caffeic acid and Isofraxidin. There were 11 known bacterial genera, 12 unknown bacterial genera, 9 known fungal genera and 1 unknown fungal genus significantly associated with the active ingredient. Salt stress had great changes in the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities and microorganisms of the rhizosphere soil of Acanthopanax senticosus. In conclusion, different types and concentrations of salts had different effects on Acanthopanax senticosus, and the active components of Acanthopanax senticosus were regulated by rhizosphere soil ecological factors.

How do phytophagous insects affect phyllosphere fungi? Tracking fungi from milkweed to monarch caterpillar frass reveals communities dominated by fungal yeast.

Since a significant proportion of plant matter is consumed by herbivores, a necessary adaptation for many phyllosphere microbes could be to survive through the guts of herbivores. While many studies explore the gut microbiome of herbivores by surveying the microbiome in their frass, few studies compare the phyllosphere microbiome to the gut microbiome of herbivores. High-throughput metabarcode sequencing was used to track the fungal community from milkweed (Asclepias spp.) leaves to monarch caterpillar frass. The most commonly identified fungal taxa that dominated the caterpillar frass after the consumption of leaves were yeasts, mostly belonging to the Basidiomycota phylum. While most fungal communities underwent significant bottlenecks and some yeast taxa increased in relative abundance, a consistent directional change in community structure was not identified from leaf to caterpillar frass. These results suggest that some phyllosphere fungi, especially diverse yeasts, can survive herbivory, but whether herbivory is a key stage of their life cycle remains uncertain. For exploring phyllosphere fungi and the potential coprophilous lifestyles of endophytic and epiphytic fungi, methods that target yeast and Basidiomycota fungi are recommended.

Fungal diversity in sediments of the eastern tropical Pacific oxygen minimum zone revealed by metabarcoding.

Oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) represent ~8% of the ocean, with the Pacific as the largest and top expanding area. These regions influence marine ecosystems, promoting anaerobic microbial communities. Nevertheless, only a fraction of microbial diversity has been studied, with fungi being the less explored component. So, herein we analyzed fungal diversity patterns in surface and subsurface sediments along a bathymetric transect using metabarcoding of the ITS1 region in the OMZ of the Mexican Pacific off Mazatlán. We identified 353 amplicon sequence variants (ASV), within the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Rozellomycota. Spatial patterns evidenced higher alpha diversity in nearshore and subsurface subsamples, probably due to temporal fluctuations in organic matter inputs. Small-scale heterogeneity characterized the community with the majority of ASV (269 ASV) occurring in a single subsample, hinting at the influence of local biogeochemical conditions. This baseline data evidenced a remarkable fungal diversity presenting high variation along a bathymetric and vertical transects.

Investigation of Fungal Community Structure in the Gut of the Stag Beetle Dorcus hopei (Coleoptera; Lucanidae): Comparisons Among Developmental Stages.

Stag beetles, recognized as common saproxylic insects, are valued for their vibrant coloration and distinctive morphology. These beetles play a crucial ecological role in decomposition and nutrient cycling, serving as a vital functional component in ecosystem functioning. Although previous studies have confirmed that stag beetles are predominantly fungivores, the fluctuations in their intestinal fungal communities at different developmental stages remain poorly understood. In the current study, high-throughput sequencing was employed to investigate the dynamic changes within intestinal fungal communities at various developmental stages in the stag beetle Dorcus hopei. Results showed that microbial diversity was higher during the larval stage than during the pupal and adult stages. Furthermore, significant differences were identified in the composition of the intestinal fungal communities across the larval, pupal, and adult stages, suggesting that developmental transitions may be crucial factors contributing to variations in fungal community composition and diversity. Dominant genera included Candida, Scheffersomyces, Phaeoacremonium, and Trichosporon. Functional predictions indicated a greater diversity and relative abundance of endosymbiotic fungi in the larval gut, suggesting a potential dependency of larvae on beneficial gut fungi for nutrient acquisition. Additionally, the application of abundance-based ß-null deviation and niche width analyses revealed that the adult gut exerted a stronger selection pressure on its fungal community, favoring certain taxa. This selection process culminates in a more robust co-occurrence network of fungal communities within the adult gut, thereby enhancing their adaptability to environmental fluctuations. This study advances our understanding of the intestinal fungal community structure in stag beetles, providing a crucial theoretical foundation for the development of saproxylic beetle resources, biomass energy utilization, plastic degradation strategies, and beetle conservation efforts.

Evaluation of pretreatment methods for filamentous fungal detection.

In order to obtain the best mass spectrometry identification results for using the most appropriate methods in clinical practice, we explore the optimal pretreatment methods for different species and morphologies of filamentous fungi. 98 fungal strains were treated with formic acid sandwich method, dispersion method, extraction method, and other methods using a medium element mass spectrometer (EXS3000) as a platform. Each strain had three targets, and the identification rates and confidence differences under different pre-treatment methods were compared to evaluate the identification effects of these methods. The mass spectrometry identification rates of 98 filamentous fungi obtained after pre-treatment with formic acid sandwich method, dispersion method, and extraction method were 85.71%, 82.65%, and 75.51%, respectively. The identification rate of the formic acid sandwich method was significantly higher than the other two methods (P < 0 005) has the best identification ability and the obtained confidence is also higher than the other two methods. The use of formic acid sandwich method for mass spectrometry identification of filamentous fungi can achieve ideal identification results, which is suitable for mass spectrometry identification of filamentous fungi in conventional laboratories.

Modulation of Campylobacter jejuni adhesion to biotic model surfaces by fungal lectins and protease inhibitors.

Campylobacter jejuni, a Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide. Its adhesion mechanism is mediated by several bacterial factors, including flagellum, protein adhesins, lipooligosaccharides, proteases, and host factors, such as surface glycans on epithelial cells and mucins. Fungal lectins, specialized carbohydrate-binding proteins, can bind to specific glycans on host and bacterial cells and thus influence pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of fungal lectins and protease inhibitors on the adhesion of C. jejuni to model biotic surfaces (mucin, fibronectin, and collagen) and Caco-2 cells as well as the invasion of Caco-2 cells. The lectins Marasmius oreades agglutinin (MOA) and Laccaria bicolor tectonin 2 (Tec2) showed remarkable efficacy in all experiments. In addition, different pre-incubations of lectins with C. jejuni or Caco-2 cells significantly inhibited the ability of C. jejuni to adhere to and invade Caco-2 cells, but to varying degrees. Pre-incubation of Caco-2 cells with selected lectins reduced the number of invasive C. jejuni cells the most, while simultaneous incubation showed the greatest reduction in adherent C. jejuni cells. These results suggest that fungal lectins are a promising tool for the prevention and treatment of C. jejuni infections. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of fungi as a rich reservoir for novel anti-adhesive agents.

The quantitative molecular weight-antimicrobial activity relationship for chitosan polymers, oligomers, and derivatives.

Chitosan and chitosan derivatives can kill pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial activity is dependent on the degree of acetylation, substituent structure, and molecular weight. Over the past four decades, numerous studies have endeavored to elucidate the relationship between molecular weight and the activity against microorganisms. However, investigators have reported divergent and, at times, conflicting conclusions. Here a bilinear equation is proposed, delineating the relationship between antimicrobial activity, defined as log (1/MIC), and the molecular weight of chitosan and chitosan derivatives. Three constants AMin, AMax, and CMW govern the shape of the curve determined by the equation. The constant AMin denotes the minimal activity expected as the molecular weight tends towards zero while AMax represents the maximal activity observed for molecular weights exceeding CMW, the critical molecular weight required for max activity. This equation was applied to analyze data from seven studies conducted between 1984 and 2019, which reported MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values against bacteria and fungi for various molecular weights of chitosan and its derivatives. All the 29 datasets exhibited a good fit (R2 ≥ 0.5) and half excellent (R2 ≥ 0.95) fit to the equation. The CMW generally ranged from 4 to 10 KD for datasets with an excellent fit to the equation.

Deciphering mycobiota and its functional dynamics in root hairs of Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don through Next-gen sequencing.

The Himalayas provide unique opportunities for the extension of shrubs beyond the upper limit of the tree. However, little is known about the limitation of the biotic factors belowground of shrub growth at these cruising altitudes. To fill this gap, the present study deals with the documentation of root-associated microbiota with their predicted functional profiles and interactions in the host Rhododendron campanulatum, a krummholz species. While processing 12 root samples of R. campanulatum from the sites using Omics we could identify 134 root-associated fungal species belonging to 104 genera, 74 families, 39 orders, 17 classes, and 5 phyla. The root-associated microbiota members of Ascomycota were unambiguously dominant followed by Basidiomycota. Using FUNGuild, we reported that symbiotroph and pathotroph as abundant trophic modes. Furthermore, FUNGuild revealed the dominant prevalence of the saptroptroph guild followed by plant pathogens and wood saprotrophs. Alpha diversity was significantly different at the sites. The heatmap dendrogram showed the correlation between various soil nutrients and some fungal species. The study paves the way for a more in-depth exploration of unidentified root fungal symbionts, their interactions and their probable functional roles, which may serve as an important factor for the growth and conservation of these high-altitude ericaceous plants.

[Diagnosis of allergen components in fungi and microbial communities: patient sensitization characteristics and main sensitizing proteins].

The human body, as a highly complex ecosystem, harbors diverse microbial communities, with major factors triggering allergic reactions encompassing the skin microbiome and fungi. The global diversity of fungi is estimated to range from approximately 600 000 to 1 million species, and theoretically, IgE-mediated sensitization may occur to any fungal species. As of now, the World Health Organization/IUIS official database records 113 fungal allergens originating from 30 different fungi species, covering 42 allergen families. Regarding the skin microbiome, 14 distinct Malassezia allergens have been identified, all derived from three different Malassezia fungi species--M. furfur, M. sympodialis, and M. globosa. The conditions of patients with these allergies are exceptionally complex. This article extensively discusses the latest research advancements and clinical applications related to skin microbiome and fungal allergies from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) publication, "Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0". Additionally, it compiles information on the sources of fungal allergens, characteristics of allergen component protein families, clinical relevance, and management strategies, both domestically and internationally. The aim is to enhance the profound understanding of allergen components among relevant professionals. Through the application of advanced allergen component diagnostic techniques, the goal is to achieve precise diagnosis and treatment of fungal allergy patients and explore the mechanisms underlying fungal sensitization and pathogenesis, laying the foundation for studying the fungal allergen protein sensitization spectrum in the Chinese population.

Microbial dynamics and climatic interactions in pig sheds: Insights into airborne microbes and particulate matter concentrations.

Emissions of airborne pollutants from livestock buildings affect indoor air quality, the health and well-being of farmers, animals and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial count within pig sheds and its relationship with meteorological variables (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and microbial diversity. Sampling was conducted both inside and outside of two pig sheds over three seasons (summer, rainy and winter), with regular monitoring at fortnightly intervals. Results showed that the bacterial and fungal counts ranged from 0.07 to 3.98 x 103 cfu/m3 inside the sheds and 0.01 to 1.82 x 103 cfu/m3 outside. Seasonal variations were observed, with higher concentrations of particulate matter detected during the winter season, followed by summer. Climatic variables such as temperature, air velocity and relative humidity demonstrated significant impacts on the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and fungi, while air velocity specifically influenced the presence of mesophilic bacteria and staphylococci. Importantly, no significant disparities were found between microbial counts and particulate matter levels. Staphylococcaceae emerged as the predominant bacterial family, while Aspergillus and Cladosporium spp. were the dominant fungal species within the pig sheds. The average levels of airborne bacteria and fungi in pig sheds were found to be within the recommended range, which can be attributed to the loose housing design and lower animal population on the farms.

Microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Edible oils are imported and produced in Ethiopia, notably in Gondar, and their production has expanded considerably in recent years. The expansion of locally produced edible vegetable oils with severe quality control, substandard edible oil production, and quality deterioration may contribute to the contamination of microbes, which may cause public health problems. This study determines the microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils being produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2021. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to July 2021 in Gondar City. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect 17 edible vegetable oil samples. Aseptically collected samples were analyzed in the microbiology lab room. The microbiological quality of vegetable oil was assessed using standard microbiological procedures and techniques. The collected data were entered into a Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and Stata Version 14. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess significant variation. Seventeen edible vegetable oil samples were examined and found to contain a varying number of bacteria, yeast, and molds. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the identified bacteria, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the identified fungi. Total coliform and fecal coliform isolates were also identified in the oil samples. A level of microbial contamination that has public health importance was observed in some of the oil samples analyzed, and the isolated microorganisms indicate unhygienic handling, processing, and storage practices in the oil production and market sites. The introduction of strict rules, regulations, and updated manufacturing technologies and processes to ensure food safety and quality is needed.