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Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a facultative anaerobe and lactic acid-producing bacterium, has been deemed a major etiological agent of dental caries. Our previous study revealed that S. mutans cultured under air-restricted conditions accelerated the development of dental caries in adult rats, compared with those grown in routinely air-unrestricted conditions. Here, we first confirmed this enhancement in a weaning rat model that mimics early childhood caries, and then further demonstrated that air restriction not only enhanced biofilm formation of S. mutans, but also upregulated gene expression in five Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with sugar uptake and metabolism, with lactose metabolism being most pronounced. Concurrently, genes involved in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA were downregulated, shifting metabolic flux toward lactic acid production. This effect was markedly amplified in the presence of lactose, implying a critical role for lactose-derived fermentation in cariogenicity. Collectively, these findings indicate that air-restricted culturing enhances the cariogenic metabolic activity of S. mutans, with lactose emerging as a significant dietary risk factor for dental caries.IMPORTANCEDental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, affecting billions of individuals globally, which poses a major burden to public oral health. A systematic understanding of environmental factors that modulate the virulence of cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of caries and informs the development of prevention strategies. Our findings demonstrate that reduced air availability dramatically enhances the cariogenicity of S. mutans in vitro and in vivo, which is mechanistically associated with metabolic reprogramming toward preferential lactose utilization. Notably, our study bridges a critical knowledge gap by elucidating how environmental air tension drives S. mutans virulence and highlights lactose metabolism as a previously overlooked risk factor, prompting reconsideration of preventive strategies for vulnerable populations.

This study designates lectotypes for 20 names of Salix from northern China: Salix bikouensis var. villosa, S. flavida, S. gordejevii, S. hsinganica, S. juparica, S. matsudana var. anshanensis, S. neomyrtillacea, S. pingliensis, S. pseudomatsudana, S. psammophila, S. qinlingica, S. qinghaiensis var. microphylla, S. raddeana var. subglabra, S. skvortsovii, S. subpyroliformis, S. sungkianica, S. tibetica, S. tschanbaischanica, S. wilhelmsiana f. ciliuensis and S. yanbianica. We hypothesise that S. babylonica is actually an ancient cultivar derived from S. matsudana and we acknowledge the taxonomic status of both names. We propose a new synonymy of Salix matsudana var. anshanensis and S. matsudana var. pseudomatsudana under S. matsudana, as well as the synonymisation of S. wilhelmsiana f. ciliuensis under S. cyanolimenaea. For each name, the taxonomic background, current status and justification for lectotype designation and taxonomic treatment are provided in detail, supported by high-resolution images of the designated lectotypes.

This study aimed to investigate the phytoremediation efficiency and underlying regulatory mechanisms of tree-shrub co-planting in soil contaminated with Pb and Cd. This study selected Salix matsudana, Koelreuteria paniculata (tree), and Buxus megistophylla, Ligustrum × vicaryi (shrub). Monoculture and co-planting treatments were implemented to evaluate their effects on plant growth, Pb and Cd accumulation. Results indicated that co-planting enhanced plant growth, increasing root biomass by 1%-12% in trees and 10%-30% in shrubs. Co-planting also increased available nutrient levels, reduced soil pH, improved Pb and Cd bioavailability, activated plant antioxidants, and facilitated metal uptake and translocation. Among these, S. matsudana and L. × vicaryi exhibited a higher comprehensive score than other treatment groups, demonstrating superior phytoremediation potential for Pb and Cd. Based on KEGG enrichment analysis, we speculated that S. matsudana facilitates Pb and Cd uptake via metabolite chelation, acidification and competition, and enhances its tolerance through "structural reinforcement-antioxidant" mechanism. Meanwhile, L. × vicaryi may improve Pb and Cd enrichment via ABC transporters and enhances tolerance through "vacuolar sequestration-antioxidation." The complementary metabolic mechanism alleviates interspecific competition and achieves synergistic enhancements in metal uptake and stress resistance, ensuring the stability and sustainability of the co-planting system. This study provides theoretical and practical references for optimizing tree-shrub co-planting strategies in the remediation of Pb and Cd contaminated soils.

Supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) extraction is one of the most employed techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds for its safety, effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and good environmental compliance. Smyrnium olusatrum L. (Apiaceae) is an aromatic plant of great interest due to its potential applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and oleochemical fields. Its bioactivity is caused by furanosesquiterpenes, mainly represented by isofuranodiene (IFD). The extraction of this compound is usually achieved through Soxhlet or hydrodistillation. However, the latter usually leads to the thermal Cope rearrangement of IFD into its isomer curzerene, resulting in low recovery. This study reported for the first time the optimization of S-CO2 extraction of IFD from S. olusatrum schizocarps. Pressure (MPa), extraction time (min), and static mode (%) were varied while the temperature was maintained at 45 °C to avoid IFD thermal degradation. The optimized process (50 MPa, 60 min, 25% static mode) provided an extraction yield and an IFD recovery of 8.50 and 0.94% and avoided the thermal degradation of the compound. This study demonstrated that S-CO2 extraction is a valuable alternative to conventional hydrodistillation (extraction yield and IFD recovery of 2.64 and 0.77%) and Soxhlet (extraction yield and IFD recovery of 9.49 and 0.85%) to recover IFD from S. olusatrum.

The ongoing evolutionary struggle between crops and pathogens has highlighted the limitations of resistance gene (R gene)-based control, which often fails due to rapid pathogen adaptation. To address this, we must look beyond R genes and explore susceptibility genes (S genes) that pathogens take over during infection. Recent success stories suggest that S-gene manipulation can provide broad-spectrum resistance. However, moving this technology to the field requires careful balancing to ensure that plant fitness is not compromised. In this review, we focus on integrated multi-omics tools to identify new avenues for resistance, specifically the mechanisms of R-gene breakdown and the potential of omics-driven strategies for long-term crop protection.

This cross-sectional survey study investigated the practices and perceptions of strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches working in professional Spanish soccer concerning resistance priming strategies. Twenty-four S&C coaches (age: 30.6 &#xb1; 5.3 years; professional experience: 7.7 &#xb1; 3.5 years) participated in this study. The survey comprised four sections: 1) coaches' information; 2) perceptions about resistance priming; 3) programming variables; and 4) opinions. Results showed that S&C coaches predominantly used resistance priming strategies 24 h (79%) or 24-48 h (21%) before a match. The most frequently used exercises during resistance priming sessions were isometric exercises (25%), followed by traditional strength exercises heavy load (85% 1RM) (22%), traditional strength moderate load (60-85% 1RM) (17%), ballistic exercises (17%), traditional strength light load (< 60 % 1RM) (11%), sprint (4%), and weightlifting (4%). This paper analyses survey responses from S&C coaches in soccer, comparing their reported practices and perceptions with the findings of existing empirical research. This allows us to examine whether their methods are consistent with research-based approaches, or if they deviate towards alternative methods. This information can help professionals design more effective training programmes.

The protease TMPRSS2 facilitates coronavirus infections, yet its mechanism of viral glycoprotein recognition remains unclear. Here we show that, following ACE2 engagement of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) inducing the early fusion intermediate conformation (E-FIC), TMPRSS2 cleaves the R815 S2' site and promotes fusogenic conformational changes leading to viral entry. We unveil TMPRSS2 recognition of S2', identify key residues modulating binding specificity and demonstrate that S2' site-directed broadly neutralizing antibodies target E-FIC and inhibit viral entry by blocking TMPRSS2 access. We computationally designed stabilized E-FIC as a vaccine candidate, overcoming the transient nature of this state. We describe a TMPRSS2-directed monoclonal antibody inhibiting several coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants and protecting mice against SARS-CoV-2 challenge. These results outline the mechanistic role of TMPRSS2 and S2' site-directed antibodies in coronavirus entry.

Botryosphaeria dothidea is a destructive pathogen responsible for poplar canker, a disease that severely damages poplar trees by inducing stem lesions, growth inhibition, and eventual tree death, thereby causing substantial economic losses in forestry. Although conventional chemical fungicides are effective, their use poses significant environmental and health concerns, highlighting the need for safer biological control strategies. This study investigated the potential of Streptomyces spiroverticillatus, an antagonistic bacterium, to induce resistance in poplar against B. dothidea. Treatment with the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of S. spiroverticillatus markedly enhanced key defense-related physiological and biochemical responses in poplar leaves. Biochemical assays revealed that treated plants exhibited a 20% increase in total phenolics, a 37% rise in flavonoids, and a 40%-62% elevation in lignin content compared with controls. Furthermore, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chitinase-enzymes critical for antimicrobial compound biosynthesis and fungal cell wall degradation-increased by 90% and 28%, respectively. Field trials confirmed the biocontrol efficacy of S. spiroverticillatus, reducing disease incidence by 61.17% (preventive) and 71.29% (curative), with corresponding disease reduction rates of 46.26% and 54.83%, respectively. These results outperformed carbendazim treatments, which showed preventive and curative efficacies of 49.97% and 50.04%, and disease reduction rates of 34.18% and 38.42%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that S.&#xa0;spiroverticillatus activates the innate defense mechanisms of poplar, stimulates the accumulation of antimicrobial metabolites and strengthens resistance against B.&#xa0;dothidea. This study identifies S. spiroverticillatus as a promising and environmentally sustainable biocontrol agent for the effective management of poplar canker.

Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated condition that leads to small intestinal villous atrophy and is driven by dietary gluten in individuals carrying HLA-DQ2 and DQ8. Microbial factors have been implicated in both the onset of CeD and persistent symptoms (non-responsive CeD) after the gluten-free diet (GFD), through mechanisms including impaired tryptophan metabolism and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway activation. Although probiotics have been shown to be safe in CeD, there are currently no clinical recommendations for strains that target disease-related mechanisms. We here demonstrate that S. boulardii activated the AhR pathway in gluten-sensitized mice expressing HLA-DQ8, improving gluten-immunopathology. Mechanistically, S. boulardii enhanced the CeD patients' microbiota capacity for AhR activation when duodenal indole-producing commensals, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, were present. Our study provides preclinical evidence that S. boulardii CNCM I-745 targets a microbial deficiency previously described in CeD through modulation of microbial tryptophan metabolism. The findings encourage clinical testing of S. boulardii in CeD to prevent or better treat non-responsive cases.

Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis encounter acidic pH and C16 fatty acids on human skin and are known to produce orthologous serine proteases SspA and Esp with documented pro-inflammatory roles. Using protease production as a potential biomarker of pathogenic and commensal phenotypes, we have conducted a detailed analysis of how S. aureus and S. epidermidis respond to C16 fatty acids at acidic pH. During growth at pH 5.5, palmitoleic acid C16:1 was more toxic to S. aureus, but toxicity was mitigated by saturated palmitic acid C16:0. Acidic pH and C16 fatty acids stimulated SspA protease production in S. aureus but repressed Esp in S. epidermidis. Although S. aureus biofilm formation was stimulated by C16:0, this effect was diminished by 25 &#xb5;M C16:1, which promotes protease production, whereas S. epidermidis maintained strong biofilm in the presence of both C16:0 and C16:1. Exogenous C16:0 was directly incorporated into phospholipid by S. epidermidis but was extended to C18:0 and C20:0 in S. aureus prior to incorporation. This may account for altered signaling through the GraSR two-component sensor, such that in S. aureus, deletion of graS/R caused impaired growth at pH 5.5 in the presence of C16:1, which was restored by complementation with graS/R from S. aureus, but not S. epidermidis. These findings provide a model framework for understanding how S. aureus and S. epidermidis exhibit differential phenotypes, including protease production and biofilm formation in response to combined C16 fatty acids and acidic pH, which promote distinct differences in the remodeling of membrane phospholipid.IMPORTANCEHuman skin is a chemically hostile environment, with acidic pH and antimicrobial fatty acids that challenge microbial survival. Understanding how closely related Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus navigate these conditions is critical for distinguishing commensal behavior from pathogenic potential. Our research reveals that S. aureus and S. epidermidis, although genetically similar, employ markedly distinct adaptive mechanisms in response to identical skin-derived cues. Specifically, each species remodels its membrane phospholipids in unique ways under acidic pH and C16 fatty acid exposure. These environmental factors also differentially modulate their biofilm formation and protease activity. Together, our findings highlight how the same host-derived chemical signals of skin can activate virulence-associated traits in S. aureus while supporting commensal persistence in S. epidermidis.

Self-administered knee-massage (S-KM) has the potential to alleviate symptoms in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have shown inconsistent results, highlighting the need for a theoretical framework to identify effective self-massage practices. This study aimed to identify the behavioral determinants related to S-KM by employing an augmented health belief model alongside the theory of planned behavior. A total of 268 participants with knee osteoarthritis completed an online survey assessing perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, facilitators, task response self-efficacy, and cues to action, along with attitudes and intention. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the predictive validity of the proposed model. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore qualitative data regarding participants' experiences in self-managing knee pain. The findings revealed that S-KM was significantly predicted by intention (&#x3b2;= 0.21, p< .014). Intention was influenced by cues (&#x3b2;= 0.29, p< .001), task self-efficacy (&#x3b2;= 0.29, p< .001), affective attitudes (&#x3b2;= 0.14, p= .011), perceived severity (&#x3b2; = 0.27, p< .001), and perceived facilitators (&#x3b2;= 0.22, p< .001). Intention mediated the relationship between cues and behavior. Qualitative analysis indicated that many participants used techniques similar to Swedish massage, often due to familiarity from professional massages. Some also reported using massage devices, suggesting a potential shift toward incorporating technology in future self-massage research. Key predictors of knee massage performance included cues, perceived severity, and task self-efficacy. Interventions should enhance perceptions of OA severity and confidence in self-massage techniques, providing insights for future program development.

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with substantial clinical and economic burden, largely driven by progression to dialysis. Nutritional interventions have shown potential in delaying disease progression, yet evidence on their cost-effectiveness remains limited. This study evaluated the long-term cost-utility profile of a low-protein diet supplemented with ketoanalogues (s-LPD) versus a standard low-protein diet (LPD) in patients with stage 4+ CKD from both the Italian National Health System (NHS) and societal perspectives. Methods: A Markov model with monthly cycles simulated disease progression from pre-dialysis to dialysis or death. Clinical inputs were derived from the published literature, while costs reflected 2024 Italian tariffs. Three effectiveness scenarios (optimistic, conservative, and pessimistic) were explored to account for uncertainty in the treatment effect. Outcomes included costs, life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-utility ratios. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses assessed model robustness. Results: Across all scenarios, s-LPD improved survival (up to +0.59 life-years), increased QALYs (up to +0.48), and delayed dialysis initiation (up to +2.88 years) compared with LPD. From the NHS perspective, s-LPD was dominant in the optimistic scenario and cost-effective in both conservative and pessimistic scenarios, with cost savings or only a marginal cost that increases under extreme assumptions. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed a high probability of cost-effectiveness across scenarios. Results remained robust in additional scenario analyses, including the societal perspective. Conclusions: This first Italian cost-utility analysis of s-LPD highlights that s-LPD is a cost-effective strategy for patients with advanced CKD, offering clinically meaningful benefits while reducing or containing healthcare costs. These findings support the adoption of s-LPD as part of conservative management strategies aimed at safely delaying dialysis initiation.

Background/Objectives:Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental plant species. Through the ages, many parts of S. vulgaris, including fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches, have been used in folk medicine due to their beneficial biological activity. Lilac flowers are the basis of many supplements available on the market. Moreover, its petals and flowers are edible and are an aromatic ingredient in preserves and desserts. However, the data about the antioxidant properties of various parts of S. vulgaris is limited only to the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extracts-so far, the effect of S. vulgaris flower extract on the parameters of oxidative stress in biological materials, including plasma, has not been demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the protective effects of the extract from S. vulgaris L. flowers against oxidative stress in human plasma, and its influence on the coagulation process in vitro. Methods: We measured the levels of three parameters of oxidative stress in human plasma treated with H2O2/Fe2+ (the donor of hydroxyl radicals): lipid peroxidation (based on the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), protein carbonylation, and thiol oxidation. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was used as a reference antioxidant. In addition, we studied the effect of the extract on three coagulation parameters of human plasma-activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). We also compared the biological properties of the extract from S. vulgaris flowers with the properties of a phenolic extract from Taraxacum officinalis (dandelion) flowers, as they have proven antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo models and can modulate hemostasis in vitro. Results: Our UHPLC-HRMS analyses of S. vulgaris extract led to a tentative identification of 50 compounds, mainly phenolics and secoiridoids. For the first time, the present study demonstrated that the extract from S. vulgaris flowers (at the concentrations of 1-50 &#xb5;g/mL) significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation induced by H2O2/Fe2+. Moreover, the concentrations of 1-25 &#xb5;g/mL significantly reduced the oxidation of thiol groups in plasma treated with H2O2/Fe2+. The anticoagulant tests also demonstrated that S. vulgaris flowers extract, at physiologically relevant concentrations (1-50 &#xb5;g/mL), did not affect blood clotting times in vitro, suggesting that it is hemostatically safe. Conclusions: Despite the differences in composition, the extracts from lilac flowers and dandelion flowers exhibited similar protective effects against oxidative damage to human plasma components. However, the extract from S. vulgaris flowers had a stronger inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation than the extract from dandelion flowers.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of biofilm-associated infections, in which communities of bacterial cells are encased in an extracellular matrix composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) that protect bacteria from host immune defense and antibiotics. Despite their importance, the mechanisms by which matrix components are released from bacterial cells and incorporated into the biofilm matrix remain poorly understood. Using a drip-flow biofilm system, we showed that MVs were associated with the biofilm matrix formed by S. aureus clinical isolate MN8. Proteomic analysis of biofilm matrix proteins and purified MVs showed that biofilm-derived MVs carried cytoplasmic, membrane, and extracellular proteins that closely resembled the protein composition of the biofilm matrix but differed significantly from MVs produced by planktonic cultures. Biofilm-derived MVs carried significantly higher levels of DNA than MVs from planktonic cultures, and MV-associated DNA was resistant to DNase treatment. Although strain MN8 is known to form polysaccharide-dependent biofilms, exogenously added DNase or proteinase K significantly impaired biofilm formation and integrity. Notably, these inhibitory effects were reversed by the addition of biofilm-derived MVs, which significantly restored biofilm formation in enzyme-treated cultures. Together, these findings provide evidence that S. aureus MVs are generated within biofilms, and that these MVs serve as an important resource of matrix components and contribute to biofilm formation. Extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication and have been implicated in the physiology and pathogenesis of bacterial infections. While MV production in S. aureus planktonic cultures has been recognized for over one decade, their presence and function in S. aureus biofilm formation have remained unexplored. Here, we report for the first time the purification and characterization of MVs derived from S. aureus biofilms. Our studies demonstrate that S. aureus MVs are important components of the biofilm matrix that contribute to biofilm formation by serving as key carriers of matrix proteins and eDNA. This work advances our limited understanding of MVs in Gram-positive bacteria and reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying S. aureus biofilm formation.

Crystalline poly(triazine imide) (PTI) is a promising semiconductor for solar-driven oxygen (O2) reduction to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, its performance is constrained by limited visible-light absorption and inefficient charge transport arising from unfavorable defect-mediated recombination. Here, we report a molten-salt strategy to synthesize sulfur (S) and carbon (C) co-doped PTI (S, C-PTI), enabling precise modulation of its optoelectronic properties while preserving the intrinsic crystalline framework. The resulting S, C-PTI exhibits enhanced visible-light absorption and a narrowed band gap arising from the synergistic effect of S-induced defect states and extended C-driven &#x3c0;-conjugation. Spectroscopic and structural analyses reveal that codoping reorganizes the local electronic environment, suppresses radiative exciton recombination, and generates catalytically active sites for selective O2 reduction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further show that S and C co-doping stabilizes the key *OOH intermediate by reducing its formation free energy relative to pristine PTI, thereby promoting H2O2 generation. As a result, S, C-PTI achieve a 7-fold and 16-fold higher H2O2 generation rate compared to pristine PTI and polymeric carbon nitride, respectively. This work establishes non-metal co-doping as a general effective strategy to regulate the crystallinity and optoelectronics relationships in PTI, advancing the rational design of crystalline photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical conversion.

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly utilised due to its muscle-sparing nature and potential for accelerated recovery. Accurate component positioning and leg length restoration are critical to optimise outcomes and minimise complications. The DAA may be performed in either the supine (S-DAA) or lateral decubitus (L-DAA) position; however, the influence of patient positioning on clinical and radiographic outcomes remains uncertain. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to September 2025 for comparative studies evaluating L-DAA versus S-DAA in adults undergoing primary THA. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2 for randomised trials and ROBINS-I for non-randomised studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251168168). Five studies (one randomised controlled trial and four retrospective cohort studies) comprising 375 hips (189&#xa0;L-DAA, 186&#xa0;S-DAA) were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant between-group differences in Harris Hip Score at one month (MD -0.39; 95% CI -1.41 to 0.63; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;0%) or at final follow-up (MD -0.61; 95% CI -1.97 to 0.76; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;15%). Length of stay was also similar (MD -0.30 days; 95% CI -1.09 to 0.48; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;38%). Radiographic outcomes were synthesised descriptively due to heterogeneity, but final postoperative cup inclination and anteversion were broadly comparable. In fluoroscopy-guided cohorts, supine positioning demonstrated more consistent intra-operative measurement agreement, while lateral positioning facilitated femoral exposure and, in selected studies, was associated with shorter operative time and lower blood loss. Available comparative evidence suggests that S-DAA and L-DAA yield similar short-to mid-term functional outcomes after DAA THA. Supine positioning may offer advantages for fluoroscopic measurement reliability, whereas lateral positioning may improve femoral exposure and operative efficiency in selected settings.

Simulium asakoae is a widespread species of black fly in Southeast Asia and a potential vector of parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Despite its broad distribution and diverse habitats, population genetic information remains limited. We investigated the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of S. asakoae in Laos and examined its genetic relationships with populations from other Southeast Asian countries, using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. A total of 369 COI sequences (241 generated in the present study and 128 retrieved from GenBank) were analyzed. Of these, 284 sequences (241 from this study and 43 from GenBank) originated from nine locations across five provinces in Laos. Among the Laotian specimens, 51 haplotypes were identified, showing high haplotype diversity (Hd&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.9063) and moderate nucleotide diversity (&#x3c0;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0080). Intraspecific genetic divergence among Lao populations ranged from 0 to 2.49%, increasing slightly to 2.66% when regional sequences were included. Median-joining network analyses revealed no major genetic breaks or clear geographic structuring in Laos or across Southeast Asia, indicating extensive gene flow. Pairwise FST analyses, however, detected significant differentiation among some populations. Demographic analyses, including mismatch distributions and neutrality tests, supported a scenario of recent population expansion, with estimated expansion times of approximately 13,000 years ago for Lao populations and 15,000 years ago at the regional scale. These timeframes coincide with the transition from the cool dry Pleistocene to the warm humid Holocene, which might have facilitated population growth and range expansion. Our results demonstrate that S. asakoae forms a genetically diverse, weakly structured, and well-connected metapopulation across Laos and Southeast Asia. This extensive connectivity might enhance the ability of this species to maintain and disseminate parasites, indicating the importance of regional-scale surveillance and future studies incorporating nuclear markers and ecological data.

Accumulating evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota participates in the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) through microbiota-host interaction. However, the beneficial role of commensal mycobiota in MASLD progression remains poorly understood. By comparing the gut microbiome differences, we demonstrated that the deficiency of Caspase Recruitment Domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9), an adaptor protein for a microbiota recognition receptor, exacerbated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD in a gut fungi-dependent manner. CARD9 deficiency reduced the abundance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), which was a probiotic alleviating MASLD progression. S. cerevisiae promoted a significantly greater abundance of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the intestine through Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), which reduced body weight in mice and alleviated MASLD phenotypes via the "gut-liver" axis. Particularly, 5-HIAA directly binds to aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and stimulates its nuclear translocation, subsequently inducing fatty acid oxidation via carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) transactivation. MASLD patients exhibited decreased levels of S. cerevisiae and 5-HIAA, and S. cerevisiae effectively reduced hepatic steatosis and improved glucose homeostasis in patients with MASLD. In summary, our findings identified a novel pathway of fungi-S. cerevisiae stimulating intestinal 5-HIAA production and indicated that S. cerevisiae and 5-HIAA might alleviate MASLD progression, highlighting that the mycobiota-dependent gut-liver axis was a promising target for the prevention of MASLD.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) productivity is closely linked to soil stability, and pH is a master variable controlling both plant development and the bioavailability of essential mineral elements (Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn). This study investigates the growth-promoting effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on grapevines under different soil pH environments. The results indicate that compared to pH 6.5, the relative electrical conductivity (REC) of leaves, root malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased at pH 5 and pH 8, affecting the absorption and transport of Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn, thereby inhibiting the growth and development of grapevines. Inoculation with the AMF Septoglomus viscosum and Glomus chinensis significantly enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) by activating the root antioxidant system, thereby alleviating the impact of pH stress on grapevine growth and development. Under pH 8 condition, the effects were more pronounced, with G. chinensis significantly increasing plant fresh weight (103.06%), net photosynthetic rate (53.99%), root vitality (108.70%), ferric chelate reductase (FCR) (54.80%), and POD (49.23%), while significantly reducing leaf REC (33.33%) and root MDA content (35.79%). S. viscosum facilitated the root absorption and upward transport of Mg and Ca, significantly promoting the accumulation of Zn and Cu in the roots and inhibiting their transport to the above-ground parts, thereby alleviating heavy metal stress on the leaves. Overall, the addition of AMF significantly improves the distribution of Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu within grapevines, enhancing leaf and root functions as well as biomass accumulation under acid-base stress conditions. These findings demonstrate that S. viscosum and G. chinensis differentially promote grapevine performance across pH gradients, offering mechanistic insights into pH-dependent mineral nutrient homeostasis. They provide a theoretical basis for using AMF-based biotechnologies in sustainable viticulture to enhance stress resilience and fruit quality.