Insects have a mutually dependent symbiotic relationship with their gut microbiota, which plays an important role in the insect metabolism, immunity, development, and pesticide resistance. Gut microbiota is influenced by factors such as diet, sex, and rearing environment. Currently, little is known about the gut microbiota differences between males and females of the phytophagous insect Dolycoris baccarum. [Objective] To study the effects of sex on the composition and abundance of gut microbiota in D. baccarum, explore sex-related microorganisms, and provide a basis for utilizing different sex-associated strains in the biocontrol of D. baccarum. [Methods] The PacBio platform was used for third-generation 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and the bioinformatics analysis was performed to reveal the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in male and female D. baccarum. The bacterial isolation and culture method was employed to obtain gut microbiota strains from D. baccarum, which were then identified by morphological analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. [Results] The gut microbiota of D. baccarum was diverse, including a total of 165 genera belonging to 109 families, 60 orders, 29 classes of 14 phyla. The gut microbiota was analyzed at six taxonomic levels (phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species). Only the phylum Deinococcota and the class Deinococci were specific to males, while the phyla Chloroflexi, Desulfobacterota, and Cyanobacteria, the class Cyanobacteriia, the genus Lacticaseibacillus, and the species Glutamicibactercreatinolyticus, Acinetobacter, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei were specific to females. The relative abundance of Serratia marcescens was significantly higher in males than in females. In the guts of females and males, the relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacterales, Yersiniaceae, Serratia, and S. marcescens was 51.223% and 95.512%, 49.784% and 95.492%, 2.385% and 10.377%, 2.383% and 10.372%, and 2.310% and 10.375%, respectively. All 28 strains isolated in vitro and identified based on morphological characteristics and 16S rRNA sequences belonged to Serratia. [Conclusion] There are significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between male and female D. baccarum. The diversity of gut microbiota in male adults of D. baccarum is significantly higher than that in female adults. All strains isolated belong to Serratia. This study provides theoretical support for investigating the potential functions of gut microbiota in male and female D. baccarum as well as for the biocontrol of D. baccarum.

Activation induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic peptide (APOBEC) constitute a conserved family of cytidine deaminase enzymes. The family members have different functions in the body, and they play an important role in the immune defense of the host. AID plays a role mainly in the adaptive immune systems of vertebrates, mediating class switch recombination, antibody affinity maturation, and antibody diversity generation. APOBEC1 capable of catalyzing cytosine deamination, mediating RNA editing for cellular regulation, and resisting retroviral infection is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer development. APOBEC2, most abundant in cardiac and skeletal muscle, is associated with muscle fiber type switch, loss of weight, muscle development, and myopathy. Moreover, it may have potential indirect effects in controlling gene expression. APOBEC3s play key roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. They are involved in the inhibition of retrotransposon functioning and viral infection, DNA degradation, RNA editing, and cell cycle regulation. The APOBEC4 gene is conserved in various animal species, with the active center sequence different from those of other APOBEC proteins. It is widely recognized that APOBEC4 is a uridine-editing enzyme, which has antiviral activity. The research is limited regarding the animal-derived APOBEC family members. This review describes the structural characteristics and biological functions of APOBEC family members, providing reference for research on the roles of animal-derived APOBEC family members in the immune responses and disease control. In addition, this review provides new ideas for the development of antivirals by enhancing the activities of APOBEC family members.

[Objective] To investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of thymol on the biofilm formation of Proteusmirabilis (PM). [Methods] The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of thymol were determined by the broth micro-dilution method. The time-kill curve of thymol was established by the colony counting method. Crystal violet staining was performed to determine the inhibitory effect of thymol on the biofilm formation of PM. The effects of thymol on the swarming and swimming of PM and the extracellular polymeric substances (extracellular polysaccharides, extracellular proteins, and eDNA) of the biofilm were determined. RT-qPCR was employed to investigate the effects of thymol on the expression levels of PM biofilm-related genes: rsbA (encoding histidine-containing phosphotransmitter of the bacterial two-component system), flhD (encoding the flagellar regulon), and mrpA (encoding mannose-resistant Proteus-like fimbriae). [Results] The MIC of thymol against PM was 0.156 mg/mL. Thymol significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of PM, with the MBIC of 0.313 mg/mL. Thymol inhibited the motility of PM, reduced the formation of extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and eDNA in PM biofilm, and decreased the expression levels of rsbA, flhD, and mrpA. [Conclusion] Thymol inhibits the biofilm formation of PM by suppressing the motility and formation of extracellular polymers and down-regulating the expression of biofilm-related genes.

N-Heterocyclic carbine-silver (Ag-NHC) complexes possessing excellent stability, water solubility, and bactericidal activity are antimicrobial candidates with great potential. [Objective] To study the inhibitory activity and mechanism of a novel Ag-NHC complex 1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenylimidazol-2-ylidene silver (I) acetate (SBC3), synthesized by Matthias Tacke’s team against Escherichia coli. [Methods] Visible spectrophotometry was employed to examine the antimicrobial activity of SBC3. Transmission microscopy was employed to observe the morphological changes of DHB4 cells post SBC3 treatment. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the effect of SBC3 on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. The 5,5′- dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) assay was used to determine the intracellular thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities and the content of glutathione (GSH) post SBC3 treatment. Dithiothreitol (DTT), the ROS scavenger, was added to rescue DHB4 from ROS. SBC3-resistant strains (SRSs) were obtained by successive passaging in the laboratory. The obtained strains showed the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against SBC3 being 24, 32, and 56 μg/mL, respectively, which were 3, 4, and 7 folds of the MIC of WT. The three strains were named SRS3, SRS4, and SRS7 and then used to retest the above indicators. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of Trx1 and S-glutathionylated proteins (S-PSSG) post SBC3 treatment. [Results] The MIC values of SBC3 against tested pathogens were 8.0–30.0 μg/mL. The DHB4 cells treated with SBC3 underwent swelling, which was accompanied by contents leakage. SBC3 significantly inhibited the Trx and TrxR activities, reduced the GSH content, and elevated the ROS level in DHB4. SBC3 treatment decreased the Trx and TrxR activities, reduced the GSH content, and down-regulated the expression of S-PSSG in SRS3, SRS4, and SRS7. However, all the above indicators were increased to different extent compared with those in DHB4. [Conclusion] SBC3 can target the thiol-dependent redox system (TDRS) of E. coli to exert antibacterial effects. This study provides a new idea for the design of SBC3 as a novel antimicrobial agent.

[Objective] A Talaromyces purpureogenus strain with solubilizing effects on tricalcium phosphate and calcium phytate was screened from the rhizosphere soil of maize and named XZY3PSF. To promote the application of this strain in serving agricultural production, we optimized the culture conditions for phosphorus solubilization of this strain and studied the effects of this strain on the growth and quality of red cluster pepper. [Methods] We evaluated the solubilizing effects of strain XZY3PSF on Ca₃(PO₄)₂, FePO₄, AlPO₄, phosphate rock powder, soybean lecithin, and egg yolk by measuring the available phosphorus content in the solution after liquid shaking culture. The effects of carbon source, nitrogen source, pH, and liquid loading volume on the phosphorus solubilization of this strain were studied. Pot experiments were carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the effects of this strain on the growth and fruit quality of red cluster pepper. [Results] The carbon sources used by the strain were in an order of fructose>glucose>maltose>sucrose, and the nitrogen sources followed an order of ammonium chloride>ammonium nitrate>ammonium sulfate>potassium nitrate>urea. The phosphorus-solubilizing ability of the strain was higher under the condition of initial pH 6.0-7.0, and it was not affected by the liquid loading volume. The strain achieved higher phosphorus solubilization with tricalcium phosphate and phosphate rock powder as the phosphorus sources. With tricalcium phosphate as the phosphorus source, the strain showed the highest phosphorus solubilization on days 5, which was higher than that with other phosphorus sources (P<0.01). With phosphate rock powder as the phosphorus source, the strain showed the highest phosphorus solubilization on days 21 (P<0.01). Compared with the application of compound fertilizer, the inoculation of this strain increased the plant height, yield, vitamin C content, and total capsaicinoid content of red cluster pepper (P<0.05). The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the phosphorus solubilization of strain XZY3PSF in the culture medium with different nitrogen or carbon sources was negatively correlated with pH and the dry weight of mycelia. The capsaicinoid content was positively correlated with vitamin C and sugar content of pepper fruits. [Conclusion] Strain XZY3PSF has a strong ability to solubilize phosphorus, especially aluminum phosphate and iron phosphate, while improving the main nutritional indicators of crops. It is hypothesized that the strain will have a strong ability to solubilize phosphorus in the laterite soil in southern China. These findings lay a foundation for subsequent application of this strain in the fieled.

Leaf photosynthesis forms the foundation of plant energy and material cycles. Mycorrhizal fungi, as a crucial component associated with roots, play a significant role in regulating the nutrient absorption, water utilization, and stress resistance of plants and are key ecological factors affecting the function and stability of forest ecosystems. However, at present, knowledge is limited regarding the effects of different mycorrhizal types on the photosynthetic capacity of woody plants and their responses to environmental changes. Objective To explore the differences in photosynthetic capacity among woody plants with different mycorrhizal types and their responses to changes in leaf characteristics and environmental factors. [Methods] According to the China Plant Trait Database and available articles, we identified three mycorrhizal types of woody plants, which included arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), ectomycorrhiza (ECM), and AM+ECM. On this foundation, a database of woody plant traits for different mycorrhizal types in China was established, with the data of each sample encompassing photosynthetic capacity, photosynthetic physiology, leaf structure, nutrient characteristics, and environmental factors. [Results] The woody plants with ECM had higher photosynthetic capacity than those with AM. Mycorrhizal types significantly influenced the relationship between leaf traits and photosynthetic capacity. The photosynthetic capacity of woody plants was primarily affected by the stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of leaves. In addition, the photosynthetic capacity of plants with AM were influenced by leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), and nitrogen and phosphorous content. The photosynthetic capacity of plants with AM+ECM were affected by SLA, specific leaf weight, and carbon and phosphorous content, while that of plants with ECM was influenced by the vapor pressure deficit. The maximum net photosynthetic rate and maximum electron transport rate of plants with ECM were more susceptible to temperature and precipitation than plants with AM and AM+ECM. [Conclusion] Mycorrhizal types significantly affect the maximum net photosynthetic rate of woody plants, and leaf characteristics primarily influence the maximum net photosynthetic rate by regulating the maximum electron transport rate. Moreover, the effects of environmental factors on the morphological and physiological traits of woody plant leaves depend on mycorrhizal types.

[Objective] Staphylococcusepidermidis is a coagulase-negative, Gram-positive coccobacillus that is widely found in the skin, breast milk, and blood. Bacteria in breast milk play a crucial role in the establishment of the gut microbiota in the intestinal tract and in the enhancement of immunity of infants. We then performed comparative genomic analyses to understand the genetic diversity and functional genes of breast milk-derived S. epidermidis. [Methods] We used the Illumina NovaSeq platform to sequence the genomes of 110 strains of S. epidermidis preliminarily isolated from healthy breast milk by our research team. We then performed comparative genomic analyses for the 110 strains and 263 skin, blood, and breast milk-derived S. epidermidis strains publicly available from the NCBI. [Results] The genome size of the 373 strains of S. epidermidis was (2.50±0.33) Mb, with the G+C content was (32.0±0.1)%, and the number of coding sequences (CDs) being 2 331±368. Differences existed in genome size and number of CDs among breast, blood, and skin isolates (P<0.05), with blood isolates having the largest genome size and the highest number of CDs. The phylogenetic tree showed that the S. epidermidis isolates of the same source had obvious aggregation, and the breast milk isolates and blood isolates were more closely related. There were differences in the number of virulence factors and drug resistance genes among the strains of three sources (P<0.05). The blood-derived strains exhibited the highest diversity of virulence and resistance genes, whereas the breast milk-derived strains displayed the lowest diversity of such genes. [Conclusion] S. epidermidis has undergone adaptive evolution to different habitats. Compared with skin- and blood-derived strains, breast milk-derived strains carry few genes related to biofilm synthesis, drug resistance, and virulence. This study gives new insights into the adaptive evolution of S. epidermidis and provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the genetic background of breast milk isolates.

Paranosema locustae, an environmentally friendly biocontrol agent, holds significant potential for managing locusts. However, its application is affected by various environmental factors. Understanding the resistance differences of P. locustae under different conditions is essential for its application in biocontrol. [Objective] To study the effects of different environmental conditions on the energy metabolism and stress responses of P. locustae, providing a theoretical foundation for its environmental adaptability. [Methods] Spores of P. locustae were exposed to three controlled experimental environments: a dry environment at 40 °C (40 °C GR), a wet environment at 20 °C (20 °C SR), and ultraviolet irradiation under dry conditions (≥100 µW/cm²) (ZW) for varying time periods. We employed a microplate reader, laser confocal microscopy, and differential interference contrast microscopy to assess the survival curves of infected locusts and the spore germination rate, ATP level, protein content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and trehalose level of P. locustae. [Results] In the 20 °C SR group, P. locustae showed a decrease in the germination rate and notable rises in ATP and active oxygen (ROS) levels, and the median survival time of infected locusts increased. The 40 °C GR group showed no significant changes in the ATP level, ROS level, spore germination rate, or the survival curve of infected locusts compared with the control group. The ZW group showed increases in the ATP and ROS levels, but no significant change in the germination rate or the survival curve of infected locusts. Conclusions Dry spores of P. locustae exhibit greater resistance to environmental stress, while prolonged exposure to liquid conditions leads to a decrease or even loss of spore viability. These findings provide insights for the preservation and application of P. locustae formulations, establishing a theoretical basis for revealing its environmental adaptability.

[Objective] Waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) contain about 40% non-ferrous metals, which is more than 40 times that of natural ores, and thus they are known as a veritable “urban mine”. To achieve efficient and green recycling of PCBs, this study developed a leaching system that can efficiently leach non-ferrous metals from PCBs. [Methods] Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans MA-Y1 was used to construct a bioleaching system for PCBs. Additionally, an electric current was introduced to strengthen the Cu and Ni leaching from PCBs. [Results] The optimal leaching parameters were addition of PCBs at 80.0 g/L, particle size of 4.0 cm, liquid velocity of 2.0 L/min, and electric current of 70.0 mA. Under these conditions, the leaching ratios of Cu and Ni from PCBs were 84.0% and 75.3%, respectively, which represented increases of 15.8% and 17.1% compared with the case without electric current. [Conclusion] An electric current improves the ability of A. ferrooxidans MA-Y1 to recover Cu and Ni from PCBs.

[Objective] To study the composition, functional characteristics, and vertical distribution features of microbial communities of three different habitats in the Yellow River Delta wetland ecosystem, and provide theoretical support and potential microbial resources for targeted restoration and sustainable management of wetland ecology. [Methods] By using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metabolomics analyses, we compared the composition and structures of soil bacterial communities in three habitats (vegetation-covered area, bare land, and biohabitat), and analyzed the characteristics of bacterial communities at varying soil depths as well as the potential interactions between habitat-specific bacteria and metabolites. [Results] The dominant phyla in the three habitats were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota. The dominant phyla specific to the shallow and deep soil layers were Gemmatimonadota and Firmicutes, respectively. The unidentified MBNT15 in the vegetation-covered area, Halomonas in the bare land, and unidentified Rhodobacteraceae and Woeseia in the biohabitat showed significantly different abundance between different depths, and Bacillus was enriched in the deeper soil layer of all the three habitats. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the vegetation-covered area showed higher levels of sphinganine, 3-indoleacrylic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid. Deoxycholic acid had the highest level in the bare land, while sulfamethoxazole was the highest in the biohabitat, which had lower level of l-tryptophan. Correlation analysis revealed that in the vegetation-covered area, Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas geniculata showed significantly positive correlations with sphinganine and perfluorooctanoic acid. Saccharospirillum salsuginis had significantly positive correlations with 3-indoleacrylic acid and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. In the bare land, Bacillus horikoshii showed a significantly positive correlation with deoxycholic acid. In the biohabitat, Halomonas ventosae had a significantly positive correlation with l-tryptophan, while Halomonas korlensis showed a significantly positive correlation with sulfamethoxazole. [Conclusion] Our study demonstrated that varying soil depths significantly impact the structure of microbial communities, and the structural and functional characteristics of soil microbial communities exhibit habitat specificity. The enriched bacteria such as M. luteus in the vegetation-covered area may promote plant growth and enhance stress resistance by regulating metabolites. The enriched Bacillus in the bare land plays a role in decomposing bird feces. The unique bacteria such as H. ventosae in the biohabitat demonstrate the potential for maintaining the ecological health of crab habitats through metabolite regulation. These findings offer new insights into the microbial regulation and management of wetland ecosystems.