17 June 2024

Potential therapeutic agents of Bombyx mori silk cocoon extracts from agricultural product for inhibition of skin pathogenic bacteria and free radicals

"This article addresses the important issue of microbial resistance to antibiotics and provides evidence of natural products derived from the silkworm cocoon that may prove effective in treating microbial skin infections."

Matthew Barnett, Handling Editor

31 May 2024

Gut microbiota alterations in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia from Shanghai, China

"This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiota composition and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), examining differences among women with osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal bone density. Through high-throughput sequencing, the study identifies microbial diversity and abundance, correlating specific taxa with bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. Functional pathway analysis predicts metabolic pathways associated with gut microbiota differences, offering insights into the gut-bone axis. Notably, potential probiotic candidates are identified, suggesting therapeutic implications. Methodologically rigorous, the study acknowledges limitations, including sample size constraints and cross-sectional design, emphasizing the need for further research to validate findings and establish causal links. Overall, this research enhances understanding of the role of gut microbiota in PMO and highlights avenues for therapeutic intervention."

Sonia Oliveira, Handling Editor

30 May 2024

Zoonotic spillover and viral mutations from low and middle-income countries: improving prevention strategies and bridging policy gaps

"Zoonotic spillover events are particularly increasing in low and middle-income countries, where surveillance program and laboratory detection may still presents limitations. This manuscript is focused on this critical global health challenge, and underscores the importance of assessing potential zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface."

Carla Mavian, Handling Editor

30 May 2024

Metagenomic insight into taxonomic composition, environmental filtering and functional redundancy for shaping worldwide modern non-lithifying microbial mats

"Microbial mats have been understudied are an example of historically interesting ecosystems. This examination of eight sites from multiple habitats helps elucidate functional redundancy across these non-lithifying microbial communities."

Craig Moyer, Handling Editor

30 May 2024

The unexpected effect of the compound microbial agent NP-M2 on microbial community dynamics in a nonylphenol-contaminated soil: the self-stability of soil ecosystem

"This article advances the field of degradation of toxic compounds in the soil by a microbial consortium alone and in combination with native species and its effect in the microbiota composition."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

7 March 2024

Heavy grazing reduces soil bacterial diversity by increasing soil pH in a semi-arid steppe

"Field studies are always a step more significant than the ones conducted in controlled environments."

Tanvir Shahzad, Handling Editor

28 February 2024

Prognostic factors and outcomes of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a retrospective hospital-based study

"The authors have shown interesting data regarding the prognostic factors of this disease, particularly showing the differences between several IPA subtypes."

Francesco Nucera, Handling Editor

7 February 2024

Mathematical model of voluntary vaccination against schistosomiasis

"The novel approach taken by the authors, with a sound scientific basis and argument, leads me to think that this article is really pushing the boundaries in this field. Whilst everything is still within the theoretical realm at the moment, this article could become very important to public health officials should a vaccine against the disease become available in the fututre."

Dominic Thorrington, Handling Editor

30 January 2024

Identification of fungi isolated from commercial bumblebee colonies

"This fills knowledge gaps for the managed bumblebee industry practices, which will help with future conservation efforts."

Sheila Colla, Handling Editor

9 January 2024

Biocontrol potential of endophytic bacterium Bacillus altitudinis GS-16 against tea anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

"Environmental hazards and economic pressures from the use of chemical agents as biocontrol are enormous. So the use of endophytic bacteria as sustainable, ecofriendly, and economic methods to control phytopathogens is a very significant topic."

Humaira Yasmin, Handling Editor