19 September 2025

Microbial communities inhabiting the surface and gleba of white (Tuber magnatum) and black (Tuber macrosporum) truffles from Russia

"This study explores the microbial communities of Tuber magnatum and Tuber macrosporum truffles, identifying key symbionts like Geotrichum spp. and Proteobacteria (e.g., Bradyrhizobium) using 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing. These microbes aid in mycorrhizal establishment, spore dispersal, nutrient cycling, and xenobiotic degradation. The findings, including the first record of T. magnatum in Russia, provide insights for sustainable truffle cultivation by replicating these symbiotic interactions in vitro."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

29 August 2025

A mini-review of the relationship between intestinal microecology and acute respiratory distress syndrome

"By identifying the gut microbiota as a critical factor in ARDS pathogenesis, the review opens avenues for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, addressing a major gap in ARDS management and potentially improving patient outcomes in critical care."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

22 August 2025

Kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and hematological parameters in hospitalized pre-vaccination COVID-19 patients in Peru

"This manuscript delivers a detailed longitudinal portrait of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM kinetics in a pre-vaccination Latin-American cohort, revealing that IgG plateaus between days 10-15 while IgM wanes after day 10 and linking these patterns to lymphopenia, neutrophilia and elevated inflammatory markers in severe ARDS. It goes beyond descriptive serology by integrating those immune metrics with hematological data into a nomogram that predicts in-hospital mortality with AUCs up to 0.97, offering clinicians an early, evidence-based triage tool. Filling a geographic and ethnic data gap, these findings establish a baseline against which post-vaccine or variant-driven immune profiles in South America can be judged, refine global understanding of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis, and advance biomarker-guided management strategies for future respiratory pandemics"

Juan Alpuche, Handling Editor

15 August 2025

Epidemiology and genetic characteristics of Clostridioides difficile isolates in Northwest China

"This research fills critical knowledge gaps about C. difficile in Northwest China, offering actionable data to reduce the burden of this pathogen in healthcare settings. It also contributes to global efforts to combat CDI by adding to the understanding of its genetic and resistance profiles in underrepresented regions."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

12 August 2025

Antigenic and mutational insights into the Nipah virus G glycoprotein: implications for viral entry, host specificity, therapeutics, and vaccine development

"This article is highly important as it provides a timely and comprehensive review of antigenic and mutational insights into the Nipah virus (NiV) G glycoprotein. Its significance stems from addressing a critical global health threat posed by NiV, a pathogen with high mortality rates and no approved treatments or vaccines. The review's impact on the field is substantial as it synthesizes crucial molecular mechanisms of NiV pathogenesis, particularly concerning viral entry and host specificity. This detailed analysis is vital for guiding the rational design and development of much-needed vaccines and therapeutics, offering foundational knowledge that will accelerate future research efforts in this urgent area."

Reema Singh, Handling Editor

29 July 2025

Factors associated with incomplete latent tuberculosis infection preventive treatment in Sabah, Malaysia

"The study in Sabah found a lower proportion of incomplete preventive treatment among LTBI patients compared to prior research. It recommends targeted interventions to address groups at higher risk of incomplete treatment, focusing on social determinants like healthcare accessibility. A prospective study is suggested to assess these interventions' impact on improving treatment completion rates."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

24 July 2025

Curcumin inhibits type III secretion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

"The paper will be relevant to multiple fields of research in the life sciences."

Ursula Stochaj, Handling Editor

23 July 2025

Metagenomics-based analysis of mobile genetic elements and antibiotic/metal resistance genes carried by treated wastewater

"The Charguia WWTP study in Tunisia reveals its role in spreading antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes. Metagenomics analysis shows dominant bacteria like Proteobacteria and species such as Acinetobacter johnsonii linked to resistance genes (mdtA, czcA) and mobile genetic elements (IncQ, IncP). While the WWTP may reduce multidrug resistance, persistent resistant species in effluent highlight ongoing challenges. Deeper understanding of resistance dynamics is crucial for improving treatment and reducing environmental and health risks."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor

20 June 2025

Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) carcasses, rearing seawater, feed and their antibiotic resistances

"Conservation biology sometimes neglects other aspects of endangering conditions, such as bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance. Turtle conservation is now in the spotlight in this paper regarding antimicrobial resistance and the link with human activities, which poses a new danger."

Bernardo Franco, Handling Editor

16 June 2025

Antifungal effects of andrographolide and its combination with amphotericin B against selected fungal pathogens

"a valuable addition for the search of antifungal alternative drugs."

Rodolfo García-Contreras, Handling Editor