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Endophytic bacteria, part of the plant microbiome, hold significant potential for enhancing the cultivation and sustainability of medicinal plants (MPs). These microbes are integral to many plant functions, including growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, traditional cultivation practices often overlook the importance of these beneficial microbes, leading to reduced crop yields, lower phytochemical quality, and increased susceptibility to diseases. The domestication of MPs and the use of chemical fertilizers disrupt the natural microbial diversity in soils, essential for the health and productivity of plants. This disruption can lead to the loss of beneficial plant–microbe interactions, which are vital for the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Recent advances in microbiome research, supported by omics technologies, have expanded our understanding of how endophytic bacteria can be leveraged to enhance MP productivity and quality. Endophytic bacteria can directly boost MP productivity by promoting plant growth and health or indirectly by restoring healthy soil microbiomes. They can also be harnessed as microbial factories to produce valuable natural compounds, either by transforming plant-derived precursors into bioactive substances or by synthesizing unique metabolites that mimic MP secondary metabolites. This offers a sustainable and low-cost alternative to traditional MP cultivation, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving endangered species. In conclusion, integrating microbiome research with traditional agricultural practices could revolutionize MP cultivation. By focusing on the microbial component, particularly endophytes, we can develop more sustainable and productive methods for cultivating these plants, ultimately contributing to biodiversity conservation and the production of high-value natural products.

T cell large granular lymphocyte clones that persist over time and that exhibit molecular and immunophenotypic features closely resembling those of T-cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia (T-LGLL) may be detectable in individuals who lack any clinical or laboratory features supporting a diagnosis of T-cell malignancy. This condition represents a potential precursor state termed T cell clones of uncertain significance (T-CUS). T-CUS represents the even more benign extreme of the wide spectrum of clonal T- large granular lymphocyte proliferations, emphasizing the need for an appropriate multiparametric diagnostic assessment that avoids misdiagnosis of T-cell neoplasia. This approach should overcome the numerical cut-offs as the sole criteria to differentiate the benign condition from the related malignancies. In particular, genomic aberrancies might prospectively identify individuals who are at risk of progression to full blown T-cell malignancy. We herein discuss the significance of these T cell clones in both healthy and disease states suggesting molecular assays for tracking early steps of disease.

Background: In spite of major effectiveness, a residual risk after COVID-19 primary vaccination was identified, in particular, for vulnerable individuals of advanced age or with comorbidities. Less is known about the Omicron period in people protected by a booster dose. We aimed to identify the characteristics associated with severe COVID-19 during the Omicron period in a population that had received a booster dose in France and to compare differences with the previous periods of the pandemic. Methods: This study was carried out using the French national COVID-19 vaccination database (VAC-SI) coupled with the National Health Data System (SNDS). Individuals aged 12 years or over who received at least one booster dose were identified. Associations between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation occurring at least 14 days after receiving a third dose of vaccine during the period of Omicron predominance, i.e., from 1 January 2022 to 10 November 2022, were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, time since booster dose and vaccination schedule. Analyses were performed overall and by sub-period of circulation of the strains BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5, defined as periods where the main sub-variant accounted for more than 80 % of genotyped samples. Findings: In total, 35,640,387 individuals received a booster dose (mean follow-up of 291 days) and 73,989 were hospitalised for COVID-19 during the total period. Older age (aHR 20.5 95 % CI [19.6–21.5] for 90 years of age or older versus 45–54 years of age), being male (aHR 1.52 [1.50–1.55]), and social deprivation (aHR 1.33 [1.30–1.37] for the most deprived areas versus the least deprived) were associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation for COVID-19. Most of the chronic diseases considered were also positively associated with a residual risk, in particular, cystic fibrosis (aHR 9.83 [7.68–12.56]), active lung cancer (aHR 3.26 [3.06–3.47]), chronic dialysis (aHR 3.79 [3.49–4.11]), psychological and neurodegenerative diseases (more markedly than during the periods of circulation of the alpha and delta variants), and organ transplantation. The use of immunosuppressants was also associated with an increased risk (aHR 2.24 [2.14–2.35], including oral corticosteroids aHR (2.58 [2.50–2.67]). Conclusion: Despite an effective booster and a generally less virulent circulating variant, a residual risk of severe COVID-19 still exists in vulnerable populations, especially those with neurological disorders.

IntroductionIt is known that exposure to the natural environment may positively modulate mental processes and behaviors; in particular, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This suggests a potential integration of “nature experience” into the treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) since various types of addiction are associated with anxiety and depression. Considering that only one study has been reported to date in patients with alcohol use disorder, the effect of nature experience in SUD patients' needs to be further investigated. This study aimed to test the effects of exposure to a natural lagoon environment on craving and measures of wellbeing in SUD patients in comparison to exposure to an urban environment.MethodsTwenty-four SUD patients were divided into three groups of eight participants and exposed to two walking sessions (interspersed with a 1-week wash-out period) in a natural environment typical of the Venetian lagoon, an Urban walk, or staying at the residential center based on a Latin-square design. Before and after each session, drug craving, mood, wellbeing, agency, openness to the future, and restorativeness were assessed.ResultsThe Nature walk significantly decreased craving in participants compared to their pre-walk values, and compared to craving after the Urban walk, with the latter significantly increased vs. pre-walk values. The Nature walk significantly decreased negative mood and increased wellbeing and agency. Openness to the future and restorativeness measures showed significant improvement after the Nature walk compared to the Urban walk. On the other hand, craving scores after the Urban Walk positively correlated with negative mood and a Sense of Negative Agency values and negatively correlated with wellbeing scores.DiscussionOur results confirm that “nature experience” may improve mood, wellbeing, attention, stress relief, openness, and sense of being active in SUD patients. Moreover, we also showed a specific effect on drug craving—a key symptom of SUD.

Desert soil hosts many microorganisms, whose activities are essential from an ecological viewpoint. Moreover, they are of great anthropic interest. The knowledge of extreme environments microbiomes may be beneficial for agriculture, technology, and human health. In this study, 11 Arthrobacter strains from topsoil samples collected from the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area in the Gobi Desert, were characterized by a combination of different techniques. The phylogenetic analysis, performed using their 16S rDNA sequences and the most similar Arthrobacter sequences found in databases, revealed that most of them were close to A. crystallopoietes, while others joined a sister group to the clade formed by A. humicola, A. pascens, and A. oryzae. The resistance of each strain to different antibiotics, heavy-metals, and NaCl was also tested as well as the inhibitory potential against human pathogens (i.e., Burkholderia ssp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus ssp.) via cross-streaking, to check the production of metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Data obtained revealed that all strains were resistant to heavy metals and were able to strongly interfere with the growth of many of the human pathogens tested. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of the 11 Arthrobacter strains was also analyzed. A total of 16 different metabolites were found, some of which were already known for having an inhibitory action against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Isolate MS-3A13, producing the highest quantity of VOCs, is the most efficient against Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), K. pneumoniae, and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) strains. This work highlights the importance of understanding microbial populations' phenotypical characteristics and dynamics in extreme environments to uncover the antimicrobial potential of new species and strains.

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects sebaceous-rich areas such as the scalp, face, and upper trunk. While the precise etiology remains multifactorial, the role of the skin microbiome, particularly the proliferation of Malassezia species, and alterations in the skin barrier function are critical in its pathogenesis. Disruption of the skin barrier, characterized by increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced production of epidermal lipids, creates a favorable environment for microbial overgrowth and inflammation. Recent insights highlight the interplay between the impaired barrier function, immune responses, and the skin microbiome in perpetuating the disease. Additionally, novel dermocosmetic approaches are emerging that target these underlying mechanisms, offering promising therapeutic avenues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the involvement of skin microbiome and barrier dysfunction in seborrheic dermatitis and discusses the potential of advanced dermocosmetic treatments aimed at restoring skin homeostasis and preventing disease recurrence.

The sourcing of raw materials with low environmental impact, e.g., “upcycled” ingredients from short supply chains, has currently become necessary, and agri-food waste represents a very attractive hub to produce innovative cosmetic extracts. In this paper, an integrated approach considering all the different steps, starting from material selection, extraction, chemical characterization, biological activity evaluation, and environmental impact calculation, was adopted to obtain innovative, sustainable, and effective cosmetic raw materials from food waste. As case report, a supercritical CO2 extract obtained from wild-strawberry-processing waste after jam production (WSWSCO2 extract) was developed. The fatty acids profile of the waste material and WSWSCO2 extract was investigated via a GC–MS method, and mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic and linolenic acids were detected. Furthermore, the ability of the WSWSCO2 extract to inhibit 5α-reductase type 1 expression in skin fibroblasts was assessed, confirming significant efficacy at the dose of 5 mg/mL. Finally, in view of the eco-sustainability approach, the environmental impact related to WSWSCO2 extract was calculated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) analytical approach, considering different parameters and indicators (e.g., carbon footprint) and verifying the eco-friendly approach in extract development and production. Although further research is needed, for example, to check the full composition of the extract and its effect on skin cells, these results suggest that the WSWSCO2 extract may represent an innovative and sustainable ingredient for cosmetic applications especially in topical preparation for the treatment of some androgenic-related discomfort, such as acne and androgenic alopecia, reflecting the potentiality of the holistic and pioneering approach related to ingredient development presented in this study for the cosmetic sector.

The Ser-Thr kinase CK2 plays important roles in sustaining cell survival and resistance to stress and these functions are exploited by different types of blood tumors. Yet, the physiological involvement of CK2 in normal blood cell development is poorly known. Here, we discovered that the β regulatory subunit of CK2 is critical for normal hematopoiesis in the mouse. Fetal livers of conditional CK2β knockout embryos showed increased numbers of hematopoietic stem cells associated to a higher proliferation rate compared to control animals. Both hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) displayed alterations in the expression of transcription factors involved in cell quiescence, self-renewal, and lineage commitment. HSPCs lacking CK2β were functionally impaired in supporting both in vitro and in vivo hematopoiesis as demonstrated by transplantation assays. Furthermore, KO mice developed anemia due to a reduced number of mature erythroid cells. This compartment was characterized by dysplasia, proliferative defects at early precursor stage, and apoptosis at late-stage erythroblasts. Erythroid cells exhibited a marked compromise of signaling cascades downstream of the cKit and erythropoietin receptor, with a defective activation of ERK/JNK, JAK/STAT5, and PI3K/AKT pathways and perturbations of several transcriptional programs as demonstrated by RNA-Seq analysis. Moreover, we unraveled an unforeseen molecular mechanism whereby CK2 sustains GATA1 stability and transcriptional proficiency. Thus, our work demonstrates new and crucial functions of CK2 in HSPC biology and in erythropoiesis.

In autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), caused by mutations in the mitochondrial cristae biogenesis and fusion protein optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and visual loss occur by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show a role for autophagy in ADOA pathogenesis. In RGCs expressing mutated Opa1, active 5 AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its autophagy effector ULK1 accumulate at axonal hillocks. This AMPK activation triggers localized hillock autophagosome accumulation and mitophagy, ultimately resulting in reduced axonal mitochondrial content that is restored by genetic inhibition of AMPK and autophagy. In C. elegans, deletion of AMPK or of key autophagy and mitophagy genes normalizes the axonal mitochondrial content that is reduced upon mitochondrial dysfunction. In conditional, RGC specific Opa1-deficient mice, depletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg7 normalizes the excess autophagy and corrects the visual defects caused by Opa1 ablation. Thus, our data identify AMPK and autophagy as targetable components of ADOA pathogenesis.

Abstract We analyzed BCR::ABL1 expression at stop and in the first month after discontinuation in 168 chronic myeloid leukemia patients who stopped imatinib or 2nd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2G‐TKIs) while in sustained deep molecular response. Patients were divided among those who maintained response (group 1, n = 123) and those who lost major molecular response (group 2, n = 45). Mean BCR::ABL1 RNA levels 1 month after discontinuation were higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.0005) and the difference was more evident 2 months after stop (p

Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) has become an essential procedure in respiratory medicine. Due to its intrinsic safety and versatility, it has been applied in patients affected by several respiratory diseases both in intensive care and outpatient settings. TUS can complement and often exceed stethoscope and radiological findings, especially in managing pleural diseases. We hereby aimed to describe the establishment, development, and optimization in a large, tertiary care hospital of a pleural clinic, which is dedicated to the evaluation and monitoring of patients with pleural diseases, including, among others, pleural effusion and/or thickening, pneumothorax and subpleural consolidation. The clinic was initially meant to follow outpatients undergoing medical thoracoscopy. In this scenario, TUS allowed rapid and regular assessment of these patients, promptly diagnosing recurrence of pleural effusion and other complications that could be appropriately managed. Over time, our clinic has rapidly expanded its initial indications thus becoming the place to handle more complex respiratory patients in collaboration with, among others, thoracic surgeons and oncologists. In this article, we critically describe the strengths and pitfalls of our “pleural clinic” and propose an organizational model that results from a synergy between respiratory physicians and other professionals. This model can inspire other healthcare professionals to develop a similar organization based on their local setting.

Driven by growing environmental concerns and regulations, cosmetic companies are seeking reliable methods to promptly assess the possibility of replacing high-impact ingredients with sustainable alternatives. In this work, we exploited rheological and texture analyses to evaluate the possibility of using natural and biodegradable raw materials for reformulating three commercial oil-in-water skin care emulsions from an eco-design perspective. Synthetic texturizers, like nylon-12 and PMMA, were replaced with starch, maltodextrin, and silica, while acrylic rheological modifiers were substituted with polysaccharide associations of sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and carrageenan. Plant-based emollients and a biodegradable elastomer were used as alternatives to silicone oils. The flow and viscoelastic properties of the samples were characterized using rheological tests under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. The immersion/de-immersion texture analysis allowed us to measure the mechanical properties of firmness, adhesiveness, and stringiness. A double-blind sensory test assessed the products’ application and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that rheology and texture analysis are complementary and correlated techniques, useful for predicting cosmetics’ sensory characteristics. While perfect replication of the original formulas might not be achievable, this protocol can aid formulators in selecting new eco-friendly ingredients ensuring the products’ desired application and sensory properties without compromising consumer experience.

Background: Bacterial endophytic communities associated with medicinal plants synthesize a plethora of bioactive compounds with biological activities. Their easy isolation and growth procedures make bacterial endophytes an untapped source of novel drugs, which might help to face the problem of antimicrobial resistance. This study investigates the antagonistic potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from different compartments of the medicinal plant O. heracleoticum against human opportunistic pathogens. Methods: A panel of endophytes was employed in cross-streaking tests against multidrug-resistant human pathogens, followed by high-resolution chemical profiling using headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: Endophytic bacteria exhibited the ability to antagonize the growth of opportunistic pathogens belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). The different inhibition patterns observed were related to their taxonomic attribution at the genus level; most active strains belong to the Gram-positive genera Bacillus, Arthrobacter, and Pseudarthrobacter. Bcc strains of clinical origin were more sensitive than environmental strains. Cross-streaking tests against other 36 human multidrug-resistant pathogens revealed the highest antimicrobial activity towards the Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Interestingly, strains of human origin were the most inhibited, in both groups. Concerning the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the strain Arthrobacter sp. OHL24 was the best producer of such compounds, while two Priestia strains were good ketones producers and so could be considered for further biotechnological applications. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlights the diverse antagonistic activities of O. heracleoticum-associated endophytes against both Bcc and multidrug-resistant (MDR) human pathogens. These findings hold important implications for investigating bacterial endophytes of medicinal plants as new sources of antimicrobial compounds.

Maintaining insoluble plant-based ingredients in suspension and ensuring long-term physical stability is particularly challenging for formulators of green cosmetics. This study aimed to evaluate the structure and applicative properties of gel and gel-cream topical formulations suitable for delivering an insoluble phytocomplex on the vaginal mucosa and maintaining its integrity. For this purpose, we studied the compatibility of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton phytocomplex (PFP), derived from in vitro plant cell cultures and presented as a powder finely dispersed in glycerin, with different classes of natural rheological modifiers (such as xanthan gum, sclerotium gum, succinoglycan, xyloglucan, diutan gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum derivative) in gel and gel-cream formulations, to meet the needs of the cosmetic market for naturalness and biodegradability. Through rheological and texture analyses, we studied the physico–mechanical properties of the samples, comparing the performances of the chosen polysaccharides to those of acrylic polymeric rheological modifiers, evaluating their contribution in terms of stability and applicative properties. Since a weak-gel rheological pattern proved to be the optimal one to keep the actives in suspension, the associations of tamarind seed polysaccharides with succinoglycan or scleroglucan were the most suitable for the formulation of mucoadhesive gels.

Abstract Bipolar patients (BD) in the euthymic phase show almost no symptoms, nevertheless possibility of relapse is still present. We expected to find a psychobiological trace of their vulnerability by analyzing a specific network—the Language Network (LN)—connecting many high-level processes and brain regions measured at rest. According to Crow’s hypothesis on the key role of language in the origin of psychoses, we expected an altered asymmetry of the LN in euthymic BDs. Eighteen euthymic BD patients (10 females; age = 54.50 ± 11.38 years) and 16 healthy controls (HC) (8 females; age = 51.16 ± 11.44 years) underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan at rest. The LN was extracted through independent component analysis. Then, LN time series was used to compute the fractional amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) index, which was then correlated with clinical scales. Compared with HC, euthymic patients showed an altered LN with greater activation of Broca’s area right homologous and anterior insula together with reduced activation of left middle temporal gyrus. The normalized fALFF analysis on BD patients’ LN time series revealed that the Slow-5 fALFF band was positively correlated with residual mania symptoms but negatively associated with depression scores. In line with Crow’s hypothesis postulating an altered language hemispheric asymmetry in psychoses, we revealed, in euthymic BD patients, a right shift involving both the temporal and frontal linguistic hubs. The fALFF applied to LN allowed us to highlight a number of significant correlations of this measure with residual mania and depression psychiatric symptoms.

T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the clonal expansion of T-cell large granular lymphocytes (T-LGL). Immunophenotypic and genotypic features contribute to discriminate symptomatic (CD8+ STAT3-mutated T-LGLL) from clinically indolent patients, this latter group including CD8+ wildtype (wt), CD4+ STAT5B-mutated and wt cases. T-LGL lymphoproliferation is sustained both by somatic gain-offunction mutations (i.e., STAT3 and STAT5B) and by pro-inflammatory cytokines, but little information is available on the activity of T-LGLL non-leukemic cells. In this study, we characterized pro-inflammatory cells in the peripheral blood of T-LGLL patients and analyzed their role in supporting the leukemic growth. In symptomatic patients we found that cell populations not belonging to the leukemic component showed a discrete pro-inflammatory pattern. In particular, CD8+ STAT3-mutated cases showed a skewed Th17/Treg ratio and an abnormal distribution of monocyte populations characterized by increased intermediate and non-classical monocytes. We also demonstrated that monocytes released high levels of interleukin-6 after CCL5 stimulation, a chemokine specifically expressed only by leukemic LGL. Conversely, in asymptomatic cases an altered distribution of monocyte populations was not detected. Moreover, T-LGLL patients’ monocytes showed abnormal activation of signaling pathways, further supporting the different pathogenic role of monocytes in patients in discrete clinical settings. Altogether, our data contribute to deepening the knowledge on the different cell subtypes in T-LGLL, focusing particularly on non-leukemic cell populations and thus offering the rationale for new therapeutic strategies.

Tγδ large granular lymphocyte leukemia (Tγδ LGLL) is a rare lymphoproliferative neoplasm characterized by the expansion of T large granular lymphocytes expressing γδ TCR. Here, based on deep sequencing analysis of the clonotype repertoire, the authors show that leukemic Tγδ cells are characterized by recurrent public clonotypes that are diversified between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Finding an effective treatment for T-PLL patients remains a significant challenge. Alemtuzumab, currently the gold standard, is insufficient in managing the aggressiveness of the disease in the long term. Consequently, numerous efforts are underway to address this unmet clinical need. The rarity of the disease limits the ability to conduct robust clinical trials, making in silico, ex vivo, and in vivo drug screenings essential for designing new therapeutic strategies for T-PLL. We conducted a drug repurposing analysis based on T-PLL gene expression data and identified proteasome inhibitors (PIs) as a promising new class of compounds capable of reversing the T-PLL phenotype. Treatment of ex vivo T-PLL cells with Bortezomib and Carfilzomib, two PI compounds, supported this hypothesis by demonstrating increased apoptosis in leukemic cells. The current lack of a suitable in vitro model for the study of T-PLL prompted us to perform similar experiments in the SUP-T11 cell line, validating its potential by showing an increased apoptotic rate. Taken together, these findings open new avenues for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy of PI in T-PLL and expand the spectrum of potential therapeutic strategies for this highly aggressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic bacteria, part of the plant microbiome, hold significant potential for enhancing the cultivation and sustainability of medicinal plants (MPs). These microbes are integral to many plant functions, including growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, traditional cultivation practices often overlook the importance of these beneficial microbes, leading to reduced crop yields, lower phytochemical quality, and increased susceptibility to diseases. The domestication of MPs and the use of chemical fertilizers disrupt the natural microbial diversity in soils, essential for the health and productivity of plants. This disruption can lead to the loss of beneficial plant–microbe interactions, which are vital for the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Recent advances in microbiome research, supported by omics technologies, have expanded our understanding of how endophytic bacteria can be leveraged to enhance MP productivity and quality. Endophytic bacteria can directly boost MP productivity by promoting plant growth and health or indirectly by restoring healthy soil microbiomes. They can also be harnessed as microbial factories to produce valuable natural compounds, either by transforming plant-derived precursors into bioactive substances or by synthesizing unique metabolites that mimic MP secondary metabolites. This offers a sustainable and low-cost alternative to traditional MP cultivation, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving endangered species. In conclusion, integrating microbiome research with traditional agricultural practices could revolutionize MP cultivation. By focusing on the microbial component, particularly endophytes, we can develop more sustainable and productive methods for cultivating these plants, ultimately contributing to biodiversity conservation and the production of high-value natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects sebaceous-rich areas such as the scalp, face, and upper trunk. While the precise etiology remains multifactorial, the role of the skin microbiome, particularly the proliferation of Malassezia species, and alterations in the skin barrier function are critical in its pathogenesis. Disruption of the skin barrier, characterized by increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced production of epidermal lipids, creates a favorable environment for microbial overgrowth and inflammation. Recent insights highlight the interplay between the impaired barrier function, immune responses, and the skin microbiome in perpetuating the disease. Additionally, novel dermocosmetic approaches are emerging that target these underlying mechanisms, offering promising therapeutic avenues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the involvement of skin microbiome and barrier dysfunction in seborrheic dermatitis and discusses the potential of advanced dermocosmetic treatments aimed at restoring skin homeostasis and preventing disease recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how microbial communities survive in extreme environmental pressure is critical for interpreting ecological patterns and microbial diversity. Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area represents an intriguing model for studying the bacterial community since it is a protected and intact wild area of the Mongolian desert. In this work, the composition of a bacterial community of the soil from four oases was characterized by extracting total DNA and sequencing through the Illumina NovaSeq platform. In addition, the soil’s chemical and physical properties were determined, and their influence on shaping the microbial communities was evaluated. The results showed a high variability of bacterial composition among oases. Moreover, combining specific chemical and physical parameters significantly shapes the bacterial community among oases. Data obtained suggested that the oases were highly variable in physiochemical parameters and bacterial communities despite the similar extreme climate conditions. Moreover, core functional microbiome were constituted by aerobic chemoheterotrophy and chemoheterotrophy, mainly contributed by the most abundant bacteria, such as Actinobacteriota, Pseudomonadota, and Firmicutes. This result supposes a metabolic flexibility for sustaining life in deserts. Furthermore, as the inhabitants of the extreme regions are likely to produce new chemical compounds, isolation of key taxa is thus encouraged.

The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat infective diseases is increasing its importance, especially in the case of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms-mediated infections. The drug resistance phenomenon is today a global problem, so it is important to have available substances able to counteract MDR infections. Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (commonly called clove) is a spice characterized by several biological properties. Clove essential oil (EO) consists of numerous active molecules, being eugenol as the principal component; however, other compounds that synergize with each other are responsible for the biological properties of the EO. S. aromaticum is traditionally used for bowel and stomach disorders, cold and flu, oral hygiene, tooth decay, and for its analgesic action. Its EO has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, anti-stress, anticancer, and anti-nociceptive activities. This review aims to investigate the role of E. S. aromaticum EO in the counteraction of MDR microorganisms responsible for human disorders, diseases, or infections, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, Giardia lamblia, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study might orient clinical researchers on future therapeutic uses of S. aromaticum EO in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.