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Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E. bieneusi infection in endemic regions and analyze the various potential risk factors. A total of 75 studies were included. Among 31,644 individuals tested, 2,291 (6.59%) were E. bieneusi -positive. The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in the male population was 5.50%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in different age groups was varied, with 10.97% in teenagers. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in asymptomatic patients (6.49%) is significantly lower than that in HIV-infected patients (11.49%), and in patients with diarrheal symptoms (16.45%). Rural areas had a higher rate (7.58%) than urban ones. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans was the highest (6.42%) at altitudes <10 m. Moreover, the temperate zone marine climate (13.55%) had the highest prevalence. A total of 69 genotypes of E. bieneusi have been found in humans. This is the first global study regarding E. bieneusi prevalence in humans. Not only people with low immunity (such as the elderly, children, people with HIV, etc.), but also people in Europe in temperate marine climates should exercise caution to prevent infection with E. bieneusi during contact process with animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi est l’un des agents pathogènes zoonotiques les plus importants. Dans cette étude, nous présentons une revue systématique et une méta-analyse de la prévalence de l’infection humaine à E. bieneusi dans les régions endémiques et analysons les différents facteurs de risque potentiels. Au total, 75 études ont été incluses. Parmi 31 644 individus, 2 291 (6,59 %) étaient positifs à E. bieneusi . La prévalence la plus élevée d’ E. bieneusi dans la population masculine était de 5,50 %. La prévalence d’ E. bieneusi dans différents groupes d’âge variait, avec 10,97 % chez les adolescents. La prévalence d’ E. bieneusi chez les patients asymptomatiques (6,49 %) était significativement inférieure à celle des patients VIH (11,49 %) et des patients présentant des symptômes de diarrhée (16,45 %). Les zones rurales avaient un taux plus élevé (7,58 %) que les zones urbaines. La prévalence d’ E. bieneusi chez les humains était la plus élevée (6,42 %) à une altitude <10 m. De plus, le climat marin de la zone tempérée (13,55 %) avait la prévalence la plus élevée. Au total, 69 génotypes d’ E. bieneusi ont été trouvés chez l’homme. Il s’agit de la première étude mondiale concernant la prévalence d’ E. bieneusi chez l’homme. Non seulement les personnes ayant une faible immunité (telles que les personnes âgées, les enfants, les patients atteints du VIH, etc.), mais également les personnes vivant en Europe dans un climat marin tempéré doivent veiller à prévenir l’infection par E. bieneusi lors du contact avec des animaux.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi ( E. bieneusi ) is a pathogenic microsporidian that affects immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, and represents a major cause of diarrhea. It can severely impact human health, causing gastrointestinal disease, nutritional deficits, and life-threatening complications. However, the microbial mechanisms by which E. bieneusi affects host nutrition are not well understood. Wild rodents have long been considered valuable models for studying human diseases due to similarities in gut microbiota dynamics and immune responses, making them particularly relevant for investigating parasitic infections. Here, we assembled a comprehensive catalog of 9,929 non-redundant microbial genomes from wild rodent gut metagenomes and evaluated their potential for B vitamins and vitamin K 2 biosynthesis using comparative functional genomics. We identified 2,307 genomes encoding complete pathways for de novo biosynthesis of at least one essential vitamin, though no single genome encoded all pathways, indicating a distributed metabolic capacity within the microbial community. Infection with E. bieneusi significantly altered the microbial composition and the potential for vitamin biosynthesis, with a notable expansion of Methanobacteriota and reprogramming of pyridoxine (vitamin B 6 ) biosynthesis pathways. These changes reveal a functional shift in microbial metabolism in response to parasitic pressure. By elucidating the microbial basis of vitamin biosynthesis in wild rodents and the impact of E. bieneusi infection on microbial functions, this study provides new insights into the role of gut microbiota in maintaining host health and supporting nutrient provision under parasitic stress. Moreover, the findings will provide valuable insights into the prevention and control of E. bieneusi infection in a variety of host, including humans.

Ambient aerosol fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with male reproductive toxicity in experiments and may have adverse effects in the female. However, studies evaluating the protective effects and precise mechanisms of aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or ozone against toxic effects of PM2.5are sparse. This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effects and mechanisms of aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or ozone on fertility in female mice treated with PM2.5. Eighty-four ICR mice were divided into six groups: control group, PM2.5group, PM2.5 + aspirin group, PM2.5 + Vitamin C group, PM2.5 + Vitamin E group, and PM2.5 + ozone group. PM2.5was given by intratracheal instillation every 2 days for 3 weeks. Aspirin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E were given once a day by oral gavage for 3 weeks, and ozone was administered by intraperitoneal injection once a day for 3 weeks. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting analysis was used to analyze the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 in ovaries. Changes in histological structure were examined by light microscope and electron microscopy was used to detect ultramicrostructure. The results demonstrated that PM2.5 decreased AMH levels (P < 0.001); however, aspirin (P < 0.001), Vitamin C (P < 0.001), Vitamin E (P = 0.001), and ozone (P = 0.002) alleviated the decrease. Changes of IL-6, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in PM2.5group were increased compared to control group (P < 0.001), while in PM2.5 + aspirin, PM2.5 + Vitamin C, PM2.5 + Vitamin E, and PM2.5 + ozone groups, they were statistically decreased compared to PM2.5group (P < 0.001 or P< 0.05). PM2.5cause the damage of ovaries, and aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ozone antagonizes the damage. The protective mechanism is probably due to its ability to blunt the inflammatory and oxidative stress caused by PM2.5, which subsequently suppressing the expression of apoptotic regulatory protein and reducing the incidence of ovary apoptosis.

Wild rodent’s gut microbiota serves as a crucial reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), where antimicrobial-resistant bacteria interact with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) to facilitate horizontal gene transfer. This study analyzed 12,255 gut-derived bacterial genomes from wild rodents to characterize the distribution of ARGs and virulence factor genes (VFGs), and to identify their bacterial hosts. A total of 8119 ARGs and 7626 VFGs were identified. The most prevalent ARGs conferred resistance to elfamycin, followed by those associated with multi-class antibiotic resistance. Enterobacteriaceae , particularly Escherichia coli , harbored the highest numbers of ARGs and VFGs. A strong correlation between the presence of MGEs, ARGs, and VFGs was observed, highlighting the potential for co-selection and mobilization of resistance and virulence traits. These findings underscore the importance of expanded surveillance to monitor and mitigate the risk of transmission of resistant and potentially pathogenic bacteria from wild rodents to human and animal populations.

Bile acids (BAs) are central to host-microbiota interactions, yet their metabolism in wild rodents remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to explore the genomic potential of gut microorganisms in wild rodents for BA metabolism and its implications for host adaptation and pathogen interactions. We reconstructed 6,332 genomes from the gut microbiota of wild rodents and performed genome-resolved metabolic profiling. Comparative analyses were conducted across host species, including humans, pigs, laboratory mice, and chickens. Functional enrichment was further assessed in relation to glycoside hydrolase families and Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection status. A total of 5,208 genomes were identified as participants in key BA metabolic pathways, including deconjugation, oxidation, and dihydroxylation, predominantly from Bacillota_A and Bacteroidota. Notably, Muribaculaceae and CAG-485 lineages within Bacteroidota encoded bile salt hydrolase (BSH). Cross-species comparisons revealed a striking absence of 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7β-HSDH) in laboratory mice, indicating their limited suitability for modeling intestinal BA metabolism. BSH-encoding genomes were significantly enriched in glycoside hydrolase families GH13 and GH16, suggesting a potential link between BA transformation and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection was associated with a marked increase in BA-related microbial taxa in wild rodents. Our findings highlight the intricate interconnections between gut microbial functions, BA metabolism, and pathogen interactions. The absence of 7β-HSDH in laboratory mice underscores wild rodents as potentially more suitable models for BA research. These results open new avenues for understanding microbiome-driven host adaptation and health.

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium infection with the main symptom of diarrhea. The present study performed a metaanalysis to determine the global prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Equus animals. Data collection was carried out using Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese journal database (VIP), WanFang Data, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases, with 35 articles published before 2021 being included in this systematic analysis. This study analyzed the research data through subgroup analysis and univariate regression analysis to reveal the factors leading to high prevalence. We applied a random effects model (REM) to the metadata. The total prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium in Equus was estimated to be 7.59% from the selected articles. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in female Equus was 2.60%. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Equus under 1-year-old was 11.06%, which was higher than that of Equus over 1-year-old (2.52%). In the experimental method groups, the positive rate detected by microscopy was the highest (10.52%). The highest Cryptosporidium prevalence was found in scale breeding Equus (7.86%). The horses had the lowest Cryptosporidium prevalence (7.32%) among host groups. C. muris was the most frequently detected genotype in the samples (53.55%). In the groups of geographical factors, the prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium in Equus was higher in regions with low altitude (6.88%), rainy (15.63%), humid (22.69%), and tropical climates (16.46%). The search strategy use of five databases might have caused the omission of some researches. This metaanalysis systematically presented the global prevalence and potential risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in Equus. The farmers should strengthen the management of young and female Equus animals, improve water filtration systems, reduce stocking densities, and harmless treatment of livestock manure.

Bile acid (BA) metabolism by gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health by influencing nutrient absorption, immune responses, and resistance to pathogens. Elucidating how enteric infections disrupt the BA-microbiota axis is crucial for advancing microbiota-based therapeutics, precision nutrition, and post-antibiotic disease control strategies. We reconstructed 9,990 high-quality microbial genomes from the gut microbiota of chicken and performed genome-resolved metabolic profiling. Comparative analyses were conducted across host species, including humans and pigs. Also, 135 intestinal samples collected from different regions of the chicken gut were analyzed. Additional samples from chickens infected with Salmonella typhimurium and Eimeria tenella were included to assess infection-associated alterations. Our results reveal that the phylum is predominant, with key BA-transforming enzymes, including bile salt hydrolase (BSH) and 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH), present in a substantial proportion of the genomes. Chickens harbored a higher proportion of BSH genes compared to humans and pigs, with and identified as major contributors. Region-specific analysis showed that BA-metabolizing microbes are unevenly distributed along the intestinal tract, with the highest diversity observed in the cecum and colon. Experimental pathogen challenges revealed that infection altered BSH gene abundance and overall microbial community structure, whereas infection increased taxonomic richness but reduced community evenness. Together, these findings advance our understanding of microbial contributions to BA dynamics in poultry and offer insights into the role of BA metabolism in gut health and pathogen resistance.

IntroductionThe chicken gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in nutrient absorption and overall health, contributing to the biosynthesis of essential vitamins. However, the biosynthesis of vitamins B and K2 by the whole gut microbiome, as well as their abundances across different gut regions, remains largely unknown.MethodsWe employed both metagenomic sequencing and culture-based techniques, collecting a total of 25,825 genomes (25,764 metagenome-assembled genomes and 61 isolated genomes). After quality assessment and average nucleotide identity (ANI), 13,734 genomes were retained for downstream analysis.ResultsWhole-genome clustering analysis identified 2,675 species-level genome bins (SGBs), predominantly from the phyla Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota . A gene catalog comprising 9.69 million genes revealed that 195,517 genes are involved in the biosynthesis of vitamins B and K2, exhibiting significant regional variation. The large intestine exhibited greater species richness and evenness compared to the small intestine. From the 13,734 genomes, we discovered 3,063 high-quality ones capable of synthesizing at least one vitamin. Genomic analysis revealed that a mere 8.2% of genomes were capable of producing five or more vitamins, while almost half were limited to synthesizing just one. Comparative genomics of cobalamin (B12) biosynthesis highlighted the predominance of the anaerobic pathway. Additionally, changes in microbial abundance were observed, such as increased abundance of the genera Phocaeicola and Faecalibacterium during bacterial infections, and Limisoma during parasitic infections.DiscussionThis study provides detailed metagenomic insights into the capacity of chicken gut microbiome for vitamins B and K2 biosynthesis, revealing significant regional and taxonomic variations. These results suggest a collaborative microbial effort in vitamin biosynthesis, with potential implications for optimizing poultry health and nutrition through targeted microbial interventions.

The extensive use of antimicrobials in livestock has accelerated the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), raising serious global concerns. Poultry feces are recognized as important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs); however, the microbial community characteristics and ARG profiles of laying hens across different laying stages remain poorly understood. In this study, 40 fecal samples were collected from laying hens at five sampling points, including the early laying stage (HE), three peak laying stages (HPI, HPII, and HPIII), and the late laying stage (HL), with eight randomly selected samples per stage. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted to characterize the taxonomic structure and functional profiles of the intestinal microbiota and to systematically analyze the diversity and distribution patterns of ARGs. The results showed that most ARGs were harbored by bacteria belonging to the phyla Pseudomonadota and Bacillota , with Escherichia coli serving as the primary carrier of antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between the co-abundance and co-occurrence of ARGs and MGEs, suggesting that MGEs play a key role in facilitating ARG dissemination. Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the prevalence of ARGs in laying hens across different laying stages and may inform strategies to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance in poultry production systems.

In recent years, cooperative transportation systems using multiple mobile robots have been studied. The advantage will be to transport objects that cannot be dealt with by a single robot and transport them by using smaller robots. Although cooperative transportation by a group of robots has been studied, the conventional transportation targets are limited to objects whose posture is stable. In this paper, we propose a system in which robots pile up on each other to support an object, aiming at a system for more versatile object transportation, including unstable objects. After deriving the conditions by modeling the support system in object transportation, we verify the transporting performance including the robotic pile-up effect through actual robot experiments.