The rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria has become a major health concern, driving the need to identify new antimicrobial resources. Recently, endophytes, inhabiting in internal tissues of medicinal plants, have drew important interest from the scientific community, as reservoirs of bioactive metabolites. Numerous studies highlight the symbiotic relationship between plants and their endophytes, in which these microorganisms produce antimicrobial compounds, helping the host plant’s defense against pathogens. Plantago major (commonly known as plantain) is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, especially for its antimicrobial properties. In this study, endophytic fungi were isolated from Plantago major, morphologically characterized and identified using ITS sequencing. Their antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion assay. In total, 21 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from different plant tissues, including leaves, stems, roots, and flowers. Antibacterial assays against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were investigated on PDA, SDA, and CDA media. Amongst the isolates, nine strains (MD-H1, MD-L1, MD-L2, MD-L3, MD-L4, MD-L5, MD-R1, MD-T1, MD-T2, and MD-T10) showed medium to strong antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones exceeding 15 mm. The result suggests that endophytic fungi associated with Plantago is a valuable source of anti-MRSA compounds. Further work will focus on identifying the secondary metabolites responsible for this activity and elucidating their chemical structures, providing a basis for the development of new potent antibiotic agents.

Introduction Sensitive skin (SS) is a common clinical condition characterized by exaggerated sensory responses such as burning, stinging, itching, and irritation to otherwise nonpathological stimuli, most frequently affecting the face. The underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood, particularly with regard to the role of the skin microbiome. Methods This study investigated the facial skin microbiota in Vietnamese adults with SS and examined its associations with clinical symptoms and skin physiological parameters. A total of 75 participants were enrolled, including 45 with SS and 30 with nonsensitive skin (NSS). Clinical assessment included evaluation of subjective symptoms, symptom regularity, time of symptom onset, trigger factors, and objective measurements of skin pH, sebum, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, and melanin index. Bacterial communities were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 region. Results Participants with SS exhibited significantly higher erythema and TEWL across all sex and age subgroups, as well as elevated skin pH in female and middle-aged participants (p < 0.05). Alpha and beta diversity metrics did not differ significantly between SS and NSS groups. However, differential abundance analysis using Analysis of Compositions of Microbiomes with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC) identified 53 bacterial genera with significant compositional differences, indicating subtle community restructuring. A total of 32 genera, including Peredibacter, Enterobacter, and Marmoricola, were enriched in SS, whereas Streptococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Weissella were depleted. Correlation and stratified analyses further revealed genus-level associations with skin physiological parameters, clinical symptoms, anatomical locations, symptom regularity, and time since symptom onset. Conclusions SS is associated with subtle but distinct alterations in facial skin microbiome composition, in parallel with measurable changes in skin physiological parameters related to barrier function and reactivity. The results indicate associations between microbial composition, skin physiological parameters, and clinical characteristics in the SS phenotype, and offer a population-specific microbiome reference for Vietnamese facial skin.

Coronavirus-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemics have devastated lives, economies, and societies worldwide. Given the higher severity of the latter pandemic, the constant mutation, and vaccine escape, new and more dangerous pandemics could emerge. Therefore, it is imperative to identify conserved vaccine candidates for stable effectiveness in future pandemics. This study aimed to tailor potential, conserved peptide-based vaccine candidates for the upcoming Coronavirus pandemic based on the sequences of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, using bioinformatic approaches. Peptide-based CD4+ T-cell epitopes derived from SARS proteomes were identified based on their predicted binding affinity to HLA-DRB1, one of the central molecules for the adaptive immune system. These epitopes were then assessed for conservation by sequence analysis of all pandemic-involved strains and variants. The epitopes were then evaluated and cross-checked for possible protection against the causative pathogens via potential uptake by B-cell receptors, the sustenance of sequence conservation for the future pandemic strain using data from population HLA-allele-typing studies, structural analysis of the spike-antibody complex and their contribution to the function of spike protein, respectively. As a result, selected vaccine candidates were projected to cover nearly 90% of the world's population with the combination of just four epitopes. The epitopes could be modified to adapt to future pandemic strains, improve antigenicity, or be used as booster immunization against the currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant. This study demonstrates that there is still room for improvement and promising discoveries in vaccine design to deter upcoming SARS pandemics.

The slipper lobster ( Thenus australiensis ) is rapidly emerging as a high-potential species for commercial aquaculture. Because females exhibit superior growth characteristics due to less frequent moulting after sexual maturity, developing monosex breeding strategies is highly desirable for industry profitability. However, the lack of genomic resources and early sex-identification tools has hindered this development. Here, we report the first draft male genome assembly for T. australiensis , generated using a combination of whole-genome shotgun sequencing, DArT-seq, and multi-tissue transcriptomics. The curated assembly spans 0.913 Gbp with high functional completeness (93.0% BUSCO), providing a robust repertoire of 30,100 protein-coding genes. Through k-mer subtraction and population-level DArT-seq genotyping, we provide definitive evidence that T. australiensis utilizes an XX/XY sex-determination system. Crucially, by identifying male-specific structural variations within a neo-Y locus, we developed a diagnostic PCR assay targeting a male-exclusive sequence. This 171 bp marker achieved 100% accuracy in phenotypic sex identification across wild-caught populations. Ultimately, these foundational genomic resources, combined with a highly reliable molecular sexing tool, provide the critical framework necessary for early sex sorting, broodstock management, and the commercial advancement of monosex slipper lobster farming. Highlights: First draft genome of slipper lobster (0.913 Gbp) assembled. Multi-omics approach confirms an XX/XY sex-determination system. Developed a 171 bp diagnostic PCR sex marker with 100% accuracy. Facilitates early sex sorting for profitable monosex aquaculture.