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Narrative-Dynamical Systems (NDS): A Closed-Loop Architecture for Long-Horizon Autoregressive Decoding via Orthogonal Logit Projection and Dynamic Barriers
Faruk Alpay
Posted: 15 January 2026
Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression with Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder: Three Case Reports
Alessandro Guffanti
,Matteo Leonardi
,Natascia Brondino
,Bernardo Dell'Osso
,Vassilis Martiadis
,Miriam Olivola
Posted: 15 January 2026
MuRDE-FPN: Precise UAV Localization Using Enhanced Feature Pyramid Network
Monika Kisieliūtė
,Ignas Daugėla
Posted: 15 January 2026
Review of Mineral and Vitamin Complexes for Pregnant Ewes and Lambs
Saltanat Baibatyrova
,Akniyet Onerbayeva
,Amirbek Sagyzbaev
,Temirkhan Kenzhebaev
,Zhazira S. Mukatayeva
,Indira Kurmanbayeva
Posted: 15 January 2026
Spatio-Temporal Forecasting of Traffic Accidents Using Prophet Models with Statistical Residual Validation
Jaime Sayago-Heredia
,Tatiana Landivar
,Roberto Vásconez
,Wilson Chango-Sailema
Posted: 15 January 2026
Inverse Kinematics of China Space Station Experimental Module Manipulator
Yang Liu
,Haibo Gao
,Yuxiang Zhao
,Shuo Zhang
,Yuteng Xie
,Yifan Yang
,Yonglong Zhang
,Mengfei Li
,Zhiduo Jiang
,Zongwu Xie
Posted: 15 January 2026
Mining Genetically Encoded Biosensors from Filamentous Fungi
Mining Genetically Encoded Biosensors from Filamentous Fungi
Shuhui Guo
,Shaozheng Song
,Zhunzhun Liu
,Yunjun Ge
,Ye Chen
Posted: 15 January 2026
Photo-Oxidative Stress in Plants: Molecular Mechanisms, Damage, and Adaptive Strategies for Resilience
Photo-Oxidative Stress in Plants: Molecular Mechanisms, Damage, and Adaptive Strategies for Resilience
Xinguo Li
,Sha Yang
,Jialei Zhang
,Shubo Wan
Photo-oxidative stress results from an imbalance between light absorption and photosynthetic carbon utilization, posing a major threat to plant productivity and resilience under climate change. This review synthesizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of photo-oxidation, focusing on the dual role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as both toxic byproducts and key signaling molecules. We outline the specific sites of ROS generation in chloroplasts, particularly singlet oxygen (¹O₂) at Photosystem II (PSII) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at Photosystem I (PSI), and describe their distinct retrograde signaling pathways that regulate nuclear gene expression for acclimation. A systems perspective reveals how photo-oxidative damage propagates through interconnected cycles of impaired photosystem repair, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation, ultimately risking cellular collapse. To cope, plants employ a multi-layered photoprotective arsenal, including non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), alternative electron sinks, and integrated antioxidant networks. These mechanisms are further examined within an ecological and evolutionary context, highlighting natural variation and trade-offs between growth and defense. Finally, we discuss future directions for translating this knowledge into strategies for engineering climate-resilient crops, emphasizing the role of synthetic biology, multi-omics integration, and genomics-assisted breeding in supporting global food security.
Photo-oxidative stress results from an imbalance between light absorption and photosynthetic carbon utilization, posing a major threat to plant productivity and resilience under climate change. This review synthesizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of photo-oxidation, focusing on the dual role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as both toxic byproducts and key signaling molecules. We outline the specific sites of ROS generation in chloroplasts, particularly singlet oxygen (¹O₂) at Photosystem II (PSII) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at Photosystem I (PSI), and describe their distinct retrograde signaling pathways that regulate nuclear gene expression for acclimation. A systems perspective reveals how photo-oxidative damage propagates through interconnected cycles of impaired photosystem repair, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation, ultimately risking cellular collapse. To cope, plants employ a multi-layered photoprotective arsenal, including non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), alternative electron sinks, and integrated antioxidant networks. These mechanisms are further examined within an ecological and evolutionary context, highlighting natural variation and trade-offs between growth and defense. Finally, we discuss future directions for translating this knowledge into strategies for engineering climate-resilient crops, emphasizing the role of synthetic biology, multi-omics integration, and genomics-assisted breeding in supporting global food security.
Posted: 15 January 2026
Development of Low-Resistance Conductive Threads from E-Waste for Smart Textiles
Development of Low-Resistance Conductive Threads from E-Waste for Smart Textiles
Aman Ul Azam Khan
,Nazmunnahar Nazmunnahar
,Mehedi Hasan Roni
,Aurghya Kumar Saha
,Zarin Tasnim Bristy
,Abdul Baqui
,Abdul Md Mazid
Posted: 15 January 2026
Hybrid Resins Derived from Abies Alba Exudate as Matrices for Composite Materials
Hybrid Resins Derived from Abies Alba Exudate as Matrices for Composite Materials
Cosmin Mihai Mirițoiu
,Paula Adriana Pădeanu
Posted: 15 January 2026
Comparative Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis of Virulence-Associated Factors of Burkholderia glumae and B. gladioli Causing Bacterial Panicle Blight in Rice in Bangladesh
Comparative Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis of Virulence-Associated Factors of Burkholderia glumae and B. gladioli Causing Bacterial Panicle Blight in Rice in Bangladesh
Nasir Uddin
,Ismam Ahmed Protic
,Fahad Khan
,Mangal Shahi
,Plabon Saha
,Hasibul Hasan
,Urmi Akter Moon
,Muhammad Iqbal Hossain
,Rumana Afroje
,Shariful Islam
+3 authors
Bacterial panicle blight (BPB) of rice, a disease caused by Burkholderia glumae and B. gladioli, threatens global rice yields and has recently emerged in Bangladesh. We analyzed 300 BPB-infected samples from 20 Bangladesh districts using S-PG medium and gyrB PCR amplification, identifying 46 B. gladioli and 5 B. glumae isolates. Twenty of these isolates were chosen for in-depth characterization. Pathogenicity tests identified B. glumae BD_21g as the most virulent strain, followed by B. gladioli BDBgla132A. Disease severity on rice strongly correlated with onion bulb assays, validating the assay as a rapid virulence-screening tool. Phenotypic characterization of the 20 isolates revealed substantial variation in toxoflavin production, lipase activity, polygalacturonase activity, motility, and type III secretion system. Comparative genomic analysis of virulence-associated genes between BDBgla132A and BD_21g showed high protein sequence identity, particularly in toxoflavin biosynthesis and transport genes, while genes encoding lipase (lipA/lipB), polygalacturonase (pehA/pehB), and those involved in motility, displayed moderate to high identity. Both strains retained virulence-related genes that are homologous to those of B. cepacia but displayed distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Real time RT-qPCR revealed significantly higher expression of toxoflavin and lipase-encoding genes in BD_21g compared with BDBgla132A, consistent with its elevated enzymatic activities. Conversely, BD_21g showed reduced expression of pectinolytic and flagellar genes over BDBgla132A, consistent with the enhanced pectinolytic activity and motility observed in BDBgla132A. These findings reveal that B. glumae BD_21g and B. gladioli BDBgla132A employ distinct virulence strategies to infect rice, providing critical insights for developing targeted BPB management approaches in Bangladesh.
Bacterial panicle blight (BPB) of rice, a disease caused by Burkholderia glumae and B. gladioli, threatens global rice yields and has recently emerged in Bangladesh. We analyzed 300 BPB-infected samples from 20 Bangladesh districts using S-PG medium and gyrB PCR amplification, identifying 46 B. gladioli and 5 B. glumae isolates. Twenty of these isolates were chosen for in-depth characterization. Pathogenicity tests identified B. glumae BD_21g as the most virulent strain, followed by B. gladioli BDBgla132A. Disease severity on rice strongly correlated with onion bulb assays, validating the assay as a rapid virulence-screening tool. Phenotypic characterization of the 20 isolates revealed substantial variation in toxoflavin production, lipase activity, polygalacturonase activity, motility, and type III secretion system. Comparative genomic analysis of virulence-associated genes between BDBgla132A and BD_21g showed high protein sequence identity, particularly in toxoflavin biosynthesis and transport genes, while genes encoding lipase (lipA/lipB), polygalacturonase (pehA/pehB), and those involved in motility, displayed moderate to high identity. Both strains retained virulence-related genes that are homologous to those of B. cepacia but displayed distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Real time RT-qPCR revealed significantly higher expression of toxoflavin and lipase-encoding genes in BD_21g compared with BDBgla132A, consistent with its elevated enzymatic activities. Conversely, BD_21g showed reduced expression of pectinolytic and flagellar genes over BDBgla132A, consistent with the enhanced pectinolytic activity and motility observed in BDBgla132A. These findings reveal that B. glumae BD_21g and B. gladioli BDBgla132A employ distinct virulence strategies to infect rice, providing critical insights for developing targeted BPB management approaches in Bangladesh.
Posted: 15 January 2026
Evaluating Geostationary Satellite–Based Approaches for NDVI Gap Filling in Polar-Orbiting Satellite Observations
Evaluating Geostationary Satellite–Based Approaches for NDVI Gap Filling in Polar-Orbiting Satellite Observations
Han-Sol Ryu
,Sung-Joo Yoon
,Jinyeong Kim
,Tae-Ho Kim
Posted: 15 January 2026
Hui Qi
,Chibiao Liu
,Xuchu Jiang
,Duochenxi Liu
The air quality index (AQI) depends on the concentrations of six pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO). In this paper, a Prophet-LSTM model with improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to analyze the time series of six pollutant concentrations in Wuhan city. First, the time series are decomposed by Prophet, and Prophet is used to predict the trend term and periodic term. Then, LSTM is used to predict the error term. Finally, the improved PSO algorithm is used for optimization. These experimental results indicated that (1) Prophet’s decomposition method has good applicability to time series with the multiplication form. The Prophet-LSTM model can overcome the influence of PM series irregularity, large fluctuations and multiple noise on the prediction effect, which improves the prediction ability of the model. (2) The improved PSO algorithm can greatly improve the accuracy of the weight solution space and has the attribute of parallel computing, which makes the solution forms more diversified. (3) The hybrid model has better prediction ability than the comparison model (LSTM, Prophet, Prophet-LSTM). The hybrid model combines the advantages of Prophet and LSTM, which has strong adaptability to the randomness of sample selection and has strong accuracy in predicting pollutant concentrations.
The air quality index (AQI) depends on the concentrations of six pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO). In this paper, a Prophet-LSTM model with improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to analyze the time series of six pollutant concentrations in Wuhan city. First, the time series are decomposed by Prophet, and Prophet is used to predict the trend term and periodic term. Then, LSTM is used to predict the error term. Finally, the improved PSO algorithm is used for optimization. These experimental results indicated that (1) Prophet’s decomposition method has good applicability to time series with the multiplication form. The Prophet-LSTM model can overcome the influence of PM series irregularity, large fluctuations and multiple noise on the prediction effect, which improves the prediction ability of the model. (2) The improved PSO algorithm can greatly improve the accuracy of the weight solution space and has the attribute of parallel computing, which makes the solution forms more diversified. (3) The hybrid model has better prediction ability than the comparison model (LSTM, Prophet, Prophet-LSTM). The hybrid model combines the advantages of Prophet and LSTM, which has strong adaptability to the randomness of sample selection and has strong accuracy in predicting pollutant concentrations.
Posted: 15 January 2026
Integrated Functional and scRNA-Seq Analyses Reveal Convergence of M-CSF– and GM-CSF–Derived Macrophages Following IL-27 Polarization
Tomozumi Imamichi
,Jun Yang
,Qian Chen
,Udeshika Kariyawasam
,Jeanette Higgins
,Mayra Marquez
,Jordan Metz
,Homa Nath Sharma
,Michael W. Baseler
,Hongyan Sui
Posted: 15 January 2026
Exact and Approximate Constants of Motion in Stochastic Contact Processes
Damián Horacio Zanette
,Eric Rozán
Posted: 15 January 2026
ZIF-8-Functionalized Manganese-Based Lithium Ion Sieve: Synthesis and Lithium Selective Extraction
Quanmin Liu
,Yueguang Yu
The critical role of lithium in powering the new energy economy necessitates prioritizing efficient extraction methods. This study investigates a novel zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-coated manganese-based lithium ion sieve (LIS) for enhanced lithium recovery. The precursor of LIS, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, was synthesized via the hydrothermal method, followed by acid pickling to obtain the spinel lithium ion sieve H1.6Mn1.6O4. The material was then immersed in a 2-methylimidazole/Zn(NO3)2 solution, undergoing ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal growth to form ZIF@H1.6Mn1.6O4 composites. Under optimized conditions (30 °C, pH=11, 24 h), the composite demonstrated superior lithium extraction performance compared to single-phase adsorbents, reaching 26.44 mg/g at the solution with 250 mg/L Li+. The adsorption capacity of the composite increased with Li+ concentration and reaction time. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and is dominated by chemisorption.
The critical role of lithium in powering the new energy economy necessitates prioritizing efficient extraction methods. This study investigates a novel zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-coated manganese-based lithium ion sieve (LIS) for enhanced lithium recovery. The precursor of LIS, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, was synthesized via the hydrothermal method, followed by acid pickling to obtain the spinel lithium ion sieve H1.6Mn1.6O4. The material was then immersed in a 2-methylimidazole/Zn(NO3)2 solution, undergoing ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal growth to form ZIF@H1.6Mn1.6O4 composites. Under optimized conditions (30 °C, pH=11, 24 h), the composite demonstrated superior lithium extraction performance compared to single-phase adsorbents, reaching 26.44 mg/g at the solution with 250 mg/L Li+. The adsorption capacity of the composite increased with Li+ concentration and reaction time. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and is dominated by chemisorption.
Posted: 15 January 2026
Parsing Emotion in Classical Music: A Behavioral Study on the Cognitive Mapping of Key, Tempo, Complexity and Energy in Piano Performance
Alice Mado Proverbio
,Chang Qin
,Milos Milovanovič
Music conveys emotion through a complex interplay of structural and acoustic cues, yet how these features map onto specific affective interpretations remains a key question in music cognition. This study explored how listeners, unaware of contextual information, categorized 110 emotionally diverse excerpts—varying in key, tempo, note density, acoustic energy, and expressive gestures—from works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. Twenty classically trained participants labeled each excerpt using six predefined emotional categories. Emotion judgments were analyzed within a supervised multi-class classification framework, allowing systematic quantification of recognition accuracy, misclassification patterns, and category reliability. Behavioral responses were consistently above chance, indicating shared decoding strategies. Quantitative analyses of live performance recordings revealed systematic links between expressive features and emotional tone: high-arousal emotions showed increased acoustic intensity, faster gestures, and dominant right-hand activity, while low-arousal states involved softer dynamics and more left-hand involvement. Major-key excerpts were commonly associated with positive emotions—“Peacefulness” with slow tempos and low intensity, “Joy” with fast, energetic playing. Minor-key excerpts were linked to negative/ambivalent emotions, aligning with prior research on the emotional complexity of minor modality. Within the minor mode, a gradient of arousal emerged, from “Melancholy” to “Power,” the latter marked by heightened motor activity and sonic force. Results support an embodied view of musical emotion, where expressive meaning emerges through dynamic motor-acoustic patterns that transcend stylistic and cultural boundaries.
Music conveys emotion through a complex interplay of structural and acoustic cues, yet how these features map onto specific affective interpretations remains a key question in music cognition. This study explored how listeners, unaware of contextual information, categorized 110 emotionally diverse excerpts—varying in key, tempo, note density, acoustic energy, and expressive gestures—from works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. Twenty classically trained participants labeled each excerpt using six predefined emotional categories. Emotion judgments were analyzed within a supervised multi-class classification framework, allowing systematic quantification of recognition accuracy, misclassification patterns, and category reliability. Behavioral responses were consistently above chance, indicating shared decoding strategies. Quantitative analyses of live performance recordings revealed systematic links between expressive features and emotional tone: high-arousal emotions showed increased acoustic intensity, faster gestures, and dominant right-hand activity, while low-arousal states involved softer dynamics and more left-hand involvement. Major-key excerpts were commonly associated with positive emotions—“Peacefulness” with slow tempos and low intensity, “Joy” with fast, energetic playing. Minor-key excerpts were linked to negative/ambivalent emotions, aligning with prior research on the emotional complexity of minor modality. Within the minor mode, a gradient of arousal emerged, from “Melancholy” to “Power,” the latter marked by heightened motor activity and sonic force. Results support an embodied view of musical emotion, where expressive meaning emerges through dynamic motor-acoustic patterns that transcend stylistic and cultural boundaries.
Posted: 15 January 2026
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Privacy-Preserving Mechanisms in Cloud-Based Big Data Analytics: Challenges and Future Research Directions
Steven Coleman
,Daniel Wilson
The paradigm shift toward cloud-based big data analytics has empowered organizations to derive actionable insights from massive datasets through scalable, on-demand computational resources. However, the migration of sensitive data to third-party cloud environments introduces profound privacy concerns, ranging from unauthorized data access to the risk of re-identification in multi-tenant architectures. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of current Privacy-Preserving Mechanisms (PPMs), systematically analyzing their efficacy in safeguarding data throughout its lifecycle—at rest, in transit, and during computation. The evaluation covers a broad spectrum of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs), including Differential Privacy (DP), Homomorphic Encryption (HE), Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC), and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs). We examine the inherent trade-offs between data utility and privacy protection, specifically addressing the “utility-privacy” bottleneck where high levels of noise injection or encryption complexity often degrade the accuracy and performance of analytical models. Furthermore, the study explores the integration of Federated Learning as a decentralized approach to privacy, allowing for collaborative model training without the need for raw data movement. Critical challenges are identified, such as the scalability of cryptographic protocols in high-volume data streams and the regulatory pressures imposed by global standards like the GDPR and the EU AI Act. By synthesizing current industry practices with academic research, this paper highlights the gap between theoretical privacy models and their practical implementation in production-grade cloud infrastructures. The discourse concludes with a strategic roadmap for future research, emphasizing the need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and automated privacy-orchestration frameworks. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational reference for researchers and system architects aiming to design resilient, privacy-centric cloud analytical systems that maintain compliance without sacrificing computational efficiency.
The paradigm shift toward cloud-based big data analytics has empowered organizations to derive actionable insights from massive datasets through scalable, on-demand computational resources. However, the migration of sensitive data to third-party cloud environments introduces profound privacy concerns, ranging from unauthorized data access to the risk of re-identification in multi-tenant architectures. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of current Privacy-Preserving Mechanisms (PPMs), systematically analyzing their efficacy in safeguarding data throughout its lifecycle—at rest, in transit, and during computation. The evaluation covers a broad spectrum of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs), including Differential Privacy (DP), Homomorphic Encryption (HE), Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC), and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs). We examine the inherent trade-offs between data utility and privacy protection, specifically addressing the “utility-privacy” bottleneck where high levels of noise injection or encryption complexity often degrade the accuracy and performance of analytical models. Furthermore, the study explores the integration of Federated Learning as a decentralized approach to privacy, allowing for collaborative model training without the need for raw data movement. Critical challenges are identified, such as the scalability of cryptographic protocols in high-volume data streams and the regulatory pressures imposed by global standards like the GDPR and the EU AI Act. By synthesizing current industry practices with academic research, this paper highlights the gap between theoretical privacy models and their practical implementation in production-grade cloud infrastructures. The discourse concludes with a strategic roadmap for future research, emphasizing the need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and automated privacy-orchestration frameworks. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational reference for researchers and system architects aiming to design resilient, privacy-centric cloud analytical systems that maintain compliance without sacrificing computational efficiency.
Posted: 15 January 2026
Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling of Astragalus membranaceus Aqueous Extracts Fermented by Pediococcus acidilactici Using UHPLC—Orbitrap MS
Jie Song
,Weiwen Lu
,Bin Li
,Chen Li
,Ting Mao
,Bin Ji
,Zhiye Wang
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a traditional medicinal and edible herb with well-documented immunomodulatory activities; however, its application in functional beverages is limited by the low bioavailability of its bioactive constituents. Probiotic fermentation has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of herbal materials, yet the underlying metabolic mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap MS) was employed to comprehensively characterize metabolic alterations in AM aqueous extracts before and after fermentation with Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici) for 48 h. Multivariate statistical analyses combined with pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify differential metabolites and key metabolic pathways affected by fermentation. A total of 659 significantly altered metabolites were identified, including 350 upregulated and 309 downregulated metabolites after fermentation. These metabolites were mainly associated with organic acids, flavonoids, amino acid derivatives, nucleotides, and phenylpropanoids. Notably, fermentation markedly enhanced metabolites related to arginine biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of functional compounds such as lactate, phenyllactic acid, indolelactic acid, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Overall, P. acidilactici fermentation induced extensive metabolic reprogramming of AM aqueous extracts, leading to the enrichment of multiple bioactive metabolites and the activation of key functional processes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into probiotic fermentation of medicinal and edible herbs and offer a scientific basis for the development of value-added fermented AM beverages with improved nutritional and functional properties.
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a traditional medicinal and edible herb with well-documented immunomodulatory activities; however, its application in functional beverages is limited by the low bioavailability of its bioactive constituents. Probiotic fermentation has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of herbal materials, yet the underlying metabolic mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap MS) was employed to comprehensively characterize metabolic alterations in AM aqueous extracts before and after fermentation with Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici) for 48 h. Multivariate statistical analyses combined with pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify differential metabolites and key metabolic pathways affected by fermentation. A total of 659 significantly altered metabolites were identified, including 350 upregulated and 309 downregulated metabolites after fermentation. These metabolites were mainly associated with organic acids, flavonoids, amino acid derivatives, nucleotides, and phenylpropanoids. Notably, fermentation markedly enhanced metabolites related to arginine biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of functional compounds such as lactate, phenyllactic acid, indolelactic acid, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Overall, P. acidilactici fermentation induced extensive metabolic reprogramming of AM aqueous extracts, leading to the enrichment of multiple bioactive metabolites and the activation of key functional processes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into probiotic fermentation of medicinal and edible herbs and offer a scientific basis for the development of value-added fermented AM beverages with improved nutritional and functional properties.
Posted: 15 January 2026
First Detection of blaNDM-5 Positive Escherichia coli ST224 in Myanmar: Insights into the Mobilome and Resistome via Oxford Nanopore Technology
First Detection of blaNDM-5 Positive Escherichia coli ST224 in Myanmar: Insights into the Mobilome and Resistome via Oxford Nanopore Technology
Nay Myo Aung
,Kyaw Myo Htut
,Zaw Min Htike
,Kyaw Khine Win
,Win Myat
,Khine Zaw Oo
,Kyaw Wunna
,Khine Khine Su
,Thet Aung
,Zaw Lwin
Background: The global rise of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) represents a critical public health threat, severely compromising the treatment of infections. While Sequence Type 224 (ST224) is recognized as an emergent, high-risk lineage associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and MDR phenotypes globally, its specific genomic features and epidemiological footprint in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, remain largely underexplored. Given Myanmar's vulnerability as an AMR hotspot, comprehensive genomic surveillance is critically leveraged. Method: A laboratory based cross sectional descriptive study conducted at Defense Services Medical Research Centre (DSMRC) during 20th January to 11th November 2025 and aimed to develop Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing, an early manifestation of this approach for bacterial genomic characterization in Myanmar. Five clinical MDR E. coli isolates (NMA_MM001) from (No.1) Defense Service General Hospital (DSGH) which were identified by Vitek2 analyzer were collected. Extracted DNA was sequenced on the MinION device at DSMRC. Bioinformatic analysis utilized the ONT EPI2ME platform for de novo assembly, followed by MLST, ResFinder, and PlasmidFinder analyses to characterize the isolate's resistome, mobilome, and virulence. Results: Out of five isolates, MDR E. coli (NMA_MM001) of ONT sequencing successfully generated a high-quality, near-closed assembly (N50: 4,911,841 bp, 5 contigs). MLST classified the isolate as ST224. This study confirmed a severe MDR phenotype, identifying blaDHA-1 (AmpC beta-lactamase), blaTEM-1, and two plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (qepA4 and qnrB4). Crucially, the carbapenemase gene blaNDM-5 was identified, located on a highly mobile IncFII plasmid (pAMA1167-NDM-5). This constitutes the first report detailing the emergence of this NDM-5-producing ST224 lineage and its high genomic complexity in Myanmar. Conclusion: This study validates ONT long-read sequencing as an indispensable tool for resolving complex MDR genomes in resource-limited settings. The findings confirm the establishment of an MDR E. coli ST224 isolate in Myanmar carrying the critical blaNDM-5 carbapenemase gene on a highly mobile IncFII plasmid. This genomic information, identification of E. coli ST224, provides an urgent early warning of a highly resistant pathogen, mandating the immediate implementation of targeted infection control measures and regional One Health surveillance programs.
Background: The global rise of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) represents a critical public health threat, severely compromising the treatment of infections. While Sequence Type 224 (ST224) is recognized as an emergent, high-risk lineage associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and MDR phenotypes globally, its specific genomic features and epidemiological footprint in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, remain largely underexplored. Given Myanmar's vulnerability as an AMR hotspot, comprehensive genomic surveillance is critically leveraged. Method: A laboratory based cross sectional descriptive study conducted at Defense Services Medical Research Centre (DSMRC) during 20th January to 11th November 2025 and aimed to develop Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing, an early manifestation of this approach for bacterial genomic characterization in Myanmar. Five clinical MDR E. coli isolates (NMA_MM001) from (No.1) Defense Service General Hospital (DSGH) which were identified by Vitek2 analyzer were collected. Extracted DNA was sequenced on the MinION device at DSMRC. Bioinformatic analysis utilized the ONT EPI2ME platform for de novo assembly, followed by MLST, ResFinder, and PlasmidFinder analyses to characterize the isolate's resistome, mobilome, and virulence. Results: Out of five isolates, MDR E. coli (NMA_MM001) of ONT sequencing successfully generated a high-quality, near-closed assembly (N50: 4,911,841 bp, 5 contigs). MLST classified the isolate as ST224. This study confirmed a severe MDR phenotype, identifying blaDHA-1 (AmpC beta-lactamase), blaTEM-1, and two plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (qepA4 and qnrB4). Crucially, the carbapenemase gene blaNDM-5 was identified, located on a highly mobile IncFII plasmid (pAMA1167-NDM-5). This constitutes the first report detailing the emergence of this NDM-5-producing ST224 lineage and its high genomic complexity in Myanmar. Conclusion: This study validates ONT long-read sequencing as an indispensable tool for resolving complex MDR genomes in resource-limited settings. The findings confirm the establishment of an MDR E. coli ST224 isolate in Myanmar carrying the critical blaNDM-5 carbapenemase gene on a highly mobile IncFII plasmid. This genomic information, identification of E. coli ST224, provides an urgent early warning of a highly resistant pathogen, mandating the immediate implementation of targeted infection control measures and regional One Health surveillance programs.
Posted: 15 January 2026
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