Search Results (144)

As the core of the solid-state fermentation system, the quality of pit mud is directly determined by the synergistic effects of volatile flavor compounds, microbial communities, and abiotic physicochemical factors. However, pit mud lacks systematic knowledge, especially concerning the dynamic association mechanism and threshold effect of its three components. This results in blind spots within the pit mud metabolism regulation network, which has become a bottleneck in precise pit mud quality regulation. Focusing on the volatile flavor compounds of pit mud is crucial to exploring their association with the core microbial community and physicochemical factors of pit mud, in order to cultivate high-quality pit mud. Although a large number of studies have revealed the formation mechanism of high-quality pit mud based on the three factors and cultivated artificial pit mud through microbial enhancement or synthetic flora to improve the quality. However, anaerobic fermentation is a complex system, and the complexity and dynamics of microorganisms make it difficult for biofortification and synthetic flora to effectively regulate the quality of pit mud. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress on flavor compounds, microbial communities and abiotic factors associated with pit mud quality, deepens the understanding of their influence on pit mud quality, and proposes a precise environmental control strategy to alter the composition and content of the microbial community in the pit mud. The key to this scheme lies in constructing a correlation network through multi-omics integration to identify the physical and chemical factors related to the quality of the pit mud. During the fermentation process, intervention measures are taken on environmental parameters, ultimately effectively changing the physical and chemical factors, thereby achieving the assumption of precise control of the quality of the pit mud. This provides necessary references and inspirations for improving the quality of pit mud, cultivating artificial cellar mud, and enhancing the quality of Baijiu. Full article

Introduction: The study aimed to provide a systematic review and analysis of previously reported studies investigating the association between the bacterial microbiome and the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search across many databases via 01 March 2023, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Results: A total of 20 studies were reviewed, all of which provided a comprehensive analysis of the microbial makeup in pregnant women. The findings suggest that disturbances in the bacterial microflora correlate with a heightened risk of PPROM. Conclusions: There was a significant reduction of naturally prevalent vaginal species (in the vaginal flora of women with PPROM such as Lactobacillus spp., Weissella spp., and Rickettsiales spp. This was accompanied by the dominance of other bacterial species such as Sneathia spp., Prevotella spp., Prevotella bivia, Prevotella timonensis, Peptniphilus, Streptococcus spp., Dialister spp., Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ochrobactrum spp. Megasphaera spp., Faecalibacterium spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Xanthomonadales spp., Gammaproteobacteria spp., Alphaproteobacteria spp., Bacteroides spp., Sphingomonas spp., Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum or Group B Streptococcus begin to dominate, leading to PPROM. Recognising the microbial patterns could lead to the development of risk-based microbiological interventions and probiotic treatment, potentially improving the management and outcomes of patients with PPROM. Full article

Enterococci, commonly found in the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, have emerged as an important human pathogen. A total of 184 isolates (88 isolates in 2015 and 96 isolates in 2016) were collected from 46 flocks. Two predominant enterococcus species were identified: Enterococcus faecalis (59%) and Enterococcus faecium (~39%). Resistance to penicillin was significantly decreased in the overall enterococci community, while it remained unchanged in the multi-class drug resistant (MDR) community. We identified the emeA and efrAB genes, which encode efflux pump systems, in 93% (26/28) of the MDR isolates with (intermediate) resistance to levofloxacin. The ermB gene was present in all MDR strains with resistance to erythromycin. The lsa gene was detected in 87% (84/97) of the MDR isolates with resistance to quinupristin/dalfopristin. About 82.2% of MDR strains in 2015 and 100% of MDR strains in 2016 carried the insertion sequence IS256, which is known to be associated with AMR genes, conferring resistance to erythromycin, gentamicin and vancomycin in enterococci. These results support the need for monitoring AMR in Gram-positive bacteria in poultry production, specifically in broiler chicken farms, to complement current AMR data, and develop a timely intervention framework. Full article

Background/Objectives: The synergistic effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and taurine in modulating lipid metabolism abnormalities in rats were investigated, and along with their potential mechanisms. Methods/Result: Compared to intervention with EGCG/taurine alone, EGCG combined with taurine (1:3) not only reduced triglyceride (TG) generation in HepG2 cells (46.2%, 75.2%, respectively), but also significantly decreased the total cholesterol (TC) (33.3%, 41.8%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (32.3%, 29.2%) in rats, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased by 12.7% and 33.5%. In addition, the combination of EGCG and taurine not only inhibited lipogenic enzyme activity, but also enhanced the levels of lipid catabolic enzymes and antioxidant enzymes, and alleviated hepatic injury. Furthermore, it significantly modulated gut microbiota composition by altering the abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, improving intestinal flora balance. Metabolomic profiling showed that reducing N-linoleoyl proline, cortisol, and 3-isocholanolic acid, and increasing phospholipid metabolites are the main ways methods for normalizing lipid metabolism in rats. The combination also elevated short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis, preserving intestinal barrier integrity; it also promoted lipid catabolism and energy expenditure via activating Peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and suppressing hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS)- mediated lipogenesis. Conclusion: These findings indicated that EGCG and taurine can synergistically regulate lipid metabolism abnormalities, which may offer a strategy for regulating lipid metabolism anomalies. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the aetiology of IBD remains largely unknown, several studies suggest that an individual’s genetic susceptibility, external environmental factors, intestinal microbial flora, and immune responses are all factors involved in and functionally linked to the pathogenesis of IBD. Beyond the gastrointestinal manifestations, IBD patients frequently suffer from psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. It remains unclear whether these disorders arise solely from reduced quality of life or whether they share overlapping biological mechanisms with IBD. This review aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between IBD and depressive disorders (DDs), with a focus on four key shared mechanisms: immune dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, alterations in gut microbiota composition, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. By examining recent literature, we highlight how these interconnected systems may contribute to both intestinal inflammation and mood disturbances. Furthermore, we discuss the reciprocal pharmacologic interactions between IBD and DDs: treatments for IBD, such as TNF-alpha and integrin inhibitors, have demonstrated effects on mood and anxiety symptoms, while certain antidepressants appear to exert independent anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk or severity of IBD. Overall, this review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of IBD patients, integrating psychological and gastroenterological assessment. A better understanding of the shared pathophysiology may help refine therapeutic strategies and support the development of personalized, gut–brain-targeted interventions. Full article

Schaalia canis is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium originally isolated from the mucosa and skin of dogs. While it is a part of the normal canine oral flora, it has rarely been implicated in human disease, with only one prior case of cellulitis reported following a dog bite. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 57-year-old immunocompetent man who developed osteomyelitis of the left index finger following a delayed presentation after a dog bite. Despite initial conservative management with empirical oral antibiotics, the infection progressed, eventually requiring surgical debridement and the terminalisation of the finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Cultures from intraoperative bone specimens yielded the growth of Schaalia canis, with no other pathogenic organisms identified on the extended culture. Conclusions: This is the first documented case of Schaalia canis-associated osteomyelitis in a human and the first to necessitate a surgical intervention, expanding the known clinical spectrum of this organism. This case underscores the risks of delayed intervention in polymicrobial animal bite wounds and highlights the emerging role of Schaalia species as opportunistic zoonotic pathogens, particularly in the setting of deep, refractory infections. Full article

The depletion of water resources caused by climate change and human activities is a pressing global issue. Lake Ereen is one of the ten natural landmarks of the Gobi-Altai of western Mongolia is included in the list of “important areas for birds” recognized by the international organization Birdlife. However, the construction of the Taishir Hydroelectric Power Station, aimed at supplying electricity to the western provinces of Mongolia, had a detrimental effect on the flow of the Zavkhan River, resulting in a drying-up and pollution of Lake Ereen, which relies on the river as its water source. This study assesses the pollution levels in Ereen Lake and determines the feasibility of its rehabilitation by redirecting the flow of the Zavkhan River. Field studies included the analysis of water quality, sediment contamination, and the composition of flora. The results show that the concentrations of ammonium, chlorine, fluorine, and sulfate in the lake water exceed the permissible levels set by the Mongolian standard. Analyses of elements from sediments revealed elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper, exceeding international sediment quality guidelines and posing risks to biological organisms. Furthermore, several species of diatoms indicative of polluted water were discovered. Lake Ereen is currently in a eutrophic state and, based on a water quality index (WQI) of 49.4, also in a “polluted” state. Mass balance calculations and box model analysis determined the period of pollutant replacement for two restoration options: drying-up and complete removal of contaminated sediments and plants vs. dilution-flushing without direct interventions in the lake. We recommend the latter being the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to rehabilitate Lake Ereen. Full article

Recent studies indicate that fucoidan may play a crucial role in the metabolism and biological function of the intestinal flora. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of kelp fucoidan on the gut microbiota and immune homeostasis of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. An immunosuppressive mouse model was established using cyclophosphamide, followed by administration of various kelp fucoidan doses (low-dose fucoidan: 50 mg/(kg·bw)/d, medium-dose fucoidan: 100 mg/(kg·bw)/d, and high-dose fucoidan: 150 mg/(kg·bw)/d) to the experimental groups. Changes in the gut microbiota structure were analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, alongside simultaneous measurement of serum immune indicators and levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results indicate that kelp fucoidan significantly improved the thymus and spleen indices in immunosuppressed mice (p < 0.05) and elevated serum levels of IgM, IgG and IL-4. Post-kelp fucoidan intervention, there was significant alteration in microbiota ecosystem restructuring, such as proliferation in probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while opportunistic pathogens, such as Enterococcus and Escherichia coli, decreased. Furthermore, the levels of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids in the colonic contents of the kelp fucoidan group significantly improved (p < 0.01). This research demonstrates that kelp fucoidan enhances immune function in immunosuppressed mice by modulating gut microbiota balance and promoting short-chain fatty acid production. Full article

Background and objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial inflammatory condition often associated with microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis). Recent studies highlight the potential role of synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—in modulating the microbiota and supporting immune responses. The authors of this study aimed to evaluate the impact of oral synbiotic supplementation on the sinus microbiota in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS. Materials and Methods: A total of 425 adult patients with CRS were enrolled in a multicenter retrospective study. According to EPOS 2020 guidelines, participants qualified for ESS. The intervention group (n = 194) received a synbiotic preparation for 6–8 weeks before and after surgery; the control group (n = 231) received no supplementation. Intraoperative and follow-up bacteriological samples were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis included chi-square, t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, and ANOVA models. Results: Patients receiving synbiotics showed a significant reduction in pathogenic bacterial colonies postoperatively compared to the control group. In the synbiotic group coagulase-negative staphylococci appeared more frequently. Patients in the synbiotic group required significantly less postoperative antibiotic therapy (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited an increase in Gram-positive and physiological flora and a decrease in Gram-negative bacteria following ESS. Conclusions: Synbiotic supplementation may beneficially influence the composition of the sinus microbiota and reduce pathogenic bacterial colonization following ESS. The findings suggest that synbiotics could serve as a supportive strategy in CRS treatment, potentially decreasing the need for postoperative antibiotics. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that has a serious impact on both human health and animal production. The gut microbiota is a large and complex symbiotic ecosystem in animals, and the imbalance of gut microbiota is closely related to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including RA. The interactions among the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, and immune system play key roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and affecting the development of RA. Regulating intestinal flora and metabolites provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of RA. Probiotics can regulate the balance of intestinal flora and metabolites, improve the immune environment, and provide novel therapeutic strategies against RA. In order to summarize the role of gut microbiota and metabolite remodeling in the development and management of RA, this review will elaborate on the role of intestinal flora imbalance in the pathogenesis of RA and assess prospective therapeutic approaches that target the gut flora. Understanding the interaction among intestinal flora, metabolites, and RA will help to clarify the pathogenesis of RA and develop innovative and personalized therapeutic interventions against chronic autoimmune diseases. Full article

Hyperuricemia (HUA), a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels, often leads to renal and hepatic complications. This study evaluated the synergistic effects of Pediococcus acidilactici GQ01, a probiotic strain isolated from naturally fermented wolfberry, in combination with a complex (T) composed of buckwheat-fermented postbiotics, collagen peptide and multiple medicinal food blends in a murine HUA model. The combination therapy (T + GQ01) not only significantly reduced serum UA levels more effectively than T or GQ01 alone but also demonstrated superior inhibition of XOD activity and enhanced ADA activity, both of which are key regulators of purine metabolism. Additionally, T + GQ01 ameliorated kidney injury, as evidenced by reduced serum CRE and BUN levels, and improved liver function, indicated by decreased ALT and AST activities. Histopathological analysis further confirmed the protective effects of T + GQ01 on renal and hepatic tissues. Moreover, T + GQ01 modulated intestinal flora composition, promoted beneficial genera such as Weissella and Bacteroides, and enhanced the production of SCFAs, particularly propionic and butyric acids, which play critical roles in maintaining intestinal health. These findings suggest that the cocktail-like microecological regulator combining P. acidilactici GQ01, buckwheat-fermented postbiotics, collagen peptide and multiple medicinal food blends represents a promising therapeutic strategy for HUA by targeting multiple metabolic pathways, underscoring its potential as a novel intervention for HUA and its complications. Full article

Background: Probiotics have recently emerged as promising agents in the prevention and treatment of various human diseases. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Weizmannia coagulans SA9 in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The in vitro antidiabetic activity of W. coagulans SA9 was primarily assessed via its α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity, complemented by metabolomic profiling to identify putative bioactive metabolites. The antidiabetic efficacy was further evaluated in a db/db mouse model, focusing on glucose tolerance, inflammatory biomarkers, and gut microbiota composition. Results: W. coagulans SA9 showed significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and DNJ and other active substances were detected in its culture supernatant. After 6 weeks of continuous administration, the fasting blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, and inflammation indexes of mice were significantly improved. Beneficial changes in the structure of the intestinal flora occurred after the probiotic intervention, as evidenced by a significant decrease in harmful bacteria (e.g., Aerococcus urinaeequi) and a significant enrichment of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Limosilactobacillus reuteri). Conclusions: W. coagulans SA9 exerts robust antidiabetic effects and holds promise as a novel strategy for the prevention and management of T2DM. Full article

Marine oil spills pose a serious and persistent threat to marine ecosystems, coastal resources, and global environmental health. These incidents not only disrupt ecological balance by damaging marine flora and fauna but also lead to long-term economic consequences for fisheries, tourism, and maritime industries. Owing to their rapid spread and often unpredictable occurrence, timely and accurate detection is essential for effective containment and mitigation. An efficient detection system can significantly enhance the responsiveness of emergency teams, enabling targeted interventions that minimize ecological damage and economic loss. This paper proposes a marine radar-based oil spill detection method that combines the Significance-to-Boundary Ratio (SBR) feature with an improved Sauvola adaptive thresholding algorithm. The raw radar data was firstly preprocessed through mean and median filtering, grayscale correction, and contrast enhancement. SBR features were then employed to extract coarse oil spill regions, which were further refined using an improved Sauvola thresholding algorithm followed by a denoising step to obtain fine-grained segmentation. Comparative experiments using different threshold values demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior segmentation performance by better preserving oil spill boundaries and reducing background noise. Overall, the approach provides a robust and efficient solution for marine oil spill detection and monitoring. Full article

Biodeterioration, the alteration of materials by living organisms, affects approximately two-thirds of the world’s cultural heritage. When organisms colonize the surfaces, they induce physical and chemical changes that can lead to significant damage. Despite its relevance, this phenomenon remains understudied in Croatia. This study aims to assess the deteriogenic vascular flora colonizing Croatian historical structures, including castles, towers, and archaeological remains, in relation to several environmental and anthropogenic factors: distance from the sea (0–1, 1–10, 10–65, and 65–165 km), elevation (0–50, 50–150, 150–300, and 300–600 m a.s.l.), exposure (north, south, east, west), and the state of conservation of the site (absent, low, good, excellent). Vegetation cover and floristic diversity, assessed using the Shannon Index, were primarily influenced by elevation and conservation status. As expected, vegetation cover decreased significantly, by 67.75%, from sites classified as ‘Absent’ to those with ‘Excellent’ conservation status (p < 0.001). To explain the observed differences in vegetation cover across the four altitudinal ranges, an analysis of plant life forms was carried out, revealing a wide variability and statistically significant patterns also related to the type and frequency of maintenance interventions. The potential risk posed by vascular plants was evaluated using the Hazard Index (HI), which revealed significant differences only for elevation and distance from the sea. The highest risk levels were recorded at mid-elevations (150–300 m), where the Hazard Index reached its maximum value (HI = 158). Exposure did not show a significant effect on biodeterioration processes. These findings provide new insights into plant-driven biodeterioration in Croatia and highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect the country’s cultural heritage. Full article

Canine distemper is caused by a morbillivirus similar to others that affect livestock and humans. The increase in host range and its persistence in wildlife reservoirs complicate eradication considerably. Canine distemper virus has been reported in wildlife in Mexico since 2007. Dogs were previously considered the main reservoirs, but high vaccination coverage in the USA has helped control the disease, and racoons (Procyon lotor) are now recognized as the main reservoirs of the agent in the USA, since they live in high densities in urban environments (peridomestic), where contact with domestic and wildlife species is common. Racoons are now considered to spread CDV in wildlife species and zoo animals. Mexico is home to at least two wildlife species that have been reported as carriers of the CDV infection in studies in the USA. Raccoons and Coyotes are distributed in several Mexican states and could play the same reservoir role as for the US. In addition, the increase in non-traditional pets expands the availability of susceptible individuals to preserve CDV in domiciliary and peri-domiciliary environments, contributing to the spread of the disease. Combined with incomplete vaccination coverage in domestic canids, this could contribute to maintaining subclinical infections. Infected pets with incomplete vaccination schedules could also spread CDV to other canines or wildlife coexisting species. In controlled habitats, such as flora and fauna sanctuaries, protected habitats, zoo collections, etc., populations of wildlife species and stray dogs facilitate the spread of CDV infection, causing the spilling over of this infectious agent. Restricting domestic pets from wildlife habitats reduces the chance of spreading the infection. Regular epidemiological surveillance and specific wildlife conservation practices can contribute to managing threatened species susceptible to diseases like CDV. This may also facilitate timely interventions in companion animals which eventually minimize the impact of this disease in both scenarios. Aim: The review discusses the circulation of CDV in wildlife populations, and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance in wildlife, particularly in endangered wildlife species from Mexico. Through an extensive review of recent scientific literature about CDV disease in wildlife that has been published in local and international databases, the findings were connected with the current needs of information from a local to global perspective, and conclusions were made to broaden the context of Mexican epidemiological scenarios as closely related to the neighboring regions. Full article