Search Results (3,205)

Marine rest raw materials are often undervalued or wasted despite their nutrient and bioactive composition. Calanus finmarchicus, harvested primarily for its omega-3-rich oil, yields a side-stream protein hydrolysate, C. finmarchicus hydrolysate (CFH), during commercial enzyme-assisted extraction. Although currently used as a feed ingredient, CFH contains low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids with potential for human health applications. This study evaluated the gastrointestinal stability of CFH and the impact of digestion on bioactivity using a static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. Fresh-frozen and freeze-dried C. finmarchicus were included to provide comparative data. Antioxidant capacity was measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays, and antidiabetic activity by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition assays. The hydrolysate maintained its antioxidant capacity throughout digestion (at 165 min: FRAP: 27.5 ± 0.6 µmol TE/g dry weight (DW); ORAC: 411 ± 37 µmol TE/g DW). Digestion increased its DPP-IV inhibitory activity, with the inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) decreased from 3.73 to 1.96 mg/mL (p ≥ 0.05). PTP1B inhibitors were nonselective and detected only at 0 and 30 min. These findings support our hypothesis that CFH may serve as a nutraceutical for humans and provide a rationale for subsequent in vivo studies. However, further identification of bioactive components and in vivo validation are warranted. Full article

Sericin-derived oligopeptides (SDOs) from the Bombyx mori yellow silk cocoons show strong bioactive properties. However, clinical safety data on SDOs produced by specific enzymatic hydrolysis with a particular serine-rich (20.5%) and aspartic acid-rich (16.9%) composition is required to obtain regulatory approval as a novel food ingredient. This Phase 0 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the short-term safety, tolerability, and gut microbiota effects of SDOs supplementation in healthy adults. Forty-two healthy volunteers were randomized (1:1:1) to receive daily doses of placebo, 0.9 g SDOs or 1.8 g SDOs for eight weeks. Primary safety endpoints included vital signs, hematology, and comprehensive clinical chemistry (renal and hepatic functions). Secondary outcomes included lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers (hs-CRP, TAC, SOD, MDA) and gut microbiota composition analyzed by 16S rRNA metagenome sequencing. Forty-one participants (97.6%) completed the study with high compliance (>98%). No serious adverse events were reported. All primary clinical parameters remained within clinically normal ranges, and no significant differences between groups were observed throughout the study (p > 0.05). No adverse effects on fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles or systemic oxidative stress were observed after SDOs supplementation. Importantly, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that SDOs maintained gut microbial homeostasis throughout the 8-week intervention period, with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes as the predominant phyla in the core community structure. Oral intake of enzymatically generated SDOs up to 1.8 g/day in healthy adults was well-tolerated with only occasional mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms that did not appear to be dose-dependent. These first preliminary findings suggest a favorable safety profile for this unique peptide preparation, supporting its potential evaluation as a novel food ingredient and providing a reasonable basis for future, larger-scale trials to evaluate its efficacy in metabolic health. Full article

Molecular microbiology has revolutionized our understanding of the complex host-associated microbiomes required for normative development and physiology. Horses and other members of the family Equidae are particularly reliant on the early maturation and lifelong maintenance of an unusually rich hindgut microbiome for optimal digestion and overall health and performance. Research on the equine gut microbiome has accelerated in the past several years, necessitating a renewed appraisal of the field. The present work is a comprehensive and critical review of the literature regarding the bacterial gastrointestinal microbiome of horses. First, the developmental trajectory of the foal gut microbiome is discussed, followed by descriptions of the taxonomic membership of the core equine gut microbiome, its primary functions and effects on host physiology, and intrinsic and extrinsic factors that shape the equine microbiome during health, with a focus on diet and supplements. Next, evidence supporting adverse effects on the equine gut microbiome of gastrointestinal conditions including colic and colitis, extraintestinal conditions including obesity and laminitis, and pharmacological interventions including antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is summarized. Lastly, clinical and experimental research investigating the effects of treatments targeting the gut microbiome of horses, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiome transfer, is critically examined. Conclusions summarize the connection between natural (i.e., wild) equine behavior and the health of the equine gut microbiome and the impacts of human management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shift work is associated with circadian disruption, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress, all of which may influence both reflux-related symptoms and temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related complaints. However, the relationships among reflux-related symptom burden, TMD severity, oral parafunctional behaviors, and psychological distress in healthcare professionals remain insufficiently understood. To evaluate the association between reflux-related symptom burden, assessed using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire, and TMD severity among healthcare professionals, and to investigate the potential roles of shift work, oral parafunctional behaviors, and psychological distress in this relationship. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included healthcare professionals working at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, including the GERD-HRQL, Fonseca Anamnestic Index, Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Participants were categorized as shift workers (≥4 night shifts/month) and non-shift workers. Correlation and multivariable regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 240 participants were included. Higher GERD-HRQL scores were positively correlated with TMD severity (r = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.42, p < 0.001), oral parafunctional behavior scores (r = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.39, p < 0.001), and DASS-21 stress scores (r = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.46, p < 0.001). Shift workers demonstrated significantly higher GERD-HRQL scores and TMD severity scores than non-shift workers, with small-to-moderate effect sizes. In multivariable analysis, higher TMD severity, OBC score, stress score, and shift-work exposure showed adjusted associations with higher GERD-HRQL scores. The model explained 32% of the variance in reflux-related symptom burden (R² = 0.32; adjusted R² = 0.29). Conclusions: Higher GERD-HRQL scores, reflecting reflux-related symptom burden rather than objectively confirmed GERD, showed weak to small-to-moderate associations with TMD severity, oral parafunctional behaviors, psychological distress, and shift-work exposure among healthcare professionals. These findings indicate co-occurrence of gastrointestinal, temporomandibular, behavioral, and psychosocial symptom domains within this occupational population. Longitudinal studies using objective diagnostic methods are required to clarify the directionality and clinical significance of these associations. Full article

Urban pigeons (Columba livia) are widely distributed synanthropic birds closely associated with environments of intense human activity, raising interest in their role in urban microbial dynamics. Here, we characterized the fecal bacterial microbiota of urban pigeons from northern Mexico using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (V3–V4). A total of 1479 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified across five pooled samples. Alpha diversity varied among pools, with observed richness ranging from 228 to 514 ASVs. The bacterial community was dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, particularly Escherichia–Shigella and Enterococcus. PICRUSt2-based functional predictions suggested a predominance of predicted metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate degradation and energy acquisition. Conservative taxonomic screening identified 58 gut-associated taxa, including 15 bacteria previously reported in association with humans; however, only three (Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Proteus mirabilis) showed reported zoonotic associations, all at very low relative abundances (<0.07%). These findings indicate that the fecal bacterial communities characterized in this study were dominated by taxa commonly associated with the avian gastrointestinal tract, whereas taxa that could be conservatively linked to documented zoonotic reports represented only a minor fraction of the detected microbiota. Overall, the results contribute to a more ecologically informed understanding of urban pigeon-associated microbiota within a One Health framework. Full article

Background: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) are widely consumed botanical materials increasingly used in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Although both are marketed as “chamomile”, they differ in phytochemical composition, sensory profile, and potential health-promoting properties. This review compares both species as dietary and functional ingredients. Methods: This narrative review summarises current evidence on the botanical characteristics, phytochemical profiles, dietary forms, biological activities, safety aspects, and functional food applications of M. chamomilla and C. nobile, with emphasis on species-specific differences relevant to nutritional use and formulation. Results: German chamomile is more extensively characterised and is particularly rich in apigenin-related flavonoids, luteolin derivatives, α-bisabolol, and matricin-derived chamazulene, which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calming, gastrointestinal, and metabolic effects. Roman chamomile is distinguished by an ester-rich essential oil profile and sesquiterpene lactones, including nobilin derivatives, which contribute to its characteristic aroma and complementary biological potential. Chamomile preparations differ substantially depending on species, extraction method, processing conditions, and food matrix, indicating that infusions, extracts, powders, and essential oils are not nutritionally equivalent. Conclusions: German and Roman chamomile should not be treated as interchangeable botanical ingredients. Their species-specific phytochemical profiles, sensory properties, and formulation behaviour should guide their application in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Future studies should focus on bioavailability, matrix interactions, clinical validation, and improved standardisation of chamomile-derived preparations. Full article

ESKAPE pathogens have become a major global health challenge. This study aimed to isolate and characterize LAB from fermented cacao and to evaluate their probiotic properties, preliminary antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens, safety profiles, and functional bioactivities. Each of P. acidilactici isolates exhibited antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 10.00 ± 1.00 mm to 23.00 ± 0.00 mm, depending on the isolate and pathogens tested. CR05 was identified as the most promising probiotic candidate, showing the highest survival at pH 2 (69.65 ± 6.66%), strong tolerance to pancreatin (99.95 ± 0.10%), pepsin (89.11 ± 2.38%), bile salts (98.65 ± 0.33%), and favorable adhesion properties, including auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and adhesion to HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells. The safety assessment indicated a notable susceptibility to gentamicin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol, with resistance to several other tested antibiotics. and showed no hemolytic activity. Three selected isolates were evaluated for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against ESKAPE pathogens, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 12.5 to 25 mg/mL and 25 to >50 mg/mL, respectively. The strongest inhibitory activity was observed against A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and E. aerogenes, with MIC values of 12.5 mg/mL, particularly for isolates CR05 and CR06. Whole-genome analysis identified genes related to stress response and gastrointestinal tolerance and predicted the enterolysin A gene. No acquired antimicrobial resistance genes were detected. These findings suggest that P. acidilactici isolates from fermented cacao are promising probiotic candidates for further investigation in functional food, probiotic, and postbiotic-related applications. Full article

Feline obesity is an increasingly prevalent health concern and is closely associated with metabolic disorders and intestinal dysbiosis. This study aimed to screen feline-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for bile salt hydrolase activity, in vitro cholesterol-removal capacity, and selected probiotic-associated characteristics. Approximately 700 LAB isolates were obtained from fecal samples of healthy domestic cats and evaluated for bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, among which 105 isolates were identified as BSH-positive. Further screening was performed based on BSH activity, cholesterol-removal capacity, adhesion-related properties, antioxidant activity, gastrointestinal tolerance, antibacterial activity, organic acid production, hemolytic activity, and antibiotic susceptibility. Three candidate strains were ultimately selected and preliminarily identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Enterococcus hirae C283, Ligilactobacillus animalis C289, and Enterococcus faecium C422. These strains exhibited BSH activity and preliminary in vitro cholesterol-removal phenotypes under the tested culture conditions, together with tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and organic acid production. No hemolytic activity was detected; however, all three strains exhibited resistant or intermediate phenotypes to multiple antibiotics, highlighting the need for further genome-based safety assessment, particularly for the two Enterococcus strains. Overall, these findings identified feline-derived LAB candidates with BSH activity, preliminary in vitro cholesterol-removal phenotypes, and multiple probiotic-associated characteristics. However, these in vitro findings do not demonstrate regulation of host lipid metabolism or blood lipid levels. Comprehensive safety assessment, particularly for the Enterococcus strains, and in vivo validation are required before further application. Full article

Wild rice (Zizania palustris L.; WR) is a nutrient-dense whole grain, naturally rich in phenolic acids with established antioxidant and health-promoting properties. This study investigated the effect of cooking and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the phenolic composition, bioaccessibility, and antioxidant capacity of commercial WR samples. Free phenolics predominated over bound forms in both raw and cooked samples, indicating that WR is a rich source of extractable phenolics. Cooking reduced total phenolics by 17–23% across WR varieties. Among individual compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (up to 58.3%) and caffeic acid (up to 56.5%) exhibited the greatest bioaccessibility indices, while ferulic acid remained largely insoluble. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion facilitated the release of some bound phenolics, particularly during the intestinal phase, resulting in a total phenolic content (TPC) bioaccessibility of up to 22.61%. However, antioxidant activities, as measured by DPPH and ABTS assays, declined compared to cooked samples (5.53% and 9.34%, respectively). These findings reveal dynamic changes in phenolic composition and bioaccessibility during cooking and digestion, with the intestinal phase being pivotal for releasing certain bound phenolics. This underscores WR’s promise as a functional food source for phenolics, while highlighting the importance of evaluating food bioactives under physiologically relevant conditions. Full article

Dengue remains a major public health challenge in Peru, where recurrent outbreaks show marked variation in clinical presentation. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized available evidence to quantify the frequency and variability of dengue manifestations in Peruvian patients and to identify clinically relevant patterns for early recognition. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library, and Scielo for observational studies published between 1993 and January 2025. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Twenty-eight studies including 4418 patients were analyzed. The most frequent manifestations were fever (95%; 95% CI: 90–98%), headache (86%; 95% CI: 80–91%), malaise (82%; 95% CI: 71–91%), myalgia (69%; 95% CI: 58–79%), arthralgia (64%; 95% CI: 56–73%), and retro-orbital pain (56%; 95% CI: 47–66%). Gastrointestinal symptoms were also common, including nausea/vomiting (40%; 95% CI: 33–48%) and abdominal pain (33%; 95% CI: 21–45%), whereas hemorrhagic and severe manifestations were less frequent, such as hematemesis (6%; 95% CI: 2–10%), petechiae (6%; 95% CI: 2–10%), jaundice (3%; 95% CI: 1–7%), and melena (1%; 95% CI: 0–6%). Heterogeneity was high across most outcomes (I² generally >90%), suggesting substantial between-study variability. This heterogeneity is likely related to differences in geographic region, outbreak period, circulating serotypes, diagnostic methods, and case severity definitions across studies. These findings highlight a consistent core symptom profile of dengue in Peru while also demonstrating important clinical variability. This information may support earlier clinical suspicion, triage, and surveillance in endemic settings. However, pooled estimates should be interpreted cautiously given the high heterogeneity, moderate methodological rigor of included studies, and lack of individual-level data. Future analyses stratified by region, study period, and diagnostic method are needed to generate more clinically precise estimates. Full article

MAFLD progression is closely linked to a systemic failure of antioxidant defense systems. Se and Zn play crucial roles in maintaining redox balance in the liver. This study evaluated the effects of micronutrient-biofortified chickpea flours as functional ingredients for the prevention and management of MAFLD disturbances. Chickpea seeds were germinated with Na₂SeO₃, ZnSO₄, ZnSeO₃, or ZnSO₄ + Na₂SeO₃, processed into flours, and then subjected to gastrointestinal digestion to obtain biofortified-chickpea digests (BCD). SDS-PAGE and FTIR indicated treatment-dependent changes in the protein/peptide profile and in the structural organization of the digested matrix. Isoflavone content was higher in ZnSO₄-BCDs. The oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell model was used to emulate MAFLD conditions. Under preventive conditions, except for ZnSeO₃-BCD, all treatments reduce triglyceride accumulation from 17.1 to 38.6%. Non-biofortified (GC) chickpea flour and ZnSeO₃-BCD had greater effects on lipolysis and glycerol release. Overall, Se-BCD affected redox regulation 1.2–1.3-fold, suggesting potential improvement in lipid utilization. GC and ZnSO₄ + Na₂SeO₃ BCDs decreased triglyceride accumulation (21.1 and 20.5%, respectively) when evaluated post lipid exposure. In both experimental conditions, BCDs significantly reduced IL-6 levels by 25.1 to 34.7%, demonstrating their immunomodulatory potential. Biofortified chickpea flours exhibit complementary and coordinated biological activities against the main metabolic disturbances associated with MAFLD. Zn/Se-biofortification of chickpea is a valuable strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiencies and for producing functional ingredients to prevent or ameliorate MAFLD-associated disturbances and improve liver health. Full article

The black sea cucumber, Holothuria forskali, is an emerging target species for aquaculture; however, knowledge of its biology remains limited. Investigating its associated microbiota is a crucial step toward developing a controlled and sustainable aquaculture. In this study, the microbiota of three different body compartments of the host H. forskali—namely, the dorsal epidermis, the posterior intestinal content, and the coelomic fluid—were analysed using targeted metagenomics (V3-V4 rRNA 16S Metabarcoding). We compared host-associated communities with bacterial environmental communities across three periods in 2020 at two sites in south Brittany, totalling 309 analyses (36 environmental samples and 273 sea cucumber samples). The objective was to explore the diversity of the sea cucumber microbiota from the external to the internal regions of the animal. Thus, a total of 8695 OTUs were identified and classified into 52 bacterial phyla, 119 classes, and 45,596 orders. The results highlighted (1) anatomical compartmentalisation—with significantly different bacterial assemblages in terms of diversity, composition, and abundance across the three body regions—(2) host versus environment differences, and (3) temporal variations, as microbial community structures shifted significantly in winter compared to summer and autumn. This analysis identified specific taxa and families associated with each compartment with a potential role in host health. Results also showed relationships between the sea cucumber microbiota and their ambient environment. In fact, the presence of common bacterial taxa observed in the sediment and in the gastrointestinal microbiota supported the feeding behaviour of H. forskali. The sea cucumber microbiome thus appears to be compartmentalised “anatomically”, exhibiting a relatively low abundance of bacteria in the coelomic cavity, distinct from that of the microbial communities of seawater and sediments. This study highlighted the importance of the microbiota for the host and confirmed the existence of a core microbiota within H. forskali. Full article

Introduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), conceptualized as disorders of gut–brain interaction, are among the most common chronic or recurrent conditions in childhood, affecting approximately 20–30% of children worldwide across community and clinical settings. FGIDs are associated with substantial impairments in quality of life, frequent school absences, and high levels of psychological comorbidity, contributing to a considerable burden for families and healthcare systems. Despite their high prevalence, the pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, with evidence pointing to a multifactorial interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Given their frequency across healthcare settings and their significant psychosocial and economic impact, a better characterization of FGIDs in real-world pediatric populations is needed. This retrospective chart review aimed to examine patterns of FGIDs and their associations with gender, temporal factors, geographic setting, and hospitalization burden in a Swiss pediatric cohort within a biopsychosocial framework. Methods: This retrospective chart review study included 1445 patients aged 0–18 years. Patients were selected based on having received an ICD-10 diagnosis attributed to FGID. The frequency and distribution of the aforementioned factors were determined, as well as their associations with each other. Results: A male predominance of FGIDs in newborns (p < 0.001), a female predominance in adolescents (p < 0.001), and sex-based differences in subtype distribution (p < 0.001) was found in this cohort of patients. A higher proportion of FGID cases were found among children in urban areas than in rural and suburban areas. Infants were hospitalized for significantly longer periods on average than older children and males were hospitalized for longer periods on average than females. Discussion and Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of early, integrated, interdisciplinary care pathways. Given the growing mental health issues affecting adolescent girls and the well-documented bidirectional relationship between emotional stress and FGID symptoms, it is suggested that early psychological screening and family-based interventions could reduce the chronicity of symptoms, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and improve long-term health outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Integrated One Health-based surveillance of pathogens in wastewater suggests its potential for monitoring community health and preventing the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Despite the growing popularity of Wastewater Surveillance (WWS) and its clinical utility, its uniformity remains poorly understood, especially concerning its clinical evidence. This review systematically synthesizes evidence on the role of wastewater surveillance in early pathogen detection and outbreak preparedness, with particular emphasis on its implications for One Health surveillance. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest and EBSCO CINAHL databases. Retrieved articles were screened by two reviewers, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Initially, 539 studies were retrieved as potentially eligible published articles, of which 16 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: Most pathogens identified in the included studies were associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Studies found a positive link between the presence of pathogens in wastewater and clinical cases, depicting potential exposure and transmission within the communities. A season-specific upsurge was observed among the identified pathogens in circulation. In addition, the duration and frequency of sample collection in socio-vulnerable areas provide early warning of disease outbreaks. Few studies have explicitly operationalized a One Health framework, highlighting the need for integrated human, animal, and environmental surveillance systems in future wastewater surveillance programmes. Conclusion: The review emphasized wastewater surveillance as a promising complementary approach for the early detection and tracking of pathogens. Future research is needed to standardize surveillance approaches and strengthen One Health integration across human, animal and environmental health systems. Full article

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder increasingly discussed within the microbiota-gut–brain axis. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on bacterial and fungal dysbiosis in ADHD, with emphasis on Candida spp., diet, probiotics, synbiotics, and health-related quality of life. A structured narrative search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and KoBSON-accessible sources was performed for studies addressing ADHD, gut microbiota, mycobiome, Candida, nutrition, microbiome-targeted interventions, and quality of life. Evidence was synthesized thematically because of methodological heterogeneity. Available studies suggest that ADHD may be associated with altered gut microbial diversity, changes in taxa such as Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Odoribacter, and Enterococcus, and immune–metabolic alterations. However, findings are heterogeneous and do not support a single ADHD-specific microbial signature. The fungal component remains insufficiently investigated, although evidence indicates increased Candida, particularly Candida albicans, in children with ADHD and a possible link with intestinal permeability. Dietary quality, micronutrient status, probiotics, and synbiotics may modulate microbiota–gut–brain pathways, but should be considered complementary and individualized, particularly in patients with gastrointestinal, dietary, immune, or metabolic vulnerability. Bacterial and fungal dysbiosis may represent biologically plausible, primarily associative components of ADHD-related pathophysiology. Evidence remains preliminary, exploratory, non-causal, and requires cautious interpretation in future research and clinical settings. Full article