Search Results (796)

Background: Infections are common complications in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may adversely influence clinical outcomes. Their prognostic impact after definitive treatment is not well established. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, microbiological profile, and prognostic significance of infections occurring within one year after definitive treatment in patients with NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with NSCLC who completed definitive treatment between 1 January 2016, and 31 December 2023. Microbiological culture results obtained within one-year post-treatment and inflammatory markers measured one month after treatment were evaluated. Pathogens were classified as healthcare-associated infection (HAI) or non-HAI agents. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors were assessed using Cox regression analysis. Results: Among 214 eligible patients, 45 had positive microbiological cultures. Gram-negative bacteria predominated (n = 24), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 8) and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 6) being the most frequently isolated species. Among all isolates, 20 Gram-negative and 6 Gram-positive microorganisms were identified as HAI pathogens. In multivariate analysis, culture positivity (HR: 2.75, p < 0.001) remained an independent prognostic factor for worse OS. Conclusion: Infections within the first year after definitive treatment, particularly those caused by HAI-related Gram-negative pathogens, are associated with reduced OS in NSCLC. Early microbiological diagnosis, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and strict infection prevention strategies may help improve outcomes in this high-risk population. Full article

Spanish “Fino”-style white wines are traditionally aged by a dynamic process under a flor veil of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, requiring ≥15% (v/v) ethanol, which is typically achieved through fortification. Market demand for lower-alcohol wines and the need to reduce production costs have encouraged the development of alternative approaches. Here, static biological aging was evaluated as a method for producing Fino-type wines with reduced ethanol content. Base wines with ~14% and ~15% (v/v) ethanol were aged for nine months, during which chemical, microbiological, and sensory parameters were analyzed, along with flor veil activity. Lower-ethanol wines showed greater flor activity, with approximately 20 more yeast isolates in the wines with 14% (v/v) ethanol. Higher acetaldehyde levels were detected in these wines, reaching about 377 mg L⁻¹ compared to 230 mg L⁻¹ in the control wines (≥15% v/v ethanol). Significant changes were observed in pH (3.13–3.47 vs. 3.04–3.46), volatile acidity (0.20–0.26 g L⁻¹ vs. 0.31–0.66 g L⁻¹), and several volatile compounds, resulting in chemical and sensory profiles consistent with traditional biologically aged wine. Static biological aging can yield lower-alcohol Fino-style white wines with sensory and chemical attributes comparable to the traditional fortified versions, providing a cost-effective alternative that aligns with evolving consumer preferences. Full article

Consumer demand for organic and nitrite-free meat products has stimulated the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic curing agents. Conventional nitrites are effective in stabilizing color, inhibiting lipid oxidation, and suppressing pathogens, but their use raises health concerns due to potential nitrosamine formation. This study investigated the application of Portulaca oleracea powder as a multifunctional ingredient to fully replace sodium nitrite in organic cooked frankfurters. Two formulations were produced: control frankfurters with sodium nitrite and experimental frankfurters with purslane powder 1.2%. Physicochemical, oxidative, proteomic, and antioxidant parameters were monitored during refrigerated storage. Purslane incorporation improved the lipid profile by increasing α-linolenic acid and lowering the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, while peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and acid values remained significantly lower than in nitrite-containing controls after 10 days. Protein oxidation was also reduced, and SDS-PAGE profiles confirmed that the major structural muscle proteins remained stable, indicating that purslane addition did not disrupt the core proteome. Antioxidant assays showed strong ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity 13.7 mg GAE/g and enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity 22.3%, highlighting purslane’s contribution to oxidative stability. Although redness (a*) was lower than in nitrite controls, overall color stability (L*, b*) remained high. Taken together, purslane enhanced oxidative stability and quality attributes of nitrite-free organic frankfurters; microbiological validation is ongoing and will be reported separately. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare, during milking, the bacteriomes of goat milk from farms in Mexico representing traditional and semi-intensive production systems. Metagenomic DNA was isolated from pooled milk samples collected at different milking stages, and following 16S rRNA-targeted sequencing, alpha (Shannon H’ and Simpson D) and beta (Bray–Curtis) diversity indices were calculated. Within the semi-intensive system, fore-stripping showed lower diversity (H’ = 1.5 vs. H’ = 4.0) but greater evenness (D = 0.5 vs. D = 0.8) than the milking stage. In contrast, no differences between stages in the traditional system were observed. The Bray–Curtis index revealed that the use of the semi-intensive system explained 99.4% of the variability, while the traditional system accounted for only 0.5%. In the semi-intensive system, fore-stripping was dominated by Mesoplasma (51.9%) and Staphylococcus (42.1%), whereas Enterococcus (27.2%) and Lactococcus (18.5%) prevailed during milking. Meanwhile, in the traditional system, Pseudomonas (46.9% and 22.7) and Lactococcus (22.7% and 29.2%) predominated in both stages. Management practices strongly influence the microbiological profile of milk, leading to changes in not only the diversity and abundance of pathogenic bacteria but also in the presence of beneficial lactic acid bacteria and, hence, the overall expected milk quality. Full article

Background and Objectives: Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a severe infection with high morbidity and mortality, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID). Data from Eastern Europe are limited, despite the increasing burden of intravenous drug use in the region. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of 153 patients diagnosed with IE and admitted to the “Dr. Victor Babeș” Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Bucharest, Romania, between August 2019 and July 2024. Patients were classified into PWID (n = 51) and non-PWID (n = 102). Clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles, echocardiographic findings, complications, and outcomes (in-hospital, 10-week, and 12-month mortality) were compared between groups. Results: PWID were significantly younger (mean 34.0 ± 6.6 years vs. 64.3 ± 13.1 years; p < 0.001), predominantly male (86.3% vs. 62.7%; p = 0.003) and had higher rates of HIV (64.7%) and HCV (98.1%). Right-sided IE and larger vegetations were more common in PWID, whereas non-PWID had more left-sided disease, pre-existing valvular pathology, and prosthetic valve involvement. Staphylococcus aureus predominated in PWID (68.6% vs. 27.5%; p < 0.001), while non-PWID had more Streptococcus spp. and Coxiella burnetii cases. Embolic complications, particularly pulmonary emboli, and valvular rupture were significantly more frequent in PWID, while non-PWID had higher rates of heart failure and surgical interventions. In-hospital mortality was similar (17.6% vs. 11.8%; p = 0.318), but 12-month mortality was higher in PWID (27.5% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.038). Conclusions: IE in PWID shows a distinct clinical and microbiological profile, with more aggressive complications and worse long-term survival. Tailored management, early diagnosis, harm reduction programs, and dedicated follow-up are urgently needed in this high-risk population. Full article

Fermented beverages have been highlighted for their beneficial effects on health, especially due to the presence of probiotic microorganisms. This study aimed to develop and characterize a beverage fermented from the aqueous extract of licuri (Syagrus coronata) with grains of milk kefir and water kefir. Physical–chemical properties, microbial viability, storage stability, and in vitro resistance to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as microbiological safety and identification of isolated bacteria, were evaluated. The grains were fermented in licuri for 24 and 48 h, and the samples were compared with their respective controls. The analyses revealed that the licuri drink favored the growth of kefir grains, maintaining adequate microbial viability (>7 log CFU mL⁻¹ for lactic acid bacteria and >4 log CFU mL⁻¹ for yeasts), with good resistance to GIT (>60%) and physical–chemical properties for 20 days. The bacterial isolate was identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, with a satisfactory safety profile. Licuri extract is therefore a promising matrix for the development of non-dairy functional beverages with potential probiotic properties. Full article

Pertussis is an infectious disease that contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. Despite the prevalence of preventive vaccination programs, there has been an increasing number of new cases of the disease over the past few decades. This poses a particular problem for the pediatric population among whom the highest mortality from the disease is recorded. Several reasons for this phenomenon can be mentioned, but what is particularly important from the microbiological point of view is the correlation of the increased number of pertussis cases with the introduction of a new form of vaccine—the acellular vaccine in place of the whole-cell vaccine. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge on potential factors that may contribute to the decline in immunization efficacy against the pathogen. The post-vaccination response profile, symptomatic of vaccination with vaccination-acellular, is characterized by recruitment of Th₂ and Th₁₇ lymphocytes; it has been reported that in the long term, this results in insufficient activation of B cells and low titers of antibodies to key bacterial antigens (hemagglutinin, pertactin). Moreover, the immune response proceeds by bypassing the recruitment of tissue-resident memory T cells, resulting in a lack of protection against colonization of the nasal cavity by the bacterium despite vaccination. The decline in vaccination efficacy should also be attributed to the phenotypic variability of Bordetella. The popularization of the PtxP3 strain, characterized by its ability to incompletely activate immune mechanisms, poses a real threat to public health. The growing resistance of B. pertussis to standardly used antibiotics including macrolides also remains a problem. This makes it difficult to eradicate pathogens from the nasal cavity area and increases the pool of bacterial carriers in the population area. The increasing prevalence of the disease prompts reflection on more effective methods of prevention. Particularly promising in this field seem to be new vaccines, especially mucosally implemented, e.g., intranasal, or developed on the basis of B. pertussis antigens other than those used so far. Full article

In recent years, the rise in food allergies and intolerances, combined with the increasing consumer preference for healthier, plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products, has driven the development of a diverse range of plant-based beverages. Among these, tree nut-based beverages, “ready-to-drink” products made from nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nut, macadamia, cashew nut, coconut, pine nut, have gained significant popularity. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the microbiological, nutritional, and sensory properties of tree nut-based beverages, highlighting their ability to deliver essential nutrients such as healthy fats, proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, these beverages provide a rich source of bioactive compounds (e.g., antioxidants, polyphenols) that can contribute to health benefits such as reducing oxidative stress, supporting cardiovascular health, and promoting overall well-being. The review also highlights the ability of different species of lactic acid bacteria to enhance flavour profiles and increase the bioavailability of certain bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, further research is essential to optimize the production methods, improve sensory characteristics, and address challenges related to cost, scalability, and consumer acceptance. Continued innovation in this area may position tree nut beverages as a key component of plant-based food models, contributing to the promotion of healthier eating patterns. Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major global health problem, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in understanding its complex pathophysiology, current therapeutic strategies are insufficient in addressing the long-term cognitive, emotional, and neurological impairments. While the primary mechanical injury is immediate and unavoidable, the secondary phase involves a cascade of biological processes leading to neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and systemic immune activation. The heterogeneity of patient responses underscores the urgent need for reliable biomarkers and targeted interventions. Emerging evidence highlights the gut–brain axis as a critical modulator of the secondary phase, with microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) representing a promising avenue for both diagnosis and therapy. MEVs can cross the intestinal barrier and BBB, carrying biomolecules that influence neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and inflammatory signaling. These properties make MEVs promising biomarkers for early detection, severity classification, and prognosis in TBI, while also offering therapeutic potential through modulation of neuroinflammation and promotion of neural repair. MEV-based strategies could enable tailored interventions based on the individual’s microbiome profile, immune status, and injury characteristics. The integration of multi-omics with artificial intelligence is expected to fully unlock the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of MEVs. These approaches can identify molecular subtypes, predict outcomes, and facilitate real-time clinical decision-making. By bridging microbiology, neuroscience, and precision medicine, MEVs hold transformative potential to advance TBI diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. This review also identifies key research gaps and proposes future directions for MEVs in precision diagnostics and gut microbiota-based therapeutics in neurotrauma care. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the pharmacological potential of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, functionalized with an imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole scaffold, as selective modulators of intestinal motility. Given their structural similarity to both L-type calcium channel blockers and spasmolytics such as Otilonium Bromide (OB), we explored their repurposing for the treatment of gut motility disorders. Methods: A focused library of 83 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives was screened for spasmolytic activity on potassium (80 mM)-induced depolarization in isolated guinea pig ileal and colonic tissues. Compounds showing pharmacodynamic profiles similar to OB and nifedipine were further evaluated for their effects on the spontaneous contractility of longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers. Additional functional assays assessed intestinal transit, visceral nociception, and mixing/fragmentation efficiency. Microbiota safety was preliminarily tested on mixed cultures of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. Results: Compounds 62 and 65 selectively relaxed intestinal smooth muscle, primarily targeting the longitudinal layer without affecting vascular contractility. Ex vivo testing highlights that compounds 62 and 65 could both modulate gut transit and mixing without causing functional constipation or pain. Microbiota analyses showed no detrimental effects on “good” bacterial species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. Conclusions: The favorable gastrointestinal and microbiological profiles of compounds 62 and 65, combined with their structural versatility, support their potential repurposing for functional bowel disorders. Their selective activity suggests a promising role in therapies targeting intestinal motility while preserving microbiota homeostasis, supporting the need for extended pharmacological characterization. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the aerobic stability, fermentation profile, microbiological diversity, and bromatological composition of the haylage of white oats obtained using three dehydration methods: (1) Mechanical (MEC); (2) Mechanical + Bacterial chemical compound (MEC + BCC); and (3) Chemical (CHE), where Glyphosate was used as a desiccant. The haylage made with the forage dehydrated by the mechanical method showed lower aerobic stability (69.20 h) and a higher cumulative temperature from 0 to 84 h and from 0 to 168 h (12.73 °C and 25.91 °C, respectively). The haylage made with Glyphosate-desiccated forage had higher concentrations of acetic acid (3.96 g kg⁻¹) and isobutyric acid (0.78 g kg⁻¹). The microbiological diversity and richness did not differ among the haylages produced. However, the relative abundance of the genera Pantoea and Lactobacillus was higher in the haylage made with Glyphosate-desiccated forage. The bacterial chemical compound guaranteed a haylage with lower lignin content (31.97 g kg⁻¹), lower acid detergent nitrogen (7.54 g kg⁻¹), and higher hemicellulose (211.72 g kg⁻¹). The haylage made from dehydrated forage by the Mechanical + Bacterial Chemical Compound methods presented a better fermentation pattern and had lower fermentation losses, and its bromatological quality was superior to the others. Full article

In view of the increasing environmental pollution caused by bisphenol A (BPA), understanding its impact on the microbiological properties of soil, which play a key role in maintaining soil fertility and consequently ecosystem stability, is particularly important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of the soil microbiome to this xenobiotic and to evaluate the potential of organic materials such as starch (St), grass compost (Co), and fermented bark (B) to restore the balance of soil cultivated with Zea mays. The negative effects of BPA on the abundance, diversity, and structure of bacterial and fungal communities in soil contaminated with 500 and 1000 mg kg⁻¹ d.m. of soil were confirmed. Changes in the phospholipid profile, including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and ergosterol (E), were also assessed. BPA applied at 1000 mg kg⁻¹ d.m. of soil inhibited the proliferation of organotrophic bacteria and actinomycetes, while stimulating fungal growth. This xenobiotic’s impact is also reflected by a decrease in PC and PG levels in soil under BPA pressure. Through amplification of the V3-V4 16S rRNA region (for bacteria) and the ITS1 region (for fungi), the dominant bacterial phylum Proteobacteria was identified, with genera including Cellulosimicrobium, Caulobacter, Rhodanobacter, Sphingomonas, Mucilaginibacter, and Pseudomonas. Among fungi, Ascomycota dominated, primarily represented by the genus Penicillium. Of all the organic materials tested for mitigating BPA’s negative effects, grass compost was identified as the most promising, not only restoring soil homeostasis but also enhancing the growth and development of Zea mays cultivated in BPA-contaminated soil. Full article

Background/Objectives: Silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) is widely used in the topical treatment of burns and infected wounds, but its conventional formulations present drawbacks such as poor water solubility, the need for multiple daily applications, and patient discomfort. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to develop and evaluate Laponite^® (LAP)-based hydrogels loaded with AgSD for controlled release and enhanced antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy, offering a promising alternative for the treatment of contaminated or biofilm-forming wounds. Methods: Laponite^®-based hydrogels containing 1% and 1.2% AgSD (LAP@AgSD) were prepared using a one-pot method. The formulations were characterized rheologically, thermally, and structurally. In vitro drug release was assessed using Franz diffusion cells, and mathematical modeling was applied to determine release kinetics. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standardized microbiological methods. Results: LAP@AgSD hydrogels exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, high structural integrity, and enhanced thermal stability. In vitro release assays revealed a sustained release profile, best fitted by the Weibull model, indicating diffusion-controlled mechanisms. Antibacterial assays demonstrated concentration-dependent activity, with LAP@AgSD 1.2% showing superior efficacy over LAP@AgSD 1% and comparable performance to the commercial silver sulfadiazine cream (CC-AgSD). Biofilm inhibition was significant for all formulations, with CC-AgSD 1% exhibiting the highest immediate activity, while LAP@AgSD 1.2% provided sustained antibiofilm potential. Conclusions: LAP-based hydrogels are promising smart delivery systems for AgSD, combining mechanical robustness, controlled drug release, and effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. These findings support their potential use in topical therapies for infected and chronic wounds, particularly where biofilm formation is a challenge. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder difficult to cure with current treatments. Therefore, preventive interventions for UC are crucial. This research investigated the intervention potential of Lactobacillus (L.) fermentum S1 derived from a cat in reducing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-triggered UC. Through a combination of physiological, microbiological, and metabolomic analyses, we demonstrated that preventive supplementation with L. fermentum S1 significantly mitigated DSS-triggered body weight loss, colon shortening, intestinal barrier (IB) dysfunction, and inflammatory reaction. L. fermentum S1 modulated gut microbiota (GM) components and elevated short-chain fatty acids generation. Beneficial genera were abundant (Akkermansia, Ligilactobacillus, Turicibacter, and Prevotella_9) while suppressing pathogenic taxa (Parabacteroides and Acinetobacter). Furthermore, L. fermentum S1 increased the amount of the anti-inflammatory metabolite hecogenin within the intestines. Spearman’s correlation analysis exhibited significant associations between microbial shifts and metabolite profiles, suggesting that microbiota-derived metabolites can mediate their therapeutic effects. These outcomes indicate the potential of L. fermentum S1 as a new dietary supplement and provide a theoretical basis for UC prevention. Full article

Extending the shelf life and ensuring microbial stability of processed foods are key objectives in the food industry. In this study, edible films containing chitosan, chitosan + thyme (Thymus vulgaris) oil, and chitosan + rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil were applied to traditional and industrial Cecil cheese using the dipping method, with control groups for each production type. Samples were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 45 days, and physical (color, water activity, and texture), chemical (pH, acidity, and dry matter), microbiological (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast-mold, coliforms, and lactic acid bacteria), and sensory analyses were performed on days 1, 15, 30, and 45. Results indicated that chitosan-based films effectively limited microbial growth, with the chitosan + rosemary oil combination being particularly effective in reducing microbial load and maintaining textural stability. Traditional cheeses achieved higher overall acceptability, while purchase intent was greater for industrial products. Coated samples exhibited slower pH decline and more stable dry matter content; industrial cheeses retained moisture more effectively. Texture profile analysis showed more stable chewiness and springiness values in coated samples. In conclusion, natural edible films represent an effective approach for extending shelf life and preserving quality, particularly in traditional cheeses with fibrous structures and shorter shelf lives. Full article