Search Results (1,078)

The high acidity, alcohol, and mycotoxin levels in distiller’s grains (DGs) limit its application in practical production. To address these issues, a new DG fermentation technique was developed in this research. Firstly, four strains were selected and the fermentation conditions were optimized to ferment the fresh DGs. When the inoculum was set at 8%, the fermentation temperature was maintained at 35 °C, the fermentation time lasted for 48 h, the bacterial mixture ratio (Bacillus subtilis ASAG 216: Lactobacillus acidophilus G1: Saccharomyces cerevisiae ANP 101: Streptococcus thermophilus EFR 046) was 1:1:2:1, and the contents of crude protein in fermented DGs (FDGs) were the highest, so we chose these fermentation conditions to ferment the DGs. In addition, under these fermentation conditions, the amino acids were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while the concentrations of crude fiber and mycotoxins contents were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in FDGs than in DGs. Subsequently, the nutritional value of DGs and FDGs were evaluated using a two-step in vitro digestion method. The digestibility of dry matter, protein, and crude fiber increased by 16.23%, 13.54%, and 64.09%, respectively, in FDGs compared to that in DGs. Finally, laying hens were treated by adding 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% FDG to the basal diet for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that addition of 2% FDG in the diet could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the laying rate of hens compared to that fed the control diet, while addition of 4% FDG in the diet could remarkably (p < 0.05) reduce the rate of broken eggs compared to the other groups. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in other indices. These indicates that FDG has potential as a functional feed additive to enhance animal productivity. Full article

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of invasive diseases, particularly affecting young children and the elderly. Currently, two main types of pneumococcal vaccines are commercially available: polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and conjugate vaccines (e.g., PCV20). Of over 100 identified pneumococcal serotypes, vaccines targeting 24 serotypes covered by PPSV23 and PCV20 (19 serotypes overlap between the two vaccines) have been developed, with serotype distribution varying by geography, age, and time. The immune response to pneumococcal vaccines differs across serotypes, vaccine types (polysaccharide vs. conjugate), and host factors. Quantitative methods for antibody assessment—particularly newer high-throughput assays—have emerged since 2000 to address limitations in conventional approaches. However, these methods have not been comprehensively reviewed. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the existing literature on quantitative methods used to assess antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccines. Specific objectives included the following: 1. summarizing conventional and novel quantitative immunoassays; 2. evaluating the current state of validation and application of these methods; 3. identifying knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. We followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We included the following: 1. peer-reviewed, open-access papers related to immunoassays used for pneumococcal antibody assessment; 2. articles written in English; 3. Studies published between 2000 and 2023. We excluded the following: 4. studies focusing on other pathogens, employing different analytical methods, or using animal models. Articles meeting the eligibility criteria were primarily retrieved from PubMed and Scopus. If free full-text versions were unavailable there, Google Scholar or the original journal databases were consulted. All references were exported to EndNote 20 for further management. At the beginning of the review, a data-charting form was developed based on prior studies and commonly addressed themes. Additional charts were created to accommodate newly identified variables during the review. All charting tools were reviewed and finalized through discussion among all research team members. The included studies were classified into five thematic groups: 1. general descriptions of quantitative assessment methods, 2. assay development and validation, 3. comparative studies, 4. technical details of assay development, 5. interpretation of assay application findings. Of 1469 articles from PubMed and 2946 articles from Scopus initially identified, 55 articles met the inclusion criteria. The earliest methods included radioimmunoassays, later replaced by WHO-standardized ELISA. While ELISA remains the gold standard, it is limited by labor, cost, and throughput. Multiplex immunoassays (MIAs), including Luminex-based platforms, have demonstrated advantages in efficiency and scalability. However, many MIAs did not initially meet WHO validation criteria. More recent assays show an improved performance, yet interlaboratory variability and lack of standardized protective thresholds remain major limitations. This review provides the first comprehensive mapping of quantitative antibody assessment methods for pneumococcal vaccines. Although ELISA continues to serve as the benchmark, MIAs represent a promising next-generation approach. Continued efforts are needed to harmonize assay validation protocols and establish global standards for protective thresholds, which will enhance the reliability of vaccine efficacy monitoring across diverse populations. Full article

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis, and early diagnosis is essential for improving patient survival and quality of life. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive screening method based on salivary gene expression and microbiome analysis. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from patients with OSCC, patients with oral potentially malignant disorders, and healthy controls. Microbiome profiling was performed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The OSCC group showed a significant increase in Fusobacterium and Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Streptococcus. LEfSe analysis indicated microbial changes associated with disease progression. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy when multiple bacterial species were combined. An increase in Fusobacteria was also associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Gene expression analysis revealed that NUS1, RCN1, CPLANE1, and CCL20 were significantly upregulated in OSCC, as confirmed by qRT-PCR and tissue expression data. Notably, CCL20 expression positively correlated with Fusobacterium abundance. These findings suggest that integrated analysis of the salivary microbiome and gene expression may offer a useful non-invasive approach for early OSCC detection and disease monitoring. Furthermore, we integrated current evidence from the literature to provide a comprehensive overview. Full article

Carnosic acid (CA), a natural phenolic terpenoid compound, is widely distributed in plants such as sage and rosemary, and exhibits a strong antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of CA on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers, and then to determine the optimal dose of CA to promote sustainable broiler production. A total of 384 1-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into six treatment groups with eight replicates per group and eight birds per replicate pen. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet and the CA treated groups (CA5, CA10, CA20, CA40, and CA80) were fed diets given different doses of CA (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg), respectively, for 53 days (1~21 d and 22~53 d). The results showed that, in the later stages of the experiment, supplementation with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of CA increased (p < 0.05) the final body weight and average daily gain. Morphometric analyses of the jejunum showed that supplementation of CA increased (p < 0.05) the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C). Antioxidant indices revealed that CA significantly reduced MDA levels in plasma, liver, and jejunum, while enhancing activities of GSH-Px, T-SOD, and T-AOC (p < 0.05). Moreover, CA upregulated hepatic Nrf2, HO-1, GSH-Px, and GSR expression via downregulated Keap1. The analysis of intestinal microbiota showed that CA increased (p < 0.05) microbial α diversity (Ace, Chao, and Sobs indices) and increased (p < 0.05) beneficial bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Phascolarctobacterium. In conclusion, CA improves growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal health, and gut microbial diversity in broilers. Under the conditions of this experiment, quadratic regressions for different variables showed that the optimal range for supplemental CA in chicken’s diet was 19.11~76.85 mg/kg. Combined with experimental observation and regression analysis, the optimal level of supplementation was 40 mg/kg. Full article

In pediatric endodontic procedures, final crown placement is often delayed, requiring the use of temporary filling materials to seal the access cavity. Given the importance of antibacterial properties in temporary restorations and the known antimicrobial effects of nanoclay particles, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a nanoclay-infused temporary dressing against cariogenic and residual intracanal bacteria. A commercial temporary material (CAVISOL, Tehran, Iran) was blended with nanoclay (SOUTHERN, Gonzalez, TX, USA; average size 95 nm), using eugenol as a wetting agent. The antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli were assessed using disc diffusion, well diffusion, and microtiter plate assays after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C (six material groups, three bacterial strains, three replications for each antibacterial test). Statistical analyses were performed using Shapiro–Wilk and ANOVA tests (p < 0.05). The results showed that formulations containing 60% and 80% nanoclay significantly inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria, outperforming pure Cavit (p < 0.05). The most substantial inhibition was observed in E. coli, while S. mutans exhibited the least susceptibility (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that incorporating nanoclay into temporary fillings may enhance efficacy to increase the success rate of pediatric endodontic treatments, although further physicochemical and clinical evaluations are warranted. Full article

The rise in antimicrobial resistance and strict milk withdrawal regulations drive the search for safe, non-antibiotic intramammary therapies. This pilot field study focused on clinical parameters, including the somatic cell count (SCC) and the assessment of changes, as well as overall safety, which together enabled a prospective evaluation of whether the substance exerted any therapeutic effect. In this study, 48 Holstein–Friesian cows with naturally occurring clinical mastitis (somatic cell count > 400,000 cells/mL; single quarter) were randomized to receive either seven daily infusions of 10% pectin (n = 24) or two standard intramammary doses of a licensed multi-component antibiotic formulation (n = 24). The clinical severity scores (0–3) and SCC were monitored from 72 h before to 168 h after treatment initiation; the bacteriological cultures, milk TNF-α, milk yield, and blood hematology/biochemistry were also assessed. Both groups exhibited comparable and significant reductions in the mastitis scores and log₂-transformed SCC by 48 h post-treatment, with equivalent bacteriological cure rates and pathogen profiles (predominantly Streptococcus uberis, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Escherichia coli) and no local irritation, systemic adverse effects, or alterations in the milk yield, TNF-α, or blood parameters. These findings indicate that intramammary pectin at a 10% concentration is safe and well tolerated and that it provides efficacy equivalent to standard antibiotic therapy, supporting its potential as an alternative mastitis treatment that avoids antibiotic residues and contributes to antimicrobial stewardship. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of dietary inclusion of citrus pomace on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, and colonic microbiota in Tibetan pigs in a 90-day feeding trial. Eighty Tibetan pigs (75-day-age, 16.62 ± 1.50 kg) were divided into four dietary treatment groups, each containing four replicates with five pigs per replicate. The experimental diets comprised a control diet alongside three diets incorporating 5%, 10%, or 15% citrus pomace, respectively. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio of pigs was lower in the 5% citrus pomace group compared to the other three treatment groups. Compared to the control group, dietary inclusion of 5% citrus pomace increased villus height in the duodenum and jejunum of pigs. Additionally, it elevated β-amylase activity in the duodenum while increasing sucrase activity in the jejunum. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 5% citrus pomace enhanced lipase activity in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of pigs compared to the control group. It also significantly increased catalase activity in the serum of pigs. However, dietary inclusion of 5% citrus pomace decreased the abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus while increasing the abundances of Streptococcaceae, Turicibacteraceae, Streptococcus, and Turicibacter in the colonic digesta of pigs. Collectively, long-term dietary inclusion with 5% citrus pomace reduced the feed conversion ratio, improved intestinal morphology, enhanced digestive enzyme activity in the small intestine, and elevated serum antioxidant status, while exerting complex effects on colonic microbiota in Tibetan pigs. Future research should prioritize in vitro fermentation to develop fermented citrus pomace as a feed ingredient for pigs. Full article

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a major human pathogen capable of causing infections ranging from mild pharyngitis and impetigo to severe invasive diseases such as bacteremia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Historically, the incidence of GAS infections declined during the early antibiotic era but began rising again from the early 2000s, driven partly by the emergence of hyper-virulent strains such as emm1 and emm12. From 2005 onward, significant increases in GAS infections were reported globally, accompanied by rising antibiotic resistance, particularly to macrolides and tetracyclines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread public health measures led to a sharp decline in GAS infections, including invasive cases, but this trend reversed dramatically in late 2022 and 2023, with surges exceeding pre-pandemic levels, notably in children. Recent data implicate factors such as “immunity debt,” viral co-infections, and the spread of virulent clones like M1UK. Looking forward, continued surveillance of GAS epidemiology, virulence factors, and resistance patterns is critical. Moreover, the emergence of GAS isolates with reduced susceptibility to beta-lactams underscores the need for vigilance despite the absence of fully resistant strains. The development of an effective vaccine remains an urgent priority to reduce GAS disease burden and prevent severe outcomes. Future research should focus on vaccine development, molecular mechanisms of virulence, and strategies to curb antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Essential oil blends (EOBs) have been increasingly studied for their multifunctional benefits in animal nutrition and food science. This study evaluates the impact of an EOB composed of eucalyptus and peppermint oil on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of dairy products—milk, cream, and colonial cheese. Forty lactating cows were assigned to two groups: control and EOB addition (3.6 mL/cow/day) on the diet. Sensory analysis showed that the addition of EOB does not significantly alter milk or cream characteristics but enhances cheese texture perception. Fatty acid analysis revealed a higher proportion of SFA and lower UFA in cheese produced from the EOB group. Additionally, the EOB reduced lipid oxidation throughout the ripening process, with significantly lower TBARS values at 45 days of maturation (0.1300), compared to those from cows without supplementation of EOB (0.1585), suggesting improved oxidative stability. Microbiome analysis indicated that the bacterial community composition remained stable, with a slight reduction in Streptococcus spp. in EOB cheeses. No drastic shifts in microbial diversity were detected, and a lower overall abundance of bacterial taxa was observed in the EOB group. Results suggest that EOBs in dairy cow diets may positively modulate dairy product characteristics and alter the microbiota without compromising sensory quality. This study highlights the technological potential of EOB supplementation in dairy production. Full article