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For the last 30 years, Piscirickettsia salmonis has caused major economic losses to the aquaculture industry as the aetiological agent for the piscirickettsiosis disease. Replacing the current interventions, based on antibiotics, with natural alternatives (e.g., organic acids) represents a priority. With this study, we aimed to better understand their biological mechanism of action in an in vitro model of infection with salmon epithelial cells (CHSE-214). Our first observation revealed that at the sub-inhibitory concentration of 0.5%, the organic acid blend (Aq) protected epithelial cell integrity and significantly reduced P. salmonis invasion. The MIC was established at 1% Aq and the MBC at 2% against P. salmonis. The sub-inhibitory concentration significantly increased the expression of the antimicrobial peptides Cath2 and Hepcidin1, and stimulated the activity of the innate immune effector iNOS. The increase in iNOS activity also led to higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) being released in the extracellular space. The exposure of P. salmonis to the endogenous NO caused an increase in bacterial lipid peroxidation levels, a damaging effect which can ultimately reduce the pathogen's ability to attach or multiply intracellularly. We also demonstrate that the increased NO release by the host CHSE-214 cells is a consequence of direct exposure to Aq and is not dependent on P. salmonis infection. Additionally, the presence of Aq during P. salmonis infection of CHSE-214 cells significantly mitigated the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12, and IFNγ. Taken together, these results indicate that, unlike antibiotics, natural antimicrobials can weaponize the iNOS pathway and secreted nitric oxide to reduce infection and inflammation in a Piscirickettsia salmonis in vitro model of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review investigates the specific impact of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) on gastrointestinal health, focusing on its connection to post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). This review examines the pathogen's pathophysiology, clinical implications and epidemiological trends using recent research and data to highlight its prevalence and association with PI-IBS. A detailed literature analysis synthesizes current research to illuminate Campylobacter's long-lasting effects on gut microbiota and intestinal function. It provides a detailed analysis of the literature to shed light on C. jejuni's long-term impact on gut microbiota and intestinal function. The findings suggest the need for multifaceted prevention and treatment approaches considering individual, microbial and epidemiological factors, thus contributing to a more nuanced understanding of PI-IBS following C. jejuni infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines using essential oils (EOs) as an alternative approach in poultry farming to clarify their beneficial roles. The discussion introduces current challenges within the poultry industry, from antibiotic resistance and environmental concerns, setting the context for natural feeding strategies. EOs are characterized by diverse bioactive compounds such as terpenes and phenolics, known as powerful alternatives due to their strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and growth-stimulating properties. Their chemical composition and biological activities can offer insights into their mechanism of action in bird species, specifically poultry. In the context of poultry production, the review underlines how EOs enhance growth performance, support immune responses, and improve feed efficiency. Their role in modulating gut health and potentially improving product quality was discussed herein. Combining these natural substances into poultry farming can address the growing environmental concerns. In this overview, we focus on EOs as a novel and progressive option in poultry farming, aiming to harmonize 'environmental sustainability with agricultural efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C. perfringens, a ubiquitous bacterium, is implicated in a series of recent outbreaks across Europe, reflecting its significance in public health. The organism manifests different clinical presentations in both human and animal hosts. In the realm of veterinary science, its pathogenesis in species such as poultry, cattle, swine, and equines is of particular concern due to the economic implications stemming from morbidity and mortality rates. The enterotoxins produced by this bacterium is the primary cause of symptoms like watery diarrhea, abdominal pains, and cramps in humans, and leads to conditions such as clostridial myonecrosis and necrotic enteritis in animals. An important aspect of its virulence strategy is its ability to form biofilms. These sophisticated microbial assemblages confer an augmented resistance against environmental challenges and antimicrobial interventions. This review consolidates information about C. perfringens outbreaks in Europe, mode of infection, pathogenesis in various animals, associated clinical symptoms, and the nuances of its biofilm formation. The present literature synthesis could provide valuable insights for forthcoming preventive and therapeutic initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics have increasingly dominated our material landscape due to their widespread use. With the surge in the production and distribution of plastic products, the threat of global plastic pollution has escalated. This issue has increasingly alarmed environmental researchers due to the pronounced negative impacts on flora and fauna. As research efforts intensify worldwide, there is encouraging advancement in pinpointing and comprehending microorganisms capable of breaking down these plastics. The recent studies depicted microbial entities for their remarkable capabilities in tackling plastic waste. Among these are bacteria from the genera Ideonella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter and Brevibacillus, as well as fungi, especially those from the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium which have showcased promising results in degrading plastics This scholarly review aims to clarify the lasting understanding concerning the biodegradation of polymeric materials. We delve into the different roles of specific microorganisms adept at plastic degradation, highlighting the enzymatic capabilities they employ. Additionally, we explore the environmental implications of leveraging microbial degradation as a sustainable approach to mitigating plastic pollution, offering insights into future research directions and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important concern of man has become to have high-quality food for a healthy life. Fish such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are an important bioindicator of pollution. The accumulation of heavy metals represents a potential danger to public health. Trout is preferred and consumed by many people so any possible risk of ingesting metals through food chains should be assessed. The main organs studied according to specialized literature regarding the accumulation of heavy metals are the liver an the kidney, these organs play an important role in preventing the transfer of heavy metals to other organs, for example muscle tissue. As is known, the pollution of aquatic ecosystems has a direct impact on the entire aquaculture activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to monitor metals present in the two trout species in different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact and adherence of bacteria to various surfaces has significant consequences on biofilm formation through changes in bacterial surface structures or gene expression with potential ramifications on plant and animal health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of organic acid-based mixtures (Ac) on the ability Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli to attach and form biofilm on various surfaces, including plastic, chicken carcass skins, straw bedding, and eggshells. Moreover, we aimed to explore the effect of Ac on the expression of E. coli (luxS, fimC, csgD) and C. jejuni (luxS, flaA, flaB) bacterial genes involved in the attachment and biofilm formation via changes in bacterial surface polysaccharidic structures. Our results show that Ac had a significant effect on the expression of these genes in bacteria either attached to these surfaces or in planktonic cells. Moreover, the significant decrease in bacterial adhesion was coupled with structural changes in bacterial surface polysaccharide profiles, impacting their adhesion and biofilm-forming ability. Essentially, our findings accentuate the potential of natural antimicrobials, such as Ac, in reducing bacterial attachment and biofilm formation across various environments, suggesting promising potential applications in sectors like poultry production and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to investigate, for the first time, the antioxidant effect of a mixture of natural antimicrobials in an Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) shrimp-gut model of infection and the biological mechanisms involved in their way of action. The study approach included investigations, firstly, in vitro, on shrimp-gut primary (SGP) epithelial cells and in vivo by using EHP-challenged shrimp. Our results show that exposure of EHP spores to 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% AuraAqua (Aq) significantly reduced spore activity at all concentrations but was more pronounced after exposure to 0.5% Aq. The Aq was able to reduce EHP infection of SGP cells regardless of cells being pretreated or cocultured during infection with Aq. The survivability of SGP cells infected with EHP spores was significantly increased in both scenarios; however, a more noticeable effect was observed when the infected cells were pre-exposed to Aq. Our data show that infection of SGP cells by EHP activates the host NADPH oxidases and the release of H2O2 produced. When Aq was used during infection, a significant reduction in H2O2 was observed concomitant with a significant increase in the levels of CAT and SOD enzymes. Moreover, in the presence of 0.5% Aq, the overproduction of CAT and SOD was correlated with the inactivation of the NF-κB pathway, which, otherwise, as we show, is activated upon EHP infection of SGP cells. In a challenge test, Aq was able to significantly reduce mortality in EHP-infected shrimp and increase the levels of CAT and SOD in the gut tissue. Conclusively, these results show, for the first time, that a mixture of natural antimicrobials (Aq) can reduce the EHP-spore activity, improve the survival rates of primary gut-shrimp epithelial cells and reduce the oxidative damage caused by EHP infection. Moreover, we show that Aq was able to stop the H2O2 activation of the NF-κB pathway of Crustins, Penaeidins, and the lysozyme, and the CAT and SOD activity both in vitro and in a shrimp challenge test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental trial explored the impact of incorporating specific nutritional feed into the diet of dairy cows and assessed their influence on the quality of products derived from the processing of raw milk. Results showed that nutritional feed changed several parameters of dairy products, such as dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and fatty acid profiles between the two groups for produced dairy products. The resulting two types of cheeses, namely Caș and Telemea, made from the milk of Experimental Group (EG) cows had a decreased content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and an elevated content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) compared to the Control Group (CG), whereas the situation was the opposite. The associations of the n6:n3 ratio were lower in the Caș cheese from the EG compared to CG, while in the Telemea cheese, the observations also revealed inverted results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog was selected from a natural population breed of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the phenotypic differences between the sexes in a population of 26 males and 23 females of the Mioritic Shepherd Dog breed, for 9 body measurements: height at elbow, height at hock, head length, skull length, skull width, muzzle length, muzzle width, muzzle depth and muzzle perimeter. Following the study on the significance of statistical differences between body measurements recorded in the evaluated population, it was concluded that males from the people of the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog studied in this paper showed superior and significant values for height at the elbow (p<0.05), height at hock (p<0.05), head length (p<0.01), muzzle length (p<0.05). It should be noted that the evaluated females showed superior values compared to males, but insignificant (p>0.05), for muzzle width and muzzle depth. We recommend to dog breeders specialists consider the genetic improvement programs, and also our results presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carmoisine is a food coloring found in many foods, with several restrictions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood in Wistar albino laboratory rats after oral administration of carmoisine every day for 6 weeks by dissolving the additive in water. The effect of temperature on parsley was also studied, drying it at different temperatures, then observing at what temperature the amount of ascorbic acid was maintained in the greatest proportion. At most haematological parameters, higher values were observed in rats in the 100 mg carmoisine group compared to the control and parsley groups. Similarly, the biochemical parameters analyzed showed higher values in rats in the group receiving 100 mg carmoisine compared to the control group, and parsley administered to rats was able to bring mean values closer to those obtained in the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis can colonize the tooth root canals, adhere to dentin walls, and frequently cause periodontitis in dogs. Bacterial periodontal diseases are common in domesticated pets, causing severe oral cavity inflammation and a strong immune response. This study investigates the antioxidant effect of a natural antimicrobial mixture (Auraguard—Ag) on the ability of S. aureus, S. pyogenes and E. faecalis to infect primary canine oral epithelial cells as well as its impact on their virulence factors. Our data show that a concentration of 0.25% Ag is sufficient to inhibit the growth of all three pathogens, whereas a concentration of 0.5% will become bactericidal. The sub-inhibitory concentration of 0.125% Ag reveals that the antimicrobial mixture can significantly reduce biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production. The impact on these virulence factors was further translated into a significantly reduced ability to infect primary canine oral epithelial cells and restore epithelial tight junctions, with no impact on the epithelial cell viability. The post-infection inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-8) and the COX-2 mediator were also reduced both in mRNA and protein expression levels. The oxidative burst, detected upon infection, was also decreased in the presence of Ag, as our results show a significant decrease in H2O2 released by the infected cells. We show that inhibition of either NADPH or ERK activity will result in a downregulation of COX-2 expression and lower levels of H2O2 in infected cells. Conclusively, our study shows that natural antimicrobials reduce pro-inflammatory events, post infection, through an antioxidative mechanism that involves the downregulation of the COX-2 mediator via the inactivation of ERK in the absence of H2O2. As a result, they significantly reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections and host oxidative stress caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis accumulation in biofilms in an in vitro canine oral infection model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North America is a large producer of beef and contains approximately 12% of the world's cattle inventory. Feedlots are an integral part of modern cattle production in North America, producing a high-quality, wholesome protein food for humans. Cattle, during their final stage, are fed readily digestible high-energy density rations in feedlots. Cattle in feedlots are susceptible to certain zoonotic diseases that impact cattle health, growth performance, and carcass characteristics, as well as human health. Diseases are often transferred amongst pen-mates, but they can also originate from the environment and be spread by vectors or fomites. Pathogen carriage in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle often leads to direct or indirect contamination of foods and the feedlot environment. This leads to the recirculation of these pathogens that have fecal–oral transmission within a feedlot cattle population for an extended time. Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter are commonly associated with animal-derived foods and can be transferred to humans through several routes such as contact with infected cattle and the consumption of contaminated meat. Brucellosis, anthrax, and leptospirosis, significant but neglected zoonotic diseases with debilitating impacts on human and animal health, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter remains the most prevalent foodborne pathogen bacterium responsible for causing gastroenteritis worldwide. Specifically, this pathogen colonises a ubiquitous range of environments, from poultry, companion pets and livestock animals to humans. The bacterium is uniquely adaptable to various niches, leading to complicated gastroenteritis and, in some cases, difficult to treat due to elevated resistance to certain antibiotics. This increased resistance is currently detected via genomic, clinical or epidemiological studies, with the results highlighting worrying multi-drug resistant (MDR) profiles in many food and clinical isolates. The Campylobacter genome encodes a rich inventory of virulence factors offering the bacterium the ability to influence host immune defences, survive antimicrobials, form biofilms and ultimately boost its infection-inducing potential. The virulence traits responsible for inducing clinical signs are not sufficiently defined because several populations have ample virulence genes with physiological functions that reflect their pathogenicity differences as well as a complement of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) systems. Therefore, exhaustive knowledge of the virulence factors associated with Campylobacter is crucial for collecting molecular insights into the infectivity processes, which could pave the way for new therapeutical targets to combat and control the infection and mitigate the spread of MDR bacteria. This review provides an overview of the spread and prevalence of genetic determinants associated with virulence and antibiotic resistance from studies performed on livestock animals. In addition, we have investigated the relevant coincidental associations between the prevalence of the genes responsible for pathogenic virulence, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and transmissibility of highly pathogenic Campylobacter strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The harsh aquatic environment makes the use of dietary probiotics not cost-effective and with low efficacy due to their inability to reach the gut. Therefore, supporting the growth of commensal probiotic bacteria, in aquatic animals, represents an efficient strategy to improve and maintain their gut health. The commensal probiotic, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, is well known for its association with improved gut health in humans, farm animals and crustaceans. As such, increasing its abundance in the gut is of major interest and, moreover, identification of interventions able to support its growth is necessary. Undoubtedly, organic compounds, such as mixtures of organic acids, have a role in improving gut health and supporting the gut microbiota in either fighting disease or improving digestion. With this study, we aimed to further understand the biological mechanisms by which F. prausnitzii inhibits pathogenic bacteria, in the presence of organic acids. Furthermore, we have also investigated the organic acid ability to stimulate bacterial growth in vitro and ex vivo. Herein we show that a mixture of organic acids, AuraAqua (Aq) leads to improved F. prausnitzii growth and butyrate production which consequently reduces V. parahaemolyticus infection of shrimp gut primary epithelial cells. Increasing the abundance of probiotic bacteria in the gut requires either direct dietary supplementation or the inclusion of feed additives able to support the growth of beneficial commensal bacteria. In crustaceans, the increased presence of probiotic-like bacteria in the gut, including of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), will guarantee a positive health status and a gut environment that will ensure enhanced performance. The aim of this study was to investigate if a mixture of organic acids, AuraAqua (Aq) can stimulate the growth and the anti-pathogenic efficacy of F. prausnitzii through a combination of in vitro and ex vivo models. The results showed that 0.5% Aq was able to improve the growth rate of F. prausnitzii in vitro and in an ex vivo shrimp gut model. Moreover, we were able to demonstrate that Aq increases butyrate production and cellulose degradation in culture or in the shrimp gut model. The growth-stimulating effect of Aq also led to an improved and anti-pathogenic effect against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a co-culture experiment with shrimp gut primary epithelial cells (SGP). In conclusion, our work demonstrates that Aq can stimulate the growth of F. prausnitzii, increase the production of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate, improve substrate digestion, and prevent V. parahaemolyticus invasion of SGP cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legionella pneumophila is responsible for causing Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever, also known as legionellosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanistic effect of a mixture of natural antimicrobials (Citrox BCL) in preventing L. pneumophila biofilm formation and reducing its in vitro virulence. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were detected at 0.06%, and the MBC was established at 0.125%. Based on the growth curve profile, the sub-inhibitory concentration of 0.02% was further used to study the mechanistic implications in the absence of a cytotoxic effect on A549 cells. At 24 h post-infection, Citrox BCL reduced (p = 0.005) the intracellular growth of L. pneumophila when the A549 cells or the bacteria were pre-treated with 0.02% Citrox BCL. This result was replicated when Citrox BCL was added during the 24 h infection assay leading to a reduction in intracellular growth (p = 0.003). Herein we show that at the sub-inhibitory concentration of 0.02%, Citrox CBL lowers the ROS levels in infected A549 cells and causes a 45% reduction in L. pneumophila EPS production, a reduction associated with the decline in biofilm formation. Overall, our results corroborate the low c-di-GMP production with the decrease in biofilm formation and low EPS levels. The low EPS levels seemed to be caused by the downregulation of the tatB and tatC gene expressions. Moreover, inhibition of pvcA and pvcB gene expressions, leading to lower siderophore levels, suggests that Citrox BCL reduces the ability of L. pneumophila to sequester iron and reduce biofilm formation through iron starvation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm biosecurity management includes a set of practical measures used to prevent and limit the spread of infections to humans and animals. Infections, predominantly caused by zoonotic agents, often occur due to a lack of safety standards monitoring on farms, but also because of the use of inappropriate antimicrobial products leading to bacterial resistance, tolerance to biocides and the emergence antimicrobial-resistant germs. To date, research was mainly focused on studying the antimicrobial resistance in bacterial biofilms and the mechanisms involved in their occurrence. At molecular level, the limited diffusion of biocides in the biofilm matrix, enzyme-mediated resistance, genetic adaptation, efflux pumps, and levels of metabolic activity inside the biofilm are some of the investigated biological mechanisms which can promote antimicrobial resistance in biofilms were also investigated. Interventions, based on the identification of novel antimicrobial compounds, that would exclude the occurrence of bacterial tolerance, including essential oils (oregano, cloves), organic acids (tannic & oleic acid) and natural plant compounds (e.g. alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and coumarins) were also extensively studied and reviewed given their effectiveness against pathogen-produced biofilms. The aim of this review was emphasize the importance of biosecurity and farm management practices and to assess their impact on bacterial biofilm formation. Furthermore, we present the recent intervention strategies aimed at reducing and combating the formation of bacterial biofilms in livestock farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to review the nitrogen emissions from the agriculture and livestock sector and their impact on the environment in the light of the actual global climate change picture. Emissions of ammonia, nitrogen oxide and nitrous oxide contribute to air pollution and global warming, while nitrates contribute to soil and water pollution. The agriculture and livestock sector is responsible for ammonia emissions representing approximately 80-90% of total anthropogenic emissions. Approximately 52% of total nitrous oxide emissions are coming from agriculture, and there is a strong correlation with the application rates of synthetic fertilizers. The nitrogen lost in the soil and water through leaching represents an important nitrate emission with negative effects on the environment due to acidification and eutrophication. As a result of human activity in recent decades, significant amounts of reactive nitrogen were released into the environment, disrupting the natural nitrogen cycle. The main causes of nitrogen emissions in the agriculture and livestock sector are represented by the excessive and inefficient use of synthetic fertilizers, manure management, including the low efficiency of nitrogen conversion into milk, meat and eggs by animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is a global effort to reduce the use of antibiotics in broiler production, and the antibacterial activity of extracts from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Anemone chinensis Bunge, and Smilax glabra Roxb has been previously identified in vitro. The present study determines the effects of the dietary inclusion of these extracts on broiler production performance, nutrient digestibility, and on the levels of Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli, and lactic acid bacteria in the caecum. The inclusion of S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge in broiler feed increased the number of lactic acid bacteria in the caeca of broilers, in comparison to the inclusion of antibiotics in poultry feed. The inclusion of S. glabra Roxb also reduced the levels of E. coli and Campylobacter spp., and improved the feed efficiency and weight gain. The plant extract of A. chinensis Bunge also increased weight gain in broilers. This study highlights the benefits of using S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge in broiler feed as alternatives to antibiotics. Poultry farming is growing globally, particularly in developing countries, to meet the demands of growing populations for poultry meat and eggs. This is likely to lead to an increase in the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, thus contributing to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance which, poses a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. One way of reducing this threat is to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry production by finding effective and sustainable antibiotic alternatives that can be used to support poultry health and productivity. Therefore, this study evaluates the incorporation of three medicinal plants, Anemone chinensis Bunge, Smilax glabra Roxb, and Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, in poultry feed on production performance, nutrient digestibility, and bacteria in the chicken caecum in a 35-day performance trial with 420-day-old male Ross 308 broilers. Groups of randomly selected chicks received one of six dietary treatments. These included five experimental diets of reduced nutrient specifications as a negative control (NC); with amoxicillin as a positive antibiotic control (PC1); with A. pilosa Ledeb (NC1); with A. chinensis Bunge (NC2); and with S. glabra Roxb (NC3). One other positive control diet contained the recommended nutrient specification (PC2). Weight gain and feed intake were measured weekly and used to calculate the feed conversion ratio as performance parameters. Bacteria were enumerated from chicken caecum using a traditional plating method and selective agar. S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge showed comparable effects to amoxicillin with significantly increased weight gain in birds offered these diets, compared to those offered the negative control from days 0 to 35 (p < 0.001). S. glabra Roxb exhibited effects similar to the amoxicillin control group with an improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001). In addition, S. glabra Roxb decreased numbers of E. coli and Campylobacter spp. on days 21 (p < 0.05) and 35 (p < 0.01) and increased numbers of lactic acid bacteria comparable to the antibiotic group on days 14 (p < 0.001) and 35 (p < 0.01). The findings of this in vivo trial highlight the potential of S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge as beneficial feed material to promote poultry health and productivity in the absence of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematopsis messor infections severely impact on shrimp's health with devastating economic consequences on shrimp farming. In a shrimp primary intestinal cells (SGP) model of infection, a sub-inhibitory concentration (0.5%) of natural antimicrobials (Aq) was able to reduce the ability of N. messor to infect (p < 0.0001). To prevent N. messor infection of SGP cells, Aq inhibits host actin polymerization and restores tight junction integrity (TEER) and the expression of Zo-1 and occluding. The oxidative burst, caused by N. messor infection, is attenuated by Aq through the inhibition of NADPH-produced H2O2. Simultaneous to the reduction in H2O2 released, the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also significantly increase (p < 0.0001). The antimicrobial mixture inactivates the ERK signal transduction pathway by tyrosine dephosphorylation and reduces the expression of DCR2, ALF-A, and ALF-C antimicrobial peptides. The observed in vitro results were also translated in vivo, whereby the use of a shrimp challenge test, we show that in N. messor infected shrimp the mortality rate was 68% compared to the Aq-treated group where the mortality rate was maintained at 14%. The significant increase in CAT and SOD activity in treated and infected shrimp suggested an in vivo antioxidant role for Aq. In conclusion, our study shows that Aq can efficiently reduce N. messor colonization of shrimp's intestinal cells in vitro and in vivo and the oxidative induced cellular damage, repairs epithelial integrity, and enhances gut immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to provide an update on the complex relationship between manure application, altered pathogen levels and antibiotic resistance. This is necessary to protect health and improve the sustainability of this major farming practice in agricultural systems based on high levels of manure production. It is important to consider soil health in relation to environment and land management practices in the context of the soil microflora and the introduction of pathogens on the health of the soil microbiome. Viable pathogens in manure spread on agricultural land may be distributed by leaching, surface run-off, water source contamination and contaminated crop removal. Thus it is important to understand how multiple pathogens can persist in manures and on soil at farm-scale and how crops produced under these conditions could be a potential transfer route for zoonotic pathogens. The management of pathogen load within livestock manure is a potential mechanism for the reduction and prevention of outbreaks infection with Escherichia coli , Listeria Salmonella , and Campylobacter. The ability of Campylobacter , E. coli , Listeria and Salmonella to combat environmental stress coupled with their survival on food crops and vegetables post-harvest emphasizes the need for further study of these pathogens along with the emerging pathogen Providencia given its link to disease in the immunocompromised and its' high levels of antibiotic resistance. The management of pathogen load within livestock manure has been widely recognized as a potential mechanism for the reduction and prevention of outbreaks infection but any studies undertaken should be considered as region specific due to the variable nature of the factors influencing pathogen content and survival in manures and soil. Mediocre soils that require nutrients could be one template for research on manure inputs and their influence on soil health and on pathogen survival on grassland and in food crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1) Background: Well-known monosodium glutamate (E-621, MSG), originally used as a food flavor enhancer, was approved approximately in all countries, but the toxicity versus the safety of (MSG) are still unclear due to variable scientific toxicological reports. Moreover, it was reported to trigger elevated frequencies of nausea and headaches in humans and provide deleterious effects on laboratory animals. The objectives of the present study were to (i) estimate the possible toxic effects of the food additive MSG (ii) and the ameliorating protective effects of the dietary supplement spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on the biochemical parameters of blood and the damage produced in organs of Swiss mice after applying a supplementary daily dose of MSG for 4 weeks. (2) Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 mature Swiss mice, which were randomly organized into four groups of five Swiss mice. The treatments were (I) the control group, in which Swiss mice were fed only animal feed and drinking water; group II MSG1, which received 1 mL of MSG; group III MSG0.5, which was treated with 0.5 mL of MSG; and (IV) the group MSGS, which was treated with 1 mL of monosodium glutamate and 1 mL of spirulina (aiming to reduce the MSG toxicity). (3) Results: At the end of the experiment, Swiss mice treated with MSG demonstrated a passiveness regarding behavioral aspects. As we hypothesized, the parameters of the spirulina group reached similar values to the control group, and no histopathological observations have been found. Altogether, our findings evidenced that monosodium glutamate leads to histopathological changes in Swiss mice kidneys and caused important modifications for all biochemical parameters of the blood serum. Noticeably, the potential protective effect of Spirulina platensis was proved and was described by using the FTIR spectroscopy technique. (4) Conclusions: A diet rich in antioxidants and other plant-derived bioactive compounds may provide healthy nutrition, alleviating the potential side effects of some food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are living microbial strains, also considered functional foods, that improve the human intestine and mucosal sites' functionality and normalize the immune system balance. This symbiosis between the human body and microorganisms has attracted scientists and showed a notable role in maintaining human health. The microbiota composition within different sites of the organs can change rapidly and unfavorably, leading to the development of infections or abnormal conditions. The treatments with antibiotics affect and disturb the overall normal microflora, and specifically to the vaginal tract, by inhibiting the spread of the normal microflora of Lactobacillus species. In this sense, probiotics have shown to be an integrative and complementary therapy for the amelioration and prevention of vaginal infections in women. The main objective of the current review is to highlight the importance of probiotics to prevent and treat antibiotic-associated acute and chronic diseases and highlight their possible beneficial impact on women reproductive health. Moreover, the review discusses the recent clinical findings of probiotic therapy concerning protection against vaginal diseases, wellbeing, infant development, and human body detoxification from the chemical compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to review the literature concerning nitrogen metabolism and excretion in dairy cows in the light of actual global climate change picture. Nutritional factors like dietary crude protein or dietary carbohydrate concentration have a significant effect on nitrogen balance, through the decreasing capacity of the total N excretion and improving the milk nitrogen efficiency. At the same time, the protein and carbohydrate degradability rates as well as dietary minerals will impact the excretion routes, urinary and faecal. Shifting between urinary to faecal pathway could benefit to the mitigation of air pollution as the faecal nitrogen content is less prone to volatilisation compared to the urine nitrogen. Feed additives such as direct feed microbial, plant secondary metabolites and rumenprotected amino acids can mitigate and shift the N excretion from the urinary to the faecal pathway. Finally, breeding animals for lower MUN traits could also be considered as an efficient approach for a longer-term strategy to reduce N emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the extinction of donkeys (Equus asinus) worldwide is very limited, but donkey milk is recently getting popular in many countries due to its nutritional properties and chemical composition. For this reason, in our country, the farmers are encouraged to keep, to raise and increase the number of donkeys in their farms. Milk and donkey products are niche products, consumed by a small number of people, especially people suffering from various diseases (e.g. food allergies, children to whom breast milk should be substituted with milk similar in composition). Donkey milk brings benefits to consumers due to its chemical composition. Donkey milk storage depend on the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and the biochemical degradation under heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Muscat Ottonel wine it varied between 0.84 g/l in 2014 and 1.34 g/l in 2015, presenting the lowest values compared to the other types of wine analyzed. Riesling Italian presented the highest malic acid content in 2014, respectively 2.63 g/l. High values for this parameter were observed in the case of Fetească Regală wine, regardless of the year of production. As can be seen Muscat Ottonel and Traminer Roz presented the lowest average values for this parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is a complex food, beneficial to the human body due to its chemical composition. In this study we analyzed the physico-chemical composition of cow's milk under the influence of the season and the antioxidant capacity depending on the lactation. The physico-chemical parameters varied significantly under the influence of this factor. Cow's milk has a high antioxidant capacity, being higher in lactation 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that influence the hematological profile of the donkeys are: nutrition, reproduction, season, lactation, parturition, maintenance and animal health. Knowing the hematological parameters represents a breakthrough in the development of work programs and nutritional programs in the donkey farms and greatly helps the possibility of the conservation of the donkeys, a species that until now has been neglected in our country. For haematological parameters, significant changes can be observed under the influence of lactation as follows: WBC (G/L) may have a lower mean average in lactation I, (9.66 ± 0.56) and further in lactation, reaching a higher value average in lactation IV (13.57 ± 0.80). Hb (g/L) behaves similar to WBC, reaching the highest average values in IV lactation, (131.30 ± 3.56). LYM (%) in lactation I, (38.72 ± 0.69) and in lactation 2, 3 and 4 similar average values. MON (%) manifests thus, under the influence of lactation, having an interval between (1.14 ± 0.16), lactation I and (1.42 ± 0.17) in lactation IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkey milk is a complex food, beneficial to the human body. It is widely used in the treatment of food allergies and in the nutrition of children suffering from various diseases. Donkey milk was analyzed to assess the level of heavy metals under the influence of lactation. Lactation has influenced the amount of heavy metals. Heavy metals were present in the highest quantities in lactation 4 and the lowest in lactation 1. The following heavy metals in donkey milk were analyzed: Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn, Na, Mg, Al and Cu. The analyzed heavy metals show the highest average values in lactation 4: Fe (1.98 ± 0.03), (Zn 2.03 ± 0.01), Na (192 ± 1.91), Mg (44.72 ± 0.71), Al (5.49 ± 0.20) and Mg (44.72 ± 0.71). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mare's milk is valuable because of its nutritional properties. It is used in human food and tartamente for various diseases. Mare milk changes its composition depending on the lactation. It has the lowest values in first and second lactation in lactating 3, the highest values. The fat content varies between 1.88 g/100 g (lactation 1) and 2.17 g/100 g (lactation 3). Milk protein varies between 1.74 g/100g (lactation 1) and 1.92 g/100 g (lactation 3). For colostrum, affecting all day postpartum physico-chemical parameters. The highest values for these parameters are within 3 days postpartum. On day 5, the low values are observed. The fat content of the colostrum varies between 2.85 g/100 g, on day 1, and 2.13 g/100 g, on day 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the physico-chemical composition of the wine allows it to be authenticated and to detect the frauds that can be encountered in marketed wines. The physico-chemical analysis of wine is the basis for controlling and observing the technological flow of wine production. It is also necessary to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of wine as there is a close link between the sensory characteristics and the chemical composition of the final product. The raw material and the harvest year significantly influence the final composition of the wine. The temperature and precipitations of the raw material harvest year significantly influence the chemical composition of the wine. Tartaric acid varies between 2.51 ± 0.05 and 2.82 ± 0.04 for red Merlot dry wines. The mean values for malic acid are between 1.01 ± 0.04 and 1.57 ± 0.03. The average citric acid values range from 0.19 ± 0.01 to 0.24 ± 0.01 for red Merlot dry wines. These values correspond to the average values reported by other authors in the literature. The purpose of this study was to characterize the content of tartaric, malic, citric and lactic acid in dry red Merlot wine, as well as sensory and physico-chemical properties according to the year of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffalo milk due to its high fat content from the energy point of view is more valuable compared to cow's milk. The percentage of fat varies depending on the stage of lactation, season, individual, health, animal age and diet. The study of the chemical composition and the antioxidant capacity of buffalo milk is required for both scientific and technological considerations, given the importance of this type of milk in the consumer's diet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the physico-chemical composition of buffalo milk by lactation. Buffalo milk can have different qualities, so the quality of buffalo milk is also determined by its content in its components (protein, fat, lactose, vitamins, fatty acids, water content, antioxidant capacity). The physicochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity were influenced by lactation, presenting the highest values in lactations III and IV. During lactation I, parameters such as fat, protein and lactose showed a content of 7.88, 4.35 and 4.71%, respectively. Furthermore, in lactation IV, fat, protein and lactose had increased, showing the content of these parameters as follows 9.53, 4.68 and 4.77%. Antioxidant capacity of buffalo milk showed the highest numbers in lactation III (360.1) and IV, 358.9 µg/ml. From all of the analyzed parameters, only total dry substance content presented the most increased values 18.9% in lactation I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkey milk is used as an alternative source in the diet of young children and newborns due to the similar composition to breast milk. The donkey milk is considered to be a functional food by the chemical composition it presents, thus being beneficial in the nutrition of people suffering from food allergies. The chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the donkey milk are significantly influenced by lactation and also by the lactation period. Donkey milk has a low fat content compared to other species and high lactose content. These parameters are influenced by the variables such as: lactation, animal age, and feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lactation on the antioxidant capacity and physicochemical compounds in the donkey milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mother's milk is a very valuable food for newborns, providing all the nutrients necessary for children's health. Colostrum is an important source of biologically active natural components and due to antimicrobial agents, can reduce gastrointestinal infections in newborns. Physical and chemical parameters were analyzed from maternal breast milk and colostrum for five days. The fat content of the colostrum shows the lowest values in the first postpartum days, after which it increases, reaching the highest values on day 5. Heavy metals in colostrum and mother's milk were evaluated considering their area of origin and all the samples were positive regarding Al, Pb, Rb, Sr, Cr. The variation in the metal concentration in maternal breast milk and colostrum could be due to their geographical origin and furtherly can affect the quality of milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geraniol and linalool have been found to be effective against foodborne microorganisms in vitro. However, due to their hydrophobic nature, it is difficult to achieve an even dispersion in foods with high water content resulting in dramatic loss of activity. The aim of the study was to fabricate geraniol or linalool nanoemulsions and investigate their effect against Escherichia coli K12, Listeria innocua and Pseudomonas lundensis in a meat simulation medium. The agar diffusion assay revealed that both geraniol and linalool had a potent antimicrobial activity against all bacteria. Dynamic light scattering showed that geraniol and linalool nanoemulsions had a mean diameter of 68.22±2.46 and 173.59±4.15 nm, respectively. Killing assay results showed that both nanoemulsions were able to significantly reduce E. coli and L. innocua counts by approx. 3 log CFU/ml. Ps. lundensis proved to be more resistant to both nanoemulsions showing a reduction of approx. 1.2 log CFU/ml,. Overall, this study showed that nanoemulsions loaded with geraniol or linalool represent a promising antimicrobial system to improve food preservation and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocides are currently considered the first line of defense against foodborne pathogens in hospitals or food processing facilities due to the versatility and efficiency of their chemical active ingredients. Understanding the biological mechanisms responsible for their increased efficiency, especially when used against foodborne pathogens on contaminated surfaces and materials, represents an essential first step in the implementation of efficient strategies for disinfection as choosing an unsuitable product can lead to antibiocide resistance or antibiotic–biocide cross-resistance. This review describes these biological mechanisms for the most common foodborne pathogens and focuses mainly on the antipathogen effect, highlighting the latest developments based on in vitro and in vivo studies. We focus on biocides with inhibitory effects against foodborne bacteria (e.g., Escherichia spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Listeria spp., Campylobacter spp.), aiming to understand their biological mechanisms of action by looking at the most recent scientific evidence in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destructive impact of cardiovascular diseases on health, including heart failure, peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and other cardiac pathological conditions, positions these health conditions as leading causes of increased global mortality rates, thereby impacting the human quality of life. The considerable changes in modern lifestyles, including the increase in food intake and the change in eating habits, will unavoidably lead to an unbalanced consumption of essential fatty acids, with a direct effect on cardiovascular health problems. In the last decade, essential fatty acids have become the main focus of scientific research in medical fields aiming to establish their impact for preventing cardiovascular diseases and the associated risk factors. Specifically, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as omega 3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids from various sources are mentioned in the literature as having a cardio-protective role, due to various biological mechanisms that are still to be clarified. This review aims to describe the major biological mechanisms of how diets rich in essential fatty acids, or simply essential fatty acid administration, could have anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, anti-arrhythmic, antithrombotic, antioxidant, and anti-atherogenic effects. This review describes findings originating from clinical studies in which dietary sources of FAs were tested for their role in mitigating the impact of heart disorders in human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, probiotics have attracted public attention and transformed the social perception of microorganisms, convening a beneficial role/state on human health. With aging, the immune system, body physiology, and intestinal microbiota tend to change unfavorably, resulting in many chronic conditions. The immune-mediated disorders can be linked to intestinal dysbiosis, consequently leading to immune dysfunctions and a cluster of conditions such as asthma, autoimmune diseases, eczema, and various allergies. Probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are considered probiotic species that have a great immunomodulatory and anti-allergic effect. Moreover, recent scientific and clinical data illustrate that probiotics can regulate the immune system, exert anti-viral and anti-tumoral activity, and shields the host against oxidative stress. Additionally, microbiota programming by probiotic bacteria can reduce and prevent the symptoms of respiratory infections and ameliorate the neurological status in humans. This review describes the most recent clinical findings, including safe probiotic therapies aiming to medicate respiratory infections, allergies, cancer, and neurological disorders due to their physiological interconnection. Subsequently, we will describe the major biological mechanism by which probiotic bacteriotherapy expresses its anti-viral, anti-allergic, anticancer, and neuro-stimulatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased resistance of campylobacters to antibiotics required the identification and isolation of novel antimicrobials able to inhibit its virulence, to cause less or no resistance and display no host toxicity. Acquiring all this knowledge was only possible through a better understanding of their antibacterial potency and of the biological mechanisms involved attenuating the bacterial virulence factors. This review describes the most recent developments in the area by looking at the new antimicrobial interventions aiming to combat the transmission and colonisation of Campylobacter spp. and its commonalities with other pathogenic bacteria. In this review we are also looking into the most recent developments, both in vitro and in vivo , focusing on the biological mechanisms by which natural antimicrobials express their anti-pathogenic effect. Following this extensive literature search we conclude that further studies are essential to elucidate the efficiency of plant, animal, bacteria and marine-derived antimicrobials as well as their role as promising alternatives to antibiotics. • Impact on Campylobacter and other bacteria virulence genes expression. • In vitro reduces attachment of bacteria to epithelial cells. • In vivo reduces bacterial pathogen colonisation. •Improves food safety and increases consumer confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]