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Synthesis and secretion of bile acids (BA) is a key physiological function of the liver. In pathological conditions like portosystemic shunt, hepatic insufficiency, hepatitis, or cirrhosis BA metabolism and secretion are disturbed. Quantification of total serum BA is an established diagnostic method to assess the general liver function and allows early detection of abnormalities, liver disease progression and guidance of treatment decisions. To date, data on comparative BA profiles in dogs are limited. However, BA profiles might be even better diagnostic parameters than total BA concentrations. On this background, the present study analyzed and compared individual BA profiles in serum, plasma, urine, and feces of 10 healthy pups and 40 adult healthy dogs using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Sample preparation was performed by solid-phase extraction for serum, plasma, and urine samples or by protein precipitation with methanol for the feces samples. For each dog, 22 different BA, including unconjugated BA and their glycine and taurine conjugates, were analyzed. In general, there was a great interindividual variation for the concentrations of single BA, mostly exemplified by the fact that cholic acid (CA) was by far the most prominent BA in blood and urine samples of some of the dogs (adults and pups), while in others, CA was under the detection limit. There were no significant age-related differences in the BA profiles, but pups showed generally lower absolute BA concentrations in serum, plasma, and urine. Taurine-conjugated BA were predominant in the serum and plasma of both pups (68%) and adults (74-75%), while unconjugated BA were predominant in the urine and feces of pups (64 and 95%, respectively) and adults (68 and 99%, respectively). The primary BA chenodeoxycholic acid and taurocholic acid and the secondary BA deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were the most robust analytes for potential diagnostic purpose. In conclusion, this study reports simultaneous BA profiling in dog serum, plasma, urine, and feces and provides valuable diagnostic data for subsequent clinical studies in dogs with different kinds of liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelina cake (CAM) is a co-product proposed as an alternative protein source; however, piglet data are still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of CAM in substitution of soyabean meal on the growth, health and gut health of weaned pigs. At 14 d post-weaning (d0), sixty-four piglets were assigned either to a standard diet or to a diet with 4 %, 8 % or 12 % of CAM. Piglets were weighed weekly. At d7 and d28, faeces were collected for microbiota and polyamine and blood for reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and thyroxine analysis. At d28, pigs were slaughtered, organs were weighed, pH was recorded on gut, colon was analysed for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and jejunum was used for morphological and gene expression analysis. Data analysis was carried out using a mixed model including diet, pen and litter as factors; linear and quadratic contrasts were tested. CAM linearly reduced the average daily gain from d0–d7, d0–d14, d0–d21 and d0–d28 (P ≤ 0·01). From d0–d7 increasing CAM linearly decreased feed intake (P = 0·04) and increased linearly the feed to gain (P = 0·004). CAM increased linearly the liver weight (P < 0·0001) and affected the cadaverine (P < 0·001). The diet did not affect the ROM, thyroxine, intestinal pH, VFA and morphology. All doses of CAM increased the α diversity indices at d28 (P < 0·05). CAM at 4 % promoted the abundance of Butyricicoccaceae_UCG-008. Feeding with CAM enhanced resilience in the gut microbiome and can be evaluated as a potential alternative protein source with dose-dependent limitations on piglet growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is commonly recognized as a localized inflammatory udder disease induced by the infiltration of exogenous pathogens. In the present study, our objective was to discern fecal and milk variations in both microbiota composition and metabolite profiles among three distinct groups of cows: healthy cows, cows with subclinical mastitis and cows with clinical mastitis. The fecal microbial community of cows with clinical mastitis was significantly less rich and diverse than the one harbored by healthy cows. In parallel, mastitis caused a strong disturbance in milk microbiota. Metabolomic profiles showed that eleven and twenty-eight molecules exhibited significant differences among the three groups in feces and milk, respectively. Similarly, to microbiota profile, milk metabolome was affected by mastitis more extensively than fecal metabolome, with particular reference to amino acids and sugars. Pathway analysis revealed that amino acids metabolism and energy metabolism could be considered as the main pathways altered by mastitis. These findings underscore the notable distinctions of fecal and milk samples among groups, from microbiome and metabolomic points of view. This observation stands to enhance our comprehension of mastitis in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Older adults with chronic disease prioritize functional independence. We aimed to describe the feasibility of capturing functional disability and treatment toxicity among older adults with lung cancer using a longitudinal comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and molecular biomarkers of aging. Methods: This prospective study included adults ≥60 years with any newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer. Participants were recruited from central Ohio (2018–2020). Study assessments included the Cancer and Aging Research Group CGA (CARG-CGA), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and the blessed orientation-memory concentration (BOMC) test at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs), quality of life (QoL, PROMIS 10), and treatment toxicity were captured monthly. Stool and blood were collected to characterize the gut microbiome and age)related blood biomarkers. Results: This study enrolled 50 participants with an average age of 71.7 years. Ninety-two percent of participants were Caucasian, 58% were male, and all were non-Hispanic. Most had advanced stage (stage III/IV: 90%; stage I/II: 10%), with adenocarcinoma the predominant histologic subtype (68% vs. 24% squamous). First-line treatments included chemotherapy (44%), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs, 22%), chemotherapy and ICIs (30%), or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (4%). The median baseline CARG toxicity score was 8 (range 2–12). Among patients with treatment-related toxicity (n = 49), 39 (79.6%) cases were mild (grade 1–2), and 10 (20.4%) were moderate to severe (≥ grade 3). Treatment toxicity was greater among those with a CARG score ≥8 (28.0% vs. 13.6%). Higher IADL independence, QoL, and SPPB scores at baseline were positively associated with Candidatus Gastranaerophilales bacterium, Lactobacillus rogosae, and Enterobacteria phage P4. Romboutsia ilealis, Streptococcus, and Lachnoclostridium sp An138 and T cell lag3 and cd8a were associated with worse IADLs, QoL, and SPPB scores at baseline. Discussion: A longitudinal CGA and biomarker collection is feasible among older adults undergoing lung cancer treatment. Gut microbe and T cell gene expression changes correlated with subjective and objective functional status assessments. Future research will test causality in these associations to improve outcomes through novel supportive care interventions to prevent functional disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Xinjiang Brown cattle are a unique and widely distributed breed of dual-purpose cattle in Xinjiang, the People's Republic of China. It is known that this cattle breed has different milk production performance compared to Holstein cattle. However, the microbiota differences between Xinjiang Brown and Holstein cattle are not well known. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the bacterial community composition of the rumen and feces of these two cattle breeds under the same dietary and management conditions using 16s rRNA sequencing. This study identified microbiota with different relative abundance between these two cattle breeds and their biological functions might be related to milk synthesis. Our study increases the understanding of the differences in bacterial microbiota between Xinjiang Brown and Holstein cattle. Xinjiang Brown cattle are a unique and widely distributed breed of dual-purpose cattle in the Xinjiang area of China, whose milk production performance differs from Holstein cattle. It has been known that variations in bacterial species of the gastrointestinal tract influence milk protein, fat, and lactose synthesis. However, the microbiota differences between Xinjiang Brown and Holstein cattle are less known. This study aims to compare the bacterial community composition of the rumen and feces of these two cattle breeds under the same dietary and management conditions. The 16s rRNA sequencing data and milk production of 18 Xinjiang Brown cows and 20 Holstein cows on the same farm were obtained for analysis. The results confirmed differences in milk production between Xinjiang Brown and Holstein cattle. Microbiota with different relative abundance between these two cattle breeds were identified, and their biological functions might be related to milk synthesis. This study increases the understanding of the differences in microbiota between Xinjiang Brown and Holstein cattle and might provide helpful information for microbiota composition optimization of these dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent years, research has shown that animals' gut microbiota can regulate various physiological functions such as nutrition, metabolism, and immunity, and play an indispensable role in maintaining host gut health. At present, there are few reports on the establishment of rabbits' gut microbiota and its relationship with the host. To clarify the colonization of rabbits' gut microbiota, the changes in species during development, and the relationship between gut microbiota and rabbits' growth and development, this study determined the 16s rRNA of gut microbiota in rabbits of different age groups and preliminarily explored the changes in the types of gut microbiota during the colonization process. Six amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that significantly affect body weight were obtained. The research results provide a firm theoretical basis for maintaining gut health and constructing new methods for rabbit breeding. This study used feces from 0-day-old (36 rabbits), 10-day-old (119 rabbits), and 60-day-old (119 rabbits) offspring rabbits and their corresponding female rabbits (36 rabbits) as experimental materials. Using 16s rRNA sequencing, the study analyzed the types and changes of gut microbiota in rabbits at different growth and development stages, as well as the correlation between gut microbiota composition and the weight of 60-day-old rabbits. All experimental rabbits were placed in the same rabbit shed. Juvenile rabbits were fed solid feed at 18 days of age and weaned at 35 days of age. In addition to identifying the dominant bacterial phyla of gut microbiota in rabbits at different age stages, it was found that the abundance of Clostridium tertium and Clostridium paraputrificum in all suckling rabbits (10-day-old) was significantly higher than that in rabbits fed with whole feed (60-day-old) (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Gram-negative bacterium cTPY13 was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, Fast Expected Maximum Microbial Source Tracing (FEAST) analysis showed that the contribution of female rabbits' gut microbiota to the colonization of offspring rabbits' gut microbiota was significantly higher than that of unrelated rabbits' gut microbiota (p < 0.05). The contribution of female rabbits' gut microbiota to the colonization of gut microbiota in 0-day-old rabbits was significantly higher than that to the colonization of gut microbiota in the 10- and 60-day-old rabbits (p < 0.05). Finally, the correlation between gut microbiota composition and body weight of 60-day-old rabbits was analyzed based on a mixed linear model, and six ASVs significantly affecting body weight were screened. The above results provide important theoretical and practical guidance for maintaining gut health, improving growth and development performance, and feeding formulation in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detecting Helicobacter pylori in fecal samples is easier and more comfortable than invasive techniques, especially in children. Thus, the objective of the present work was to detect H. pylori in feces from children by molecular methods as an alternative for diagnostic and epidemiological studies. Methods: Forty-five fecal samples were taken from pediatric patients who presented symptoms compatible with H. pylori infection. HpSA test, culture, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), direct viable count associated with FISH (DVC-FISH), and Illumina-based deep-amplicon sequencing (DAS) were applied. Results: No H. pylori colonies were isolated from the samples. qPCR analysis detected H. pylori in the feces of 24.4% of the patients. In comparison, DVC-FISH analysis showed the presence of viable H. pylori cells in 53.3% of the samples, 37% of which carried 23S rRNA mutations that confer resistance to clarithromycin. After DAS, H. pylori-specific 16S rDNA sequences were detected in 26 samples. In addition, DNA from H. hepaticus was identified in 10 samples, and H. pullorum DNA was detected in one sample. Conclusion: The results of this study show the presence of H. pylori, H. hepaticus, and H. pullorum in children's stools, demonstrating the coexistence of more than one Helicobacter species in the same patient. The DVC-FISH method showed the presence of viable, potentially infective H. pylori cells in a high percentage of the children's stools. These results support the idea that fecal–oral transmission is probably a common route for H. pylori and suggest possible fecal–oral transmission of other pathogenic Helicobacter species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are organic acids with carbon atoms less than six, released through fermentation products by intestinal microbiome, having multiple physiological activities. Considering weak acidity and high volatility, derivatization or liquid–liquid extraction is essential, which is time consuming. Headspace‐solid‐phase dynamic extraction (HS‐SPDE) coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry is automated and effortless to determine SCFAs in rat feces. The extraction procedure is performed by aspirating and discharging the headspace cyclically through a steel needle, coated with an inner polyethylene glycol sorbent. The key parameters of SPDE were optimized including coating type, incubation time and temperature, and number of extraction strokes. Besides, salting‐out was conducted. Then, a method by HS‐SPDE‐GC‐MS was established and validated. It only took 3‐min incubation time, 4.5 min extraction time, and 13 min chromatographic separation in a run. The recovery, linearity, limit of quantification, and stability were evaluated. Then, the proposed method was applied to analyze rat feces including 18 rats with liver injury and 23 normal controls. Mann–Whitney U test indicated that the concentrations of six SCFAs in normal rat feces were higher than those with liver injury. This method provides a choice for fast, solvent‐free, automated, and high‐throughput analysis of SCFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epimedium-Rhizoma drynariae (EP-RD) was a well-known herb commonly used to treat bone diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Nevertheless, there was incomplete pharmacokinetic behavior, metabolic conversion and chemical characterization of EP-RD in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to establish metabolic profiles combined with multicomponent pharmacokinetics to reveal the in vivo behavior of EP-RD. Firstly, the diagnostic product ions (DPIs) and neutral losses (NLs) filtering strategy combined with UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS for the in vitro chemical composition of EP-RD and metabolic profiles of plasma, urine, and feces after oral administration of EP-RD to rats were proposed to comprehensively characterize the 47 chemical compounds and the 97 exogenous in vivo (35 prototypes and 62 metabolites), and possible biotransformation pathways of EP-RD were proposed, which included phase I reactions such as hydrolysis, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, dehydroxylation, isomerization, and demethylation and phase II reactions such as glucuronidation, acetylation, methylation, and sulfation. Moreover, a UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative approach was established for the pharmacokinetic analysis of seven active components: magnoflorine, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, baohuoside II, and icariin II. Results indicated that the established method was reliably used for the quantitative study of plasma active ingredients after oral administration of EP-RD in rats. Compared to oral EP alone, the increase in area under curves and maximum plasma drug concentration (P < 0.05). This study increased the understanding of the material basis and biotransformation profiles of EP-RD in vivo, which was of great significance in exploring the pharmacological effects of EP-RD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high rate of stoma placement during emergency laparotomy for secondary peritonitis is a paradigm in need of change in the current fast-track surgical setting. Despite growing evidence for the feasibility of primary bowel reconstruction in a peritonitic environment, little data substantiate a surgeons' choice between a stoma and an anastomosis. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to identify pre- and intraoperative parameters that predict the leakage risk for enteric sutures placed during source control surgery (SCS) for secondary peritonitis. Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2020, 497 patients underwent SCS for secondary peritonitis, of whom 187 received a primary reconstruction of the lower gastro-intestinal tract without a diverting stoma. In 47 (25.1%) patients postoperative leakage of the enteric sutures was directly confirmed during revision surgery or by computed tomography. Quantifiable predictors of intestinal suture outcome were detected by multivariate analysis. Results: Length of intensive care, in-hospital mortality and failure of release to the initial home environment were significantly higher in patients with enteric suture leakage following SCS compared to patients with intact anastomoses (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0026 and p =0.0009, respectively). Reduced serum choline esterase (sCHE) levels and a high extent of peritonitis were identified as independent risk factors for insufficiency of enteric sutures placed during emergency laparotomy. Conclusions: A preoperative sCHE < 4.5 kU/L and generalized fecal peritonitis associate with a significantly higher incidence of enteric suture insufficiency after primary reconstruction of the lower gastro-intestinal tract in a peritonitic abdomen. These parameters may guide surgeons when choosing the optimal surgical procedure in the emergency setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Scent rolling, a behaviour observed in large carnivores like wolves, involves lowering the chin and neck towards a scent, then rubbing the head, neck, shoulders, and back into it. Despite its prevalence, the exact reason for this behaviour remains unknown. In this study, captive wolves at Osijek Zoo responded differently to various odours presented during olfactory enrichment. In the first year, odours like curry, rosemary, and deer/mouflon and rat faeces garnered the highest interest in scented objects and scent-rolling behaviour. In the second year, llama faeces and deer/mouflon faeces elicited longer interest, while others, like guinea pig faeces and oregano, prompted less interest. During the second part of this study, it was observed that only females exhibited scent-rolling behaviour, indicating their higher level of engagement with the scents. Scent rolling did not occur in response to certain odours, suggesting the existence of selective preferences. Sheep's wool prompted the longest scent-rolling sessions. Differences in behaviour between enrichment sessions were not significant; however, mornings generally elicited greater interest in odours. Despite various theories proposing alternative explanations for scent rolling in wolves, it seems to be triggered by novel odours. Scent rolling, a behaviour observed in various large carnivores like wolves, entails the animal lowering its chin and neck towards a scent, followed by rubbing the head, neck, shoulders, and back into it. This behaviour is prevalent among wolves exposed to diverse scents, though its exact purpose remains uncertain. In this study, captive wolves at Osijek Zoo responded differently to odours during olfactory enrichment sessions. In the initial year of this study, the highest level of interest, evidenced by both the frequency of responses and scent-rolling behaviour, was noted when the wolves encountered odours such as curry and rosemary, along with deer/mouflon and rat faeces. While certain odours, such as llama faeces and deer/mouflon faeces, garnered longer durations of interest in the second year of study, others, like guinea pig faeces and oregano, elicited shorter responses. Female wolves demonstrated a higher level of engagement with scents compared with males, particularly through scent rolling behaviour, which was exclusively observed in females during the second year of this study. Interestingly, certain odours did not trigger scent rolling, suggesting selective preferences. On the other hand, sheep's wool induced the longest duration of scent rolling, and a lack of significant differences in behaviour was observed between morning and afternoon sessions. Despite the existence of multiple hypotheses put forward to explain the causation of scent rolling in wolves, it seems to be elicited by unfamiliar odours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This work focuses on the diet and feeding ecology of the South Polar Skua, a large gull-like seabird that breeds around Antarctica and winters in the Indian Ocean and Northern Hemisphere. This study presents information from the Haswell Islands off the Antarctic coast in the Davis Sea, where skuas breed near colonies of other seabird species. The composition of the diet of South Polar Skuas included animal (vertebrate and invertebrate organisms), plant, mineral, and anthropogenic components. The diet during the pre-breeding and breeding periods was based on eggs and chicks found in Emperor and Adélie penguin colonies. During the post-breeding period, skuas have been observed feeding at sea. In general, they obtained food by scavenging, but they could also prey on the eggs and chicks of Adélie Penguins and other seabirds. In recent decades, kitchen waste became an additional food resource that supported the skua population. It was found that South Polar Skuas did not influence the breeding success of Emperor Penguins but could potentially influence the breeding success of Adélie Penguins and other seabirds. The diet and feeding behavior of South Polar Skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki) are well studied within the species' breeding range but are poorly understood on the Haswell Islands. The aim of this study was to determine how South Polar Skuas use available resources during the pre-breeding and breeding periods at the Haswell Archipelago (66°31′ S, 93°01′ E, Davis Sea, Southern Ocean) under conditions of prolonged human activity. I studied pellets, spontaneous regurgitation, and stomach contents of feathered birds to study the diet of skuas and used direct observations of their feeding behavior. South Polar Skuas at the Haswell Islands fed primarily on the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) colony and on terrestrial resources in the Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) and fulmarine petrel colonies. The dominant prey of skuas were breeding Antarctic penguins. Emperor Penguins and Adélie Penguins make up the bulk of the skuas' diet in the pre-breeding and breeding periods. Surface feeding at sea was observed in the post-breeding period. In recent decades, kitchen waste supported the skua population. Scavenging (placenta and feces of Weddell seals [Leptonychotes weddellii], frozen eggs, chicks and adults of breeding bird species, kitchen refuse) is the dominant strategy for obtaining food. Adélie Penguin eggs and chicks were the main food items of the South Polar Skuas in the Haswell Archipelago. Skua predation could potentially influence the breeding success of Adélie Penguins and fulmarine petrels, but the extent of the impact is unknown. The impact of the South Polar Skua on Emperor Penguins is negligible because skuas feed mainly on frozen chicks and eggs of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As we are facing an aging society, anti-aging strategies have been pursued to reduce the negative impacts of aging and increase the health span of human beings. Gut microbiota has become a key factor in the anti-aging process. Modulation of gut microbiota by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to prevent frailty and unhealthy aging has been a hot topic of research. This narrative review summarizes the benefits of FMT for health span and lifespan, brains, eyes, productive systems, bones, and others. The mechanisms of FMT in improving healthy aging are discussed. The increased beneficial bacteria and decreased pathological bacteria decreased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and SCFA-producing bacteria, and other factors are listed as mechanisms of FMT to improve healthy aging. The points that need to be considered to ensure the optimal outcomes of FMT are also discussed, such as recipients' age, sex, genetic background, and gut microbiota after FMT. Although this field is still in its infancy, it has shown that FMT has great potential to improve healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin barrier function, prevent colon cancer, head and neck cancer, and decrease liver cholesterol. However, the mechanism of action has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we propose a new working hypothesis regarding the health benefits and functions of glucosylceramide: decreased fecal hardness. This hypothesis was verified using an in vitro hardness test. The hardness of feces supplemented with glucosylceramide was significantly lower than that of the control. Based on these results, a new working hypothesis of dietary glucosylceramide was conceived: glucosylceramide passes through the small intestine, interacts with intestinal bacteria, increases the tolerance of these bacteria toward secondary bile acids, and decreases the hardness of feces, and these factors synergistically result in in vivo effects. This hypothesis forms the basis for further studies on the health benefits and functions of dietary glucosylceramides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas has long been used as a household cooking fuel in many tropical counties, and it has the potential to be a significant energy source beyond household cooking fuel. In this study, we describe the use of low electrical energy input in an anaerobic digestion process using a microbial electrochemical cell (MEC) to promote methane content in biogas at 18, 28, and 37 °C. Although the maximum amount of biogas production was at 37 °C (25 cm3), biogas could be effectively produced at lower temperatures, i.e., 18 (13 cm3) and 28 °C (19 cm3), with an external 2 V power input. The biogas production of 13 cm3 obtained at 18 °C was ~65-fold higher than the biogas produced without an external power supply (0.2 cm3). This was further enhanced by 23% using carbon-nanotubes-treated (CNT) graphite electrodes. This suggests that the MEC can be operated at as low as 18 °C and still produce significant amounts of biogas. The share of CH4 in biogas produced in the controls was 30%, whereas the biogas produced in an MEC had 80% CH4. The MEC effectively reduced COD to 42%, whereas it consumed 98% of reducing sugars. Accordingly, it is a suitable method for waste/manure treatment. Molecular characterization using 16s rRNA sequencing confirmed the presence of methanogenic bacteria, viz., Serratia liquefaciens and Zoballella taiwanensis, in the inoculum used for the fermentation. Consistent with recent studies, we believe that electromethanogenesis will play a significant role in the production of value-added products and improve the management of waste by converting it to energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the ability of some metal-resistant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to remove cadmium in order to highlight the importance of probiotic LAB in the detoxification of these pollutants at the level of the digestive tract or in fermented foods. Infant feces samples were used to isolate Cd-resistant LAB, they were screened using the spread plate technique on agar media after being supplemented with cadmium at an initial concentration of 50 mg.L-1. In this research, out of 106 isolates tested for Cdresistance, 11 isolates were selected based on their high capacity to grow in presence of cadmium. After which they were tested for their ability to resist different heavy metals and for probiotic properties. The study was completed using the isolate E1T1 identified as Enterococcus durans based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, which showed the highest cadmium (MIC 600 mg.L-1) and other heavy metals resistance capacity and better probiotic properties. The selected isolate presented strong adhesion ability to epithelial cells, good antibacterial activity, and was non-hemolytic. Furthermore, it had excellent cadmium removal efficiencies, with rates of 65.94% and 28.78% after 96 hours in living and dead cells, respectively. E. durans E1T1 had also high cadmium accumulation efficiencies, with an estimated value of 11.47 mg Cd.g-1 of cells (wet weight). According to the findings from the study, the Cd-resistant E. durans E1T1 may be employed as a promising probiotic isolate for removing cadmium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nowadays, there is a growing demand among consumers for products sourced from animals raised on a natural diet, relying solely on grazed natural resources. This is the case for Iberian pigs that forage for acorns and grass without any additional feed. However, current regulation does not consider any official analytical methodology for the discrimination and certification of their feeding regime. Although this objective was pursued in the past, it was performed by evaluating postmortem samples. This new research evaluates the potential of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to discriminate the diet of Iberian pigs in vivo, using spectral information from faecal samples and regression analysis. The final models demonstrated a robust performance in cross-validation, also achieving 94% prediction accuracy. These results suggest that NIRS analysis of faecal samples can be a valuable approach for achieving the objective above-mentioned and providing useful information for in vivo discrimination of diets in Iberian pig production. The Iberian pig is a native breed of the Iberian Peninsula, which holds an international reputation due to the superior quality and the added value of its products. Different rearing practices and feeding regimes are regulated, resulting in different labelling schemes. However, there is no official analytical methodology that is standardised for certification purposes in the sector. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that provides information about the physicochemical composition of a sample, with several advantages that have enabled its implementation in different fields. Although it has already been successfully used for the analysis of Iberian pig's final products, samples evaluated with NIRS technology are characterised by a postmortem collection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of NIRS analysis of faeces for in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pig feeding regime, using the spectral information per se for the development of modified partial least squares regressions. Faecal samples were used due to their easy collection, especially in extensive systems where pig handling is difficult. A total of 166 individual samples were collected from 12 farms, where the three different feeding regimes available in the sector were ensured. Although slight differences were detected depending on the chemometric approach, the best models obtained a classification success and a prediction accuracy of over 94% for feeding regime discrimination. The results are considered very satisfactory and suggest NIRS analysis of faeces as a promising approach for the in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pigs' diet, and its implementation during field inspections, a significative achievement for the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With the transformation of the breeding industry towards a healthy breeding model, the application of green feed additives in pig production is gradually increasing. Many plant polysaccharides are widely used as safe and green additives in animal production. Boron may be a necessary trace element for animals and its application in animal husbandry is also increasing. The study on the application effect of the combined addition of plant polysaccharides and boron in fatteners production performance, immune function, antioxidant function, digestive function and harmful substance emissions is of great significance for the rational use of both. This study added boron and different types of plant polysaccharides to the diet in the form of boric acid and found that the combined addition of boric acid and plant polysaccharides can improve the production performance and antioxidant function of fatteners by enhancing the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and reducing the content of harmful substances such as heavy metals and harmful gases in feces and urine, thereby effectively improving healthy growth and reducing environmental pollution today. The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of plant polysaccharides combined with boric acid on digestive function, immune function and harmful gas and heavy metal contents in the faeces of fatteners. For this study, 90 healthy crossbred fatteners were selected and randomly divided into five groups: the control group was fed with a basal diet (Con); experimental group I was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid (BA); experimental group II was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 400 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharides (BA+APS); experimental group III was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 200 mg/kg Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (BA+GLP); and experimental group IV was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 500 mg/kg Echinacea polysaccharides (BA+EPS). Compared with Con, the average daily gain (ADG), the trypsin activities in the duodenum and jejunum, the IL-2 levels in the spleen, the T-AOC activities and GSH-Px contents in the lymph node of fattening were increased in the BA group (p < 0.05), but malondialdehyde content in the lymph and spleen, and the contents of NH3, H2S, Hg, Cu, Fe and Zn in the feces and urine were decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with the BA, the ADG, gain-to-feed ratio (G/F), the trypsin and maltase activities in the duodenum and jejunum were increased in the BA+APS (p < 0.05), and the T-SOD activities in the spleen and T-AOC activities in the lymph node were also increased (p < 0.05), but the H2S level was decreased in the feces and urine (p < 0.05). Compared with the BA, the ADG, G/F and the trypsin and maltase activities in the duodenum were increased in the BA+GLP and BA+EPS (p < 0.05), the activities of maltase and lipase in the duodenum of fatteners in the BA+GLP and the activities of trypsin, maltase and lipase in the BA+EPS were increased (p < 0.05). Gathering everything together, our findings reveal that the combined addition of boric acid and plant polysaccharides in the diet of fatteners synergistically improved their growth performance and immune status. That may be achieved by regulating the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes, improving the antioxidant function and then promoting the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, the above results reduce the emission of harmful gases and heavy metals in feces and urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ampulla of Vater (AOV) is typically located in the second part of the duodenum. There are few reported cases of ectopic AOV over the line extending from the pylorus of the stomach down to the distal part of the duodenum. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are only five cases reported in the English literature of an ectopic AOV in the fourth part of the duodenum, with only one of them having adenocarcinoma of the ampulla. Hereby, we report the first case of ectopic AOV in the fourth part of the duodenum, presenting with obstructive due to adenocarcinoma with focal squamous differentiation. This is the case a 42-year-old lady who had a sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity in the past. She presented with right upper quadrant pain for one month associated with subjective fever, unintentional weight loss, pale stool, and dark urine. The physical examination revealed a deeply jaundiced lady with an unremarkable abdominal exam. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary dilation with ectopic insertion of the distal CBD into the fourth part of the duodenum with no evidence of biliary stones. She underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy after difficult biliary decompression. Histopathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, pancreaticobiliary type with focal squamous differentiation. Ectopic AOV is a very rare entity, especially when it is associated with adenosquamous carcinoma changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the composition of microbial community in gut of elderly male Nycticebus bengalensis, aiming to explore the health impact factors associated with artificial captivity. Methods Fecal samples of 4 adult male Nycticebus bengalensis were collected and the V4 region was amplified using bacterial 16S rDNA universal primers. Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platform was used for microbial sequencing analysis. The complexity and similarity of the samples were analyzed using the QIIME software analysis tool. The species structure and abundance of the intestinal flora were analyzed at the phylum and genus levels based on validated data. The PICRUSt software was applied to predict the metabolic function of the flora. Results The results showed that the diversity index (Shannon index) of the flora in the youngest Nycticebus bengalensis was higher than that of the others. PCoA analysis showed that the bacterial community compositions of the four samples had a certain degree of similarity. Bacteria identified in the Nycticebus bengalensis feces included 12 phyla, 18 classes, 28 orders, 49 families, 93 genera, and 59 species. Among them, the dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes with average relative abundances of 46% and 28%, respectively; The genera Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Fusobacterium had higher abundances, with relative abundances of 33%, 6%, and 6%, respectively; The beneficial genus Bifidobacterium was found in all samples, with the highest relative abundance found in the younger Nycticebus bengalensis. PICRUSt function prediction analysis showed that the abundance of the functional genes related to amino acid transport and metabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, was relatively high. Conclusion The use of Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing technology can comprehensively detect the fecal microbial community of the Nycticebus bengalensis. The bacterial composition of Nycticebus bengalensis has rich diversity. Many bacteria are not identified and have higher relative abundance, which need further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution is a widespread and growing concern due to its transformation into microplastics (MPs), which can harm organisms and ecosystems. This study, aimed to identify plastic pollution in the feces of terrestrial vertebrates using convenience sampling both inside and outside protected areas in Western Thailand. We hypothesized that MPs are likely to be detectable in the feces of all vertebrate species, primarily in the form of small black fragments. We predicted varying quantities of MPs in the feces of the same species across different protected areas. Furthermore, we expected that factors indicating human presence, landscape characteristics, scat weight, and the MP abundance in water, soils, and sediments would influence the presence of plastics in feces. Among 12 terrestrial species studied, potential MPs were found in 41.11% of 90 samples, totaling 83 pieces across eight species including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii), Dhole (Cuon alpinus), Gaur (Bos gaurus), Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), and Butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana). Specifically, 3.61% of all potential MPs (three pieces) were macroplastics, and the remaining 96.39% were considered potential MPs with the abundance of 0.92 ± 1.89 items.scat−1 or 8.69 ± 32.56 items.100 g−1 dw. There was an association between the numbers of feces with and without potential plastics and species (χ2 = 20.88, p = 0.012). Most potential plastics were fibers (95.18%), predominantly black (56.63%) or blue (26.51%), with 74.70% smaller than two millimeters. Although there were no significant associations between species and plastic morphologies, colors, and sizes, the abundance classified by these characteristics varied significantly. FTIR identified 52.38% as natural fibers, 38.10% as synthetic fibers (rayon, polyurethane (PUR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and PUR blended with cotton), and 9.52% as fragments of PET and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Human-related factors were linked to the occurrence of potential plastics found in the feces of land-dwelling wildlife. This study enhances the understanding of plastic pollution in tropical protected areas, revealing the widespread of MPs even in small numbers from the areas distant from human settlements. Monitoring plastics in feces offers a non-invasive method for assessing plastic pollution in threatened species, as it allows for easy collection and taxonomic identification without harming live animals. However, stringent measures to assure the quality are necessitated to prevent exogenous MP contamination. These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems, especially regarding plastic products from clothing and plastic materials used in agriculture and irrigation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overuse of antibiotics has resulted in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) in the environment. High-density livestock farming is one of the major industries for antibiotic overuse. In this study, we sampled wastewater and manure at different stages of the feces treatment process from a dairy farm, as well as the soil in the farmland where the treated wastewater was being used for irrigation purpose. High-throughput Illumina sequencing was used to analyze the profiles of bacteria communities and ARGs. The results showed that the main ARG types were multidrug, aminoglycoside, glycopeptide, and tetracycline resistance genes, and Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the main host bacteria phyla of these ARGs. The genus Nocardioides sp. and Ornithinimicrobium sp. were closely associated with the ARGs in the investigated samples. The relative abundances of ARGs in wastewater and manure were reduced by 68.5% and 62.1%, respectively, by the existing feces treatment process. Anaerobic fermentation and high-temperature fermentation were the most efficient treatment steps; the relative abundances of ARGs were reduced by 29.3% and 33.6% in the treated wastewater and manure, respectively. Irrigation with the treated wastewater significantly increased the abundance and diversity of ARGs and ARB in the surface soil of the farmland. The residual ARGs were found to transit through vertical gene transfer (VGT) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in soil. Therefore, the direct application of this inadequately treated wastewater and/or manure could risk spreading ARGs into the environment, and potentially impact human health. In order to effectively restrain the spread of ARGs, it is necessary to modify the wastewater and manure treatment processes and improve the regulations and guidelines of applying treated wastewater for irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds are common in patients with diabetes and are associated with a decrease in quality of life (QoL). Pathogenic bacteria often colonise hard-to-heal wounds and hinder the healing process which poses a high risk for (systemic) infections. In this study, we aim to prove that probiotics are capable of displacing human pathogenic bacteria, ameliorating inflammation and positively influencing the microenvironment/microbiome of skin and mucosa. Method: In this pilot study, patients with diabetes and hard-to-heal wounds with a duration of 2–120 months received an oral multispecies probiotic daily for six months. Changes in oral, stool and wound microbiome were investigated, and the effects of the probiotic intervention on wound healing, periodontitis and wound-specific quality of life (Wound-QOL-17) were analysed throughout the course of this clinical study. Results: In total, seven of the 20 patients included were unable to complete the study. After six months of oral probiotic intake supplementation in five out of the remaining 13 patients, the wounds had healed completely. Most patients reported an improvement in wound-specific QoL, with particular positive effects on pain and mobility. Microbiome analysis revealed a reduction in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermis in healed wounds. Conclusion: This findings of this study provide evidence for the beneficial effects of the oral application of a multispecies probiotic over six months in patients with diabetes and hard-to-heal wounds on wound closure, wound microbial pattern, QoL, and on dental health. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial is required to verify the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kocatepe Veterinary Journal / Kocatepe Veteriner Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80, as an adjunct treatment for diarrhea in children with a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study design. Eligible diarrheal children, aged 0–3 years without the need for antibiotic treatment based on clinical diagnosis when recruited, were randomized into the intervention group (IG, n = 58, with probiotic) or the control group (CG, n = 53, placebo). The primary assessment was the duration of diarrhea. Fecal samples were collected for biochemical index measurement, analysis of gut microbiome composition, and prediction of gene family abundances. The total duration of diarrhea in the IG (122.6 ± 13.1 h) was significantly shorter than in the CG (148.4 ± 17.6 h, p < 0.001). More children in the IG showed improvements in diarrhea compared to the CG, both in intention-to-treat analysis (81.7% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.001) and per protocol analysis (84.4% vs 45.3%, p < 0.001). Cathelicidin level in the IG was significantly higher than that in the CG after the intervention (4415.00 ± 1036.93 pg/g vs. 3679.49 ± 871.18 pg/g, p = 0.0175). The intervention led to an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium breve and Collinsella aerofaciens species, higher alpha-diversity (p < 0.05), and enrichment of functional genes in the gut microbiota related to immunity regulation. Administration of BLa80 at a dose of 5 × 109 CFU/day resulted in a shorter duration of diarrhea and alterations in gut microbiome composition and gene functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dairy products are a good source of essential nutrients and past reviews have shown associations of dairy consumption with decreased systemic inflammation. Links between dairy intake and gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation are under-investigated. Therefore, we examined associations between reported dairy intake and markers of GI inflammation in healthy adults in a cross-sectional observational study, hypothesizing a negative association with yogurt intake, suggesting a protective effect, and no associations with total dairy, fluid milk, and cheese intake. Participants completed 24-h dietary recalls and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess recent and habitual intake, respectively. Those who also provided a stool sample (n = 295), and plasma sample (n = 348) were included in analysis. Inflammation markers from stool, including calprotectin, neopterin, and myeloperoxidase, were measured along with LPS-binding protein (LBP) from plasma. Regression models tested associations between dairy intake variables and inflammation markers with covariates: age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). As yogurt is episodically consumed, we examined differences in inflammation levels between consumers (>0 cup equivalents/day reported in recalls) and non-consumers. We found no significant associations between dairy intake and markers of GI inflammation. In this cohort of healthy adults, dairy intake was not associated with GI inflammation.

Viruses remain the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. Recently, we reported the abundance of AGE viruses in raw sewage water (SW) during the COVID-19 pandemic, when viral AGE patients decreased dramatically in clinics. Since clinical samples were not reflecting the actual state, it remained important to determine the circulating strains in the SW for preparedness against impending outbreaks. Raw SW was collected from a sewage treatment plant in Japan from August 2018 to March 2022, concentrated by polyethylene-glycol-precipitation method, and investigated for major gastroenteritis viruses by RT-PCR. Genotypes and evolutionary relationships were evaluated through sequence-based analyses. Major AGE viruses like rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus (NoV) GI and GII, and astrovirus (AstV) increased sharply (10-20%) in SW during the COVID-19 pandemic, though some AGE viruses like sapovirus (SV), adenovirus (AdV), and enterovirus (EV) decreased slightly (3-10%). The prevalence remained top in the winter. Importantly, several strains, including G1 and G3 of RVA, GI.1 and GII.2 of NoV, GI.1 of SV, MLB1 of AstV, and F41 of AdV, either emerged or increased amid the pandemic, suggesting that the normal phenomenon of genotype changing remained active over this time. This study crucially presents the molecular characteristics of circulating AGE viruses, explaining the importance of SW investigation during the pandemic when a clinical investigation may not produce the complete scenario.

California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA) established food safety metrics with guidance recommendations of 366 m (1,200 feet) and 1,609 m (1 mile) distances between production fields of leafy greens and a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) containing >1,000 and >80,000 head of cattle, respectively. This study evaluated the effect of these distance metrics and environmental factors on the occurrence of airborneEscherichia coliin proximity to seven commercial beef cattle feedlots located in Imperial Valley, California. A total of 168 air samples were collected from seven beef cattle feedlots during March and April 2020, which were the months implicated in the 2018 Yuma Arizona lettuce outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The distance between air sampling sites and the edge of the feedlot ranged from ∼0 to ∼2,200 m (∼1.3 mile), with each sample comprised of 1,000 L of processed air taken at a 1.2 m elevation over a 10-minute duration. E. colicolonies were enumerated on CHROMagar ECC selective agar and confirmed with conventional PCR. Meteorological data (air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity) were collectedin situ. The prevalence and mean concentration ofE. coliwere 6.55% (11/168) and 0.09 CFU per 1,000 L of air, with positive samples limited to within 37 m (120 ft) of the feedlot.Based on logistic regression, the odds of airborne E. coli detection were associated with little to no wind and close proximity to a feedlot. This pilot study found limited dispersal of airborne E. coli in proximity to commercial feedlots in Imperial Valley, with light-to-no wind and proximity within 37 m of a feedlot significant factor-associated airborne E. coli in this produce-growing region of California.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with half-lives in humans in the range of years in case of the long-chain compounds, leading to accumulation and measurable levels in plasma. In contrast, short-chain and “alternative” PFAS have lower levels or are not detectable in humans with background exposure. This may be due to lower exposure, but also due to much shorter half-lives compared to long-chain compounds. To get better data on kinetics, a healthy volunteer orally ingested a mixture of fifteen predominantly 13C-labeled PFAS (“MPFAS”) in a pilot investigation (MPFBA, MPFPeA, MPFHxA, MPFHpA, MPFOA, MPFNA, MPFDA, MPFUdA, MPFDoA, PFBS, MPFHxS, MPFOS, DONA, HFPO-DA, 6:2FTS). After application, concentrations were measured over 450 days in plasma, urine and feces, using UHPLC-MS/MS analysis after extraction. The compounds were absorbed quickly and almost completely. Data analysis revealed volumes of distribution between 110 and 177 mL/kg bw for most compounds, but higher values for MPFDA, MPFUdA and MPFDoA (maximum of 354 mL/kg bw). Half-lives were found to vary extremely, from 0.5 days (MPFPeA) and 1.5 days (MPFHxA) to 51 days (PFBS) and 152 days (MPFHpA) in case of the short-chain and “alternative” compounds. For the long-chain compounds, half-lives in the range of several years were confirmed for MPFOA, MPFNA, MPFHxS and MPFOS, but with even higher chain-lengths of the carboxylic acids, the half-lives were found to decrease, with the shortest half-life for MPFDoA (295 days). Elimination from the body was completely explained by the urinary losses in case of the short-chain and “alternative” PFAS, and in part by the fecal losses in case of the long-chain PFCA. Overall, elimination kinetics seem to be determined by several different renal and gastrointestinal factors (fraction unbound in plasma, binding affinity to organic anion transporters causing netto secretion or reabsorption, fecal loss with mechanisms to be clarified).

Many studies report the importance of using feces as source sample for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19 symptoms but who are negative to oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal tests. Here, we report the case of an asymptomatic child whose family members had negative results with the rapid antigen nasopharyngeal swab tests. The 21-month-old child presented with fever, diarrhea, bilateral conjunctivitis, and conspicuous lacrimation. In this study, analysis for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in fecal samples by using Luminex technology allowed accurate detection of the presence of the viral RNA in the feces of the child and of all her relatives, which thus resulted to be positive but asymptomatic. It is the first time that SARS-CoV-2- is observed inside the bacteria of the human gut microbiome and outside a matrix resembling extracellular bacterial lysates, in agreement with a bacteriophage mechanism with the images obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), post-embedding immunogold, and by fluorescence microscope. In addition to the typical observations of respiratory symptoms, accurate evaluation of clinical gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, combined with efficient highly sensitive molecular testing on feces, represent an efficient approach for detecting SARS-CoV-2, and for providing the correct therapy in challenging COVID-19 cases, like the one here reported.

ABSTRACT To investigate the association between the microbiota in mothers and gut microbiota in infants from 0 to 6 months, the microbiotas in infant feces, maternal feces, and breast milk were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The contribution of each maternal microbiome to the infant was assessed using fast expectation-maximization for microbial source tracking calculations. The levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the feces of infants were also determined using gas chromatography and IDK-sIgA ELISA to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the infant gut microbiome. The results of this study showed that in addition to Firmicutes (E1) and Bifidobacterium (E2), the dominant microorganisms of the intestinal microbiota of infants aged 0–6 months include Proteobacteria, which is different from previous findings. Acetic acid, the most abundant SCFA in the infant gut, was positively correlated with Megasphaera (P < 0.01), whereas sIgA was positively correlated with Bacteroides (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with Klebsiella and Clostridium_XVIII (P < 0.05). The maternal gut microbiota contributed more to the infant gut microbiota (43.58% ± 11.13%) than the breast milk microbiota, and significant differences were observed in the contribution of the maternal microbiota to the infant gut microbiota based on the delivery mode and feeding practices. In summary, we emphasize the key role of maternal gut health in the establishment and succession of infant gut microbiota.IMPORTANCEThis study aims to delineate the microbial connections between mothers and infants, leveraging the fast expectation-maximization for microbial source tracking methodology to quantify the contribution of maternal microbiota to the constitution of the infant’s gut microbiome. Concurrently, it examines the correlations between the infant gut microbiota and two distinctive biomolecules, namely short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The findings indicate that the maternal gut microbiota exerts a greater influence on the infant’s gut microbial composition than does the microbiota present in breast milk. Infants born via vaginal delivery and receiving mixed feeding display gut microbiota profiles more similar to their mothers’. Notably, the SCFA acetate displays positive associations with beneficial bacteria and inverse relationships with potentially harmful ones within the infant’s gut. Meanwhile, sIgA positively correlates with Bacteroides species and negatively with potentially pathogenic bacteria. By delving into the transmission dynamics of maternal-infant microbiota, exploring the impacts of metabolic byproducts within the infant’s gut, and scrutinizing how contextual factors such as birthing method and feeding practices affect the correlation between maternal and infant microbiota, this research endeavors to establish practical strategies for optimizing early-life gut health management in infants. Such insights promise to inform targeted interventions that foster healthier microbial development during the critical first 6 months of life.

Abstract As DNA sequencing technology continues to rapidly improve, studies investigating the microbial communities of host organisms (i.e., microbiota) are becoming not only more popular but also more financially accessible. Across many taxa, microbiomes can have important impacts on organismal health and fitness. To evaluate the microbial community composition of a particular microbiome, microbial DNA must be successfully extracted. Fecal samples are often easy to collect and are a good source of gut microbial DNA. Additionally, interest in the avian preen gland microbiome is rapidly growing, due to the importance of preen oil for many aspects of avian life. Microbial DNA extractions from avian fecal and preen oil samples present multiple challenges, however. Here, we describe a modified PrepMan Ultra Sample Preparation Reagent microbial DNA extraction method that is less expensive than other commonly used methodologies and is highly effective for both fecal and preen oil samples collected from a broad range of avian species. We expect our method will facilitate microbial DNA extractions from multiple avian microbiome reservoirs, which have previously proved difficult and expensive. Our method therefore increases the feasibility of future studies of avian host microbiomes.

Stunting in children under five years old is a major health problem in Indonesia. A compromised immune system in stunted children increases the risk of infection which has an impact on morbidity and mortality. Moreover, food intake is one of the causes of decreased immunity, where carbohydrate, fiber, and immunoglobulin-A levels in the intestine are related to the immunity of children under five years old. The assessment of feces content can provide an overview of carbohydrates, fiber, and immunoglobulin-A levels in the intestine. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the comparison of carbohydrate, fiber, and immunoglobulin-A levels in feces for stunted children. An observational method with a case-control design was used, and it was conducted in Tuban Regency from May to July 2023. Forty stool samples were obtained from 20 stunted children and 20 non-stunted children who were tested for carbohydrates, fiber, and immunoglobulin-A. Subsequently, the data were analyzed with a comparison test to determine the differences between the two groups. The results showed that carbohydrate and immunoglobulin-A levels were higher, while fiber levels in feces were lower in stunted children (p≥0.05). It was concluded that there were differences in levels of carbohydrates, fiber, and immunoglobulin-A in the intestines of stunted children.

The article presents a case study of a previously healthy 4-year-old girl who developed bloody diarrhea due to a Vibrio cholerae infection, highlighting the clinical features, diagnostic process, and treatment approach. Topics discussed include the role of oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics in managing cholera, the significance of total parenteral nutrition in severe cases, and the implications of antibiotic resistance in treatment decisions.

An ongoing debate exists regarding the feasibility of placing self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) within 5 cm of the anal verge. Traditionally, SEMS have been considered contraindicated for patients with a malignant rectal obstruction within this region due to potential impact on the anorectal ring or anal canal, which can cause incontinence, proctalgia, and tenesmus. However, in the case of a 63-year-old female who presented with distention, abdominal pain, and diminishing stool output, the rectal exam identified a bulky fixed mass. Imaging studies revealed large bowel obstruction and high-grade stricture, with a minuscule residual lumen. Endoscopy identified a bulky mass obscuring the lumen at 5 cm from the anal verge, and biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. Despite the traditionally held contraindication, a 2.5 cm × 9.0 cm colonic stent was successfully deployed, leading to brisk colonic decompression. This allowed the patient to promptly undergo chemoradiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern honey bees (Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793) apply spots of materials derived from other organisms to the outside of their hive entrances as one of their defenses against giant hornets. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to identify the origin of such materials applied by Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica Radoszkowski, 1877) and found them to be derived from mammals, birds, arthropods, and terrestrial plants. Our results show that this particular defensive behavior involves the use of a wider variety of taxa than previously known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal structure of the human microbiome1,2, proteome3 and metabolome4,5 reflects and determines regional intestinal physiology and may have implications for disease6. Yet, little is known about the distribution of microorganisms, their environment and their biochemical activity in the gut because of reliance on stool samples and limited access to only some regions of the gut using endoscopy in fasting or sedated individuals7. To address these deficiencies, we developed an ingestible device that collects samples from multiple regions of the human intestinal tract during normal digestion. Collection of 240 intestinal samples from 15 healthy individuals using the device and subsequent multi-omics analyses identified significant differences between bacteria, phages, host proteins and metabolites in the intestines versus stool. Certain microbial taxa were differentially enriched and prophage induction was more prevalent in the intestines than in stool. The host proteome and bile acid profiles varied along the intestines and were highly distinct from those of stool. Correlations between gradients in bile acid concentrations and microbial abundance predicted species that altered the bile acid pool through deconjugation. Furthermore, microbially conjugated bile acid concentrations exhibited amino acid-dependent trends that were not apparent in stool. Overall, non-invasive, longitudinal profiling of microorganisms, proteins and bile acids along the intestinal tract under physiological conditions can help elucidate the roles of the gut microbiome and metabolome in human physiology and disease.

Most processing of the human diet occurs in the small intestine. Metabolites in the small intestine originate from host secretions, plus the ingested exposome1 and microbial transformations. Here we probe the spatiotemporal variation of upper intestinal luminal contents during routine daily digestion in 15 healthy male and female participants. For this, we use a non-invasive, ingestible sampling device to collect and analyse 274 intestinal samples and 60 corresponding stool homogenates by combining five mass spectrometry assays2,3 and 16S rRNA sequencing. We identify 1,909 metabolites, including sulfonolipids and fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) lipids. We observe that stool and intestinal metabolomes differ dramatically. Food metabolites display trends in dietary biomarkers, unexpected increases in dicarboxylic acids along the intestinal tract and a positive association between luminal keto acids and fruit intake. Diet-derived and microbially linked metabolites account for the largest inter-individual differences. Notably, two individuals who had taken antibiotics within 6 months before sampling show large variation in levels of bioactive FAHFAs and sulfonolipids and other microbially related metabolites. From inter-individual variation, we identify Blautia species as a candidate to be involved in FAHFA metabolism. In conclusion, non-invasive, in vivo sampling of the human small intestine and ascending colon under physiological conditions reveals links between diet, host and microbial metabolism.

IntroductionGut microbiome (GM) deregulation has been implicated in major conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Our previous prospective study indicated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) successfully improved patients with T2DM. We hypothesized that FMT may be a potential therapeutic method for T2DM, but its precise mechanisms in T2DM remains to be elucidated.Research design and methodsEight db/m mice were FMT donors and control mice, and 16 genetically diabetic db/db mice were equally divided into two groups (db/db+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, db/db+FMT group). The db/db+FMT group was administered fresh fecal suspension (0.2 mL/mice) daily for 4 weeks. Analysis of the GM and serum metabolome was carried out by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and liquid chromatogram-mass spectrometry, respectively. Effects of FMT on the gut barrier and pancreas were assessed using protein assays, messenger RNA, immunohistology and clinical indicators testing.ResultsOur results showed that FMT treatment of db/db mice relieves a series of clinical indicators, including fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin and oral glucose tolerance test among others. Compared with non-diabetic control mice, db/db+PBS mice exhibited decreased abundance of Ruminococaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and increased abundance of Rikenellaceae and Lactobacillaceae. FMT treatment reversed this effect on the microbiome. Eleven metabolites were changed between the db/db+PBS and db/db+FMT groups. Correlation analysis showed that the structural changes of the GM were correlated with host metabolite levels. We further showed that FMT treatment of db/db mice improved intestinal barrier function, reduced inflammation and caused an alteration in the number of circulating immune cells.ConclusionsFMT-mediated changes in the GM, serum metabolites, intestinal epithelial barrier, inflammation and circulating immune cells play an important role in the efficacy of FMT on T2DM disease progression.

BackgroundSanitation interventions typically result in modest increases in latrine access, and any gains in latrine access and use are often not sustained over time. Sanitation programs also rarely include child-focused interventions such as potties. We aimed to assess the sustained effect of a multi-component sanitation intervention on access to and use of latrines and child feces management tools in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal substudy nested within the WASH Benefits randomized controlled trial. The trial provided latrine upgrades, child potties and sani-scoops for feces removal, along with behavior change promotion to encourage use of the delivered hardware. Promotion visits to intervention recipients were frequent during the first 2 years after intervention initiation, decreased in frequency between years 2-3, and ceased after 3 years. We enrolled a random subset of 720 households from the sanitation and control arms of the trial in a substudy and visited them quarterly between 1 and 3.5 years after intervention initiation. At each visit, field staff recorded sanitation-related behaviors through spot-check observations and structured questionnaires. We assessed intervention effects on observed indicators of hygienic latrine access, potty use and sani-scoop use and investigated whether these effects were modified by duration of follow-up, ongoing behavior change promotion and household characteristics.ResultsThe intervention increased hygienic latrine access from 37% among controls to 94% in the sanitation arm (p

BACKGROUND: In prospective cohorts, biological samples are generally stored over long periods before an adequate number of cases have accrued. We investigated the impact of sample storage at -80°C for 2 years on the stability of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene across seven different collection methods (i.e., no additive, 95% ethanol, RNAlater stabilization solution, fecal occult blood test cards, and fecal immunochemical test tubes for feces; OMNIgene ORAL tubes and Scope mouthwash for saliva) among 51 healthy volunteers. METHODS: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for the relative abundance of the top three phyla, the 20 most abundant genera, three alpha-diversity metrics, and the first principal coordinates of three beta-diversity matrices. RESULTS: The subject variability was much higher than the variability introduced by the sample collection type, and storage time. For fecal samples, microbial stability over 2 years was high across collection methods (range, ICCs = 0.70-0.99), except for the samples collected with no additive (range, ICCs = 0.23-0.83). For oral samples, most microbiome diversity measures were stable over time with ICCs above 0.74; however, ICCs for the samples collected with Scope mouthwash were lower for two alpha-diversity measures, Faiths phylogenetic diversity (0.23) and the observed number of operational taxonomic units (0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Fecal and oral samples in most used collection methods are stable for microbiome analyses after 2 years at -80°C, except for fecal samples with no additive. IMPACT: This study provides evidence that samples stored for an extended period from prospective studies are useful for microbiome analyses.

The diet and feeding behavior of South Polar Skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki) are well studied within the species’ breeding range but are poorly understood on the Haswell Islands. The aim of this study was to determine how South Polar Skuas use available resources during the pre-breeding and breeding periods at the Haswell Archipelago (66°31′ S, 93°01′ E, Davis Sea, Southern Ocean) under conditions of prolonged human activity. I studied pellets, spontaneous regurgitation, and stomach contents of feathered birds to study the diet of skuas and used direct observations of their feeding behavior. South Polar Skuas at the Haswell Islands fed primarily on the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) colony and on terrestrial resources in the Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) and fulmarine petrel colonies. The dominant prey of skuas were breeding Antarctic penguins. Emperor Penguins and Adélie Penguins make up the bulk of the skuas’ diet in the pre-breeding and breeding periods. Surface feeding at sea was observed in the post-breeding period. In recent decades, kitchen waste supported the skua population. Scavenging (placenta and feces of Weddell seals [Leptonychotes weddellii], frozen eggs, chicks and adults of breeding bird species, kitchen refuse) is the dominant strategy for obtaining food. Adélie Penguin eggs and chicks were the main food items of the South Polar Skuas in the Haswell Archipelago. Skua predation could potentially influence the breeding success of Adélie Penguins and fulmarine petrels, but the extent of the impact is unknown. The impact of the South Polar Skua on Emperor Penguins is negligible because skuas feed mainly on frozen chicks and eggs of the species.

The purpose of the research is to conduct a sanitary and parasitological examination of soil biotopes on the territory of Moscow. In addition to traditional soil studies, we conducted coproscopic analyzes of samples of dog feces collected from the soil surface in Spring.Materials and methods. 83 combined soil samples were taken in 9 administrative districts of Moscow using the envelope method at a depth of up to 10 cm. From each combined sample, 4 samples were taken and examined using the Romanenko method according to MUK 4.2.2661-10 “Methods of sanitary and parasitological research”. From the same areas where soil was collected, 365 dog fecal samples were collected. Feces were studied using a combined flotation method. Soil and fecal samples were taken in Spring of 2023 during a period of positive temperatures immediately after the snow melted. Microscopy was performed using a Motic BA410T microscope. Identification of the detected objects was carried out on the basis of morphometric data. Species differentiation of Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs was carried out based on differences in the size of the eggs and the structure of the outer shell.Results and discussion. The city's soil is contaminated with pathogens of parasitic diseases in 9.3% of samples. Toxocara eggs were found (5.7%), of which T. canis in 3.9% of samples, and T. cati in 1.8% of samples. Eggs of Capillaria sp. detected in 1.5%, eggs of Trichuris sp. at 0.9%. Eggs of Hymenolepis sp. and coccidia were detected in 0.6% of samples. In dog feces, pathogens of parasitic diseases were detected in 3.3% of samples. Toxocara sp. eggs were found in 1.4% of samples, isospores in 0.8%, sarcocystis in 0.8%, Toxascaris leonina eggs in 0.3%. Toxocara sp. eggs are the leaders in the frequency of detection in the soil; these are mainly viable eggs with larvae. This is consistent with the data that T. canis eggs are most often recorded in anonymized dog feces. Eggs of Trichuris sp. and Capillaria sp. found in soil with formed viable larvae. The findings show the potential of urban soils as a parasite transmission factor for humans and susceptible animals, and dogs play a leading role in the contamination of urban soils with Toxocara sp. eggs.

Abstract Cryptosporidium spp. are significant zoonotic intestinal parasites that induce diarrhea and even death across most vertebrates, including humans. Previous studies showed that sheep are important hosts for Cryptosporidium and that its distribution in sheep is influenced by geography, feeding patterns, age, and season. Environmental factors also influence the transmission of Cryptosporidium. Molecular studies of Cryptosporidium in sheep have been conducted in only a few regions of China, and studies into the effect of sheep-housing environments on Cryptosporidium transmission are even rarer. To detect the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in large-scale sheep-housing farms, a total of 1241 fecal samples were collected from sheep, 727 environmental samples were taken from sheep housing, and 30 water samples were collected in six regions of China. To ascertain the existence of the parasite and identify the species of Cryptosporidium spp., we conducted nested PCR amplification of DNA extracted from all samples using the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene as a target. For a more in-depth analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. subtypes, C. xiaoi-and C. ubiquitum-positive samples underwent separate nested PCR amplification targeting the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. The amplification of the Cryptosporidium spp. SSU rRNA gene locus from the whole genomic DNA of all samples yielded a positive rate of 1.2% (20/1241) in fecal samples, 0.1% (1/727) in environmental samples, and no positive samples were found in water samples. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in large-scale housed sheep was 1.7%, which was higher than that in free-ranging sheep (0.0%). The highest prevalence of infection was found in weaning lambs (6.8%). Among the different seasons, the peaks were found in the fall and winter. The most prevalent species were C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum, with the former accounting for the majority of infections. The distribution of C. xiaoi subtypes was diverse, with XXIIIc (n = 1), XXIIId (n = 2), XXIIIe (n = 2), and XXIIIl (n = 4) identified. In contrast, only one subtype, XIIa (n = 9), was found in C. ubiquitum. In this study, C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum were found to be the predominant species, and Cryptosporidium was found to be present in the environment. These findings provide an important foundation for the comprehensive prevention and management of Cryptosporidium in intensively reared sheep. Furthermore, by elucidating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in sheep and its potential role in environmental transmission, this study deepens our understanding of the intricate interactions between animal health, environmental contamination, and public health dynamics.

Abstract The 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi), a rumen protective methionine, has been extensively studied in dairy cows and beef cattle and has been shown to regulate gastrointestinal microbiota and improve production performance. However, knowledge of the application of HMBi on cashmere goats and the simultaneous study of rumen and hindgut microbiota is still limited. In this study, HMBi supplementation increased the concentration of total serum protein, the production of microbial protein in the rumen and feces, as well as butyrate production in the feces. The results of PCoA and PERMANOVA showed no significant difference between the rumen microbiota, but there was a dramatic difference between the fecal microbiota of the two groups of Cashmere goats after the HMBi supplementation. Specifically, in the rumen, HMBi significantly increased the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria (such as Fibrobacter) compared with the CON group. In the feces, as well as a similar effect as in the rumen (increasing the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group and ASV32), HMBi diets also increased the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria (including Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group). Overall, these results demonstrated that HMBi could regulate the rumen and fecal microbial composition of Liaoning cashmere goats and benefit the host.

Contamination of the environment with the infectious animal disease agents is still a pressing problem for the poultry farms. Mycobacterium avium can grow and replicate in organic wastes from the poultry farms for a long time thus contaminating vast adjacent areas and being the source of infection not only for wild and domestic animals but also for humans. The studies were aimed at the examination of the duration of Mycobacterium avium survival in the natural environment in two geographical regions of the Republic of Dagestan characterized by different soil and climate. Samples of Mycobacterium avium-contaminated feces and soil collected from pastures and farmyards (on the surface and from 5 cm depth) were tested. The experiments demonstrated that pathogenic for chickens mycobacteria survived for up to 30 days in the samples collected in the sub-mountainous areas in summertime, when the air temperature ranged from 15.1 to 30 °С, land surface temperature – from 17 to 38 °С, air humidity – from 44 to 94% and average monthly precipitation amounted to 1.5 mm. From September to May, with the air temperature ranging from –10.8 to +25 °C, land surface temperature from –14 to +30 °C, air humidity 26–100% and average precipitation 0.39 mm, the bacteria survived for up to 213 days on the soil surface on the pastures and farmyards, and for up to 243 days at the depth of 5 cm and in the feces. In the plain area, in the same time period in the slightly saline soil with high humus content and at air temperature from –11.9 to +27.3 °C, soil temperature from –13 to +45 °C, air humidity from 37 to 100% and average precipitation 20.4 mm, Mycobacterium avium survived just like in the sub-mountainous area, i.e. for 213 and 243 days, respectively. The post-mortem lesions in the internal organs of the poultry corresponded to the tuberculosis clinical signs in 86 of 171 birds (50.3%). The study results will allow for the development of the optimal algorithm for animal health and management measures aimed at tuberculosis eradication on the poultry farms.