Fecal Analysis Research Articles

Dietary Supplementation with Methylsulfonylmethane and Myo-Inosito Supports Hair Quality and Fecal Microbiome in Poodles

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and myo-inositol (MI) on hair quality, fecal microbiota, and metabolome in poodles. Thirty-two adult poodles categorized based on initial body weight and sex were randomly assigned to four groups. These groups (designated the CON, MSM, MI, and MSM + MI groups) received a basal diet, the same diet supplemented with 0.2% MSM + 0% MI, the same diet supplemented with 0% MSM + 0.2% MI, or the same diet supplemented with 0.2% MSM + 0.2% MI, respectively. The study lasted for 65 days. During the entire study period, body weight, average daily weight gain, feed intake, energy intake, and fecal output were normal in all the animals and did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. Hair scale thickness was lower in the MI and MSM + MI groups than in the CON group on Day 65 (p < 0.05). An amino acid analysis of the hair revealed higher sulfur content in the MI and MSM + MI groups on Day 65 than on Day 0 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the poodles in the MSM, MI, and MSM + MI groups presented significantly lower levels of Proteobacteria_unclassified and Candidatus Phytoplasma than did those in the CON group. The relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria_unclassified was greater in the MSM and MI groups than in the CON group (p < 0.05). The MSM group presented a greater abundance of Glucerabacter than the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON and MSM + MI groups, the abundances of Paramuribaculum and Hafnia in the MSM group were greater (p < 0.05). The abundances of Enterobacter and Kineothrix were greater (p < 0.05) in the MI group than in the CON and MSM + MI groups. The poodles in the MI group presented significantly greater abundances of Bacteroidales_unclassified, Halanaerobium, Mycobacterium, and Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified than did poodles in the CON, MSM, and MSM + MI groups. Fecal metabolomics analysis revealed that MSM, MI, and MSM + MI treatment markedly affected carbohydrate metabolism. MSM + MI treatment also influenced lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with MSM and MI can improve the hair quality of poodles.

Sample Preparation for Metabolomic Analysis in Exercise Physiology

Metabolomics investigates final and intermediate metabolic products in cells. Assessment of the human metabolome relies principally on the analysis of blood, urine, saliva, sweat, and feces. Tissue biopsy is employed less frequently. Understanding the metabolite composition of biosamples from athletes can significantly improve our knowledge of molecular processes associated with the efficiency of training and recovery. Such knowledge may also lead to new management opportunities. Successful execution of metabolomic studies requires simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analyses of numerous small biomolecules in samples under test. Unlike genomics and proteomics, which do not allow for direct assessment of enzymatic activity, metabolomics focuses on biochemical phenotypes, providing unique information about health and physiological features. Crucial factors in ensuring the efficacy of metabolomic analysis are the meticulous selection and pre-treatment of samples.

Study on the mechanism of lactic acid bacteria and their fermentation broth in alleviating hyperuricemia based on metabolomics and gut microbiota.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease caused by purine metabolism disorders in the body. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their fermentation broth have the potential to alleviate hyperuricemia, but the potential mechanism of action is still unclear. The LAB with high inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase (XOD) were screened out. Then the fermentation broth, fermentation supernatant and fermentation bacteria after fermentation of these LAB were administered into HUA mice, respectively. Lactobacillus reuteri NCUF203.1 and Lactobacillus brevis NCUF207.7, of which fermentation supernatant had high inhibitory activity against XOD, were screened out and administered into HUA mice. Among them, L. reuteri strain, L. reuteri fermentation broth, L. brevis fermentation broth and L. brevis fermentation supernatant could significantly reduce serum uric acid levels and inhibited the liver XOD activity in HUA mice. The GC-MS metabolomics analysis of colon contents showed that supplementation of these four substances could partially reverse the down-regulation of energy metabolism pathways such as ketone body metabolism, pyruvate metabolism and citric acid cycle in HUA mice. It could also regulate amino acid metabolism pathways such as alanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, and repair the disorders of amino acid metabolism caused by HUA. In addition, the intervention of L. brevis fermentation broth and L. brevis fermentation supernatant may also accelerate the catabolism of uric acid in the intestine by up-regulating the urea cycle pathway. Fecal 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that their intervention increased the diversity of gut microbiota in HUA mice and alleviated the gut microbiota dysregulation caused by HUA. These results indicated that the LAB and their fermentation broth may play a role in alleviating HUA by regulating intestinal metabolism and gut microbiota.

Maternal supplementation with Dipteryx alata Vog. modulates fecal microbiota diversity, accelerates reflex ontogeny, and improves non-associative and spatial memory in the offspring of rats.

Maternal diet plays a crucial role in offspring development, directly affecting neural development and gut microbiota composition. This study aimed to assess if baru almond and oil (Dipteryx alata Vog.) could modulate intestinal microbiota, brain fatty acid profile, and enhance memory in offspring of rats treated during early life stages. Three groups were formed: Control- received distilled water by gavage; Oil- received 2000 mg/kg of baru oil, and Almond - received 2000 mg/kg of baru almond. Somatic development and reflex ontogenesis were evaluated in offspring during the first 21 days. In adolescence and adulthood, memory was tested using Open Field Habituation, Object Recognition, and Morris Water Maze. Brain histology and fatty acid were measured, and fecal microbiota analysis was performed. Both almond and oil groups showed increased PUFAs in breast milk and brains, accelerated reflex ontogeny, improved somatic development and better performance in the memory tests in both life stages (p < 0.05). Supplementation enhanced fecal microbiota abundance associated with neuroprotective effects. The almond group showed a 29 % increase in Eubacterium, Candidates-Arthromitus, Collinsella, and Christensenellaceae-R-7. Both oil and almond groups had higher Blautia and Clostridia-UCG-014 compared to controls. The oil group had about 10 % more Ruminococcus, UCG-005, Acetatifactor, Negativibacillus, and Lachnospiraceae-ND3007 than the others. With the present data, we can observe the safety of baru consumption by pregnant and lactating rats and verify its effects on modulating the microbiota, inducing adequate development of the offspring's nervous system, contributing to anticipated reflex maturation and improving memory.

Prevalence of invasive fish and plants in the winter diet of the rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster)

AbstractUnderstanding the dietary components of a species can help reveal complex ecological interactions within an ecosystem. We analysed the diet of a native semi‐aquatic predator, the rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), to investigate its reported preference for invasive species in a regulated freshwater system. We used faecal metabarcoding analysis to identify key dietary items consumed during winter in the Yanco Creek System of southern New South Wales. While rakali did not display a significant difference in the consumption of invasive and native fish, 79.5% of total fish relative read abundance were invasive. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) comprised 16.8% of the total diet relative read abundance and was present in 78.6% of samples. Plant matter was present in all samples and over half of the total relative read abundance of the diet. The prevalence of plants in the winter diet of rakali indicates that they are an important dietary supplement when other resources are limited. We show that the prevalence of invasive fish consumed by rakali is likely a result of their greater abundance in the system, rather than a direct preference. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which rakali can control invasive prey populations.

Effect of elite sport activity on salivary microbiota: The case of water polo

It has been well established that the human gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in humans' health, since it is involved in nutrients' uptake, vitamins' synthesis, energy harvest, inflammatory modulation, and host immune responses. Moreover, gut microbiota alterations have been associated to an increasing number of diseases and its composition can be affected by several factors, including physical exercise. In particular, it has been reported that intense physical activity can induce metabolic changes which translate in alterations of specific biomarkers that can lead to the onset of infections, inflammation and hepatic or kidney disorders. Recently, the oral microbiota has shown its relevance not only for the health of oral cavity but also for human host's health, emerging as an ecological niche with a great potential for the study of gut microbiome alterations due also to its accessibility respect to other tracts that can be inferred through fecal samples analysis. Thus, the purpose of this study has been to assess the effect of intense physical activity, i.e., elite water polo, on the human salivary microbiota. Thirteen professional water polo players and nineteen sedentary controls were recruited for this study. The salivary microbiota analysis was performed in oral rinse collected from both controls and athletes three months after the beginning of the agonist season. Our results showed significant differences in the salivary microbiota between athletes and controls. In particular, three species, namely Oribacterium sinus, Oribacterium parvum and Oribacterium asaccharolyticum, were found to be significantly increased in the water polo players compared to controls. Even if these data have to be further validated, also to assess the role of these identified species, they strengthen the hypothesis that elite sports can influence and alter the status of the gut microbiota. Moreover, the saliva is confirmed as a suitable sample for microbiome evaluations that may improve athletes' status evaluation and monitoring.

Contribution of disease to Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pup mortality at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, 2016–2022

AbstractThe endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) population is declining, and its conservation is threatened by the species' low fecundity and high pup mortality. This study details reasons for pup deaths and quantifies the impacts of disease and comorbidity. Of 284 dead pups reported from five breeding seasons (2016–2022) at the Seal Bay colony, Kangaroo Island, gross necropsy was conducted on 122, with fecal analysis for hookworm (Uncinaria sanguinis) detection, tissue histology, and bacterial culture performed on subsets. Determinable primary causes of mortality were conspecific trauma (± comorbidity, 41.0%), starvation (24.6%), and infectious disease (hookworm‐associated hemorrhagic enteritis [HAHE] ± bacterial infection, 19.7%). Allowing for comorbidity, 37.7% of pups died with an infectious disease, including 44.0% of deaths with trauma and 41.5% with starvation. In higher mortality summer‐autumn breeding seasons, pups were at greater risk of trauma (p = .001) and subsequent bacterial infection (p &lt; .001). Parasiticide treatment significantly reduced HAHE‐associated (p = .005) and overall mortality (p &lt; .001) risk, suggesting hookworm infection increases pup susceptibility to other causes of mortality. Although the exact causal pathways for this treatment‐related overall mortality benefit remain to be confirmed, intervention appears highly impactful and could benefit species conservation efforts.

Assessment of predation on small semi-aquatic mammals by the Eurasian otter through genetic analysis of spraints

AbstractSmall semi-aquatic mammals play a critical role in the river ecosystem and can be used as bioindicators of environmental health. Many populations of these species are threatened by multiple factors, mainly habitat degradation, but also by other causes such as predation. Among potential predators, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is known to prey on some of these species, but the significance of the impact on their populations remains uncertain. To study the effect of the Eurasian otter on the small semi-aquatic mammal community, we collected feces containing hair remains from different rivers in the Iberian Peninsula and used genetic methods to identify the predator and prey species. We identified 83 Eurasian otter spraints containing 25 Iberian desmans (Galemys pyrenaicus), 21 Iberian water shrews (Neomys anomalus), and 28 Southern water voles (Arvicola sapidus). These prey species were recorded in different watersheds throughout the study area and over a long period of time, indicating their widespread presence in the otter diet. These findings are of particular concern for the Iberian desman, given its endangered status. Our results highlight the need to specifically investigate less abundant but ecologically significant groups consumed by the otter, such as semi-aquatic mammals, to better understand the influence of this predator on the riparian ecosystem. In addition, future efforts should address the genetic analysis of feces containing hair remains from different riparian carnivores to assess the impact of predation on the viability of semi-aquatic mammal populations.

Host genetics and gut microbiota influence lipid metabolism and inflammation: potential implications for ALS pathophysiology in SOD1G93A mice

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its complex pathogenesis. Dysregulated immune responses and altered energetic metabolism are key features, with emerging evidence implicating the gut microbiota (GM) in disease progression. We investigated the interplay among genetic background, GM composition, metabolism, and immune response in two distinct ALS mouse models: 129Sv_G93A and C57Ola_G93A, representing rapid and slow disease progression, respectively.Using 16 S rRNA sequencing and fecal metabolite analysis, we characterized the GM composition and metabolite profiles in non-transgenic (Ntg) and SOD1G93A mutant mice of both strains. Our results revealed strain-specific differences in GM composition and functions, particularly in the abundance of taxa belonging to Erysipelotrichaceae and the levels of short and medium-chain fatty acids in fecal samples. The SOD1 mutation induces significant shifts in GM colonization in both strains, with C57Ola_G93A mice showing changes resembling those in 129 Sv mice, potentially affecting disease pathogenesis. ALS symptom progression does not significantly alter microbiota composition, suggesting stability.Additionally, we assessed systemic immunity and inflammatory responses revealing strain-specific differences in immune cell populations and cytokine levels.Our findings underscore the substantial influence of genetic background on GM composition, metabolism, and immune response in ALS mouse models. These strain-specific variations may contribute to differences in disease susceptibility and progression rates. Further elucidating the mechanisms underlying these interactions could offer novel insights into ALS pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

Improvement of sleep quality and sub-health conditions through pasteurized fermented milk consumption: A human intervention study

The sub-health state refers to a transitional condition between optimal health and disease, impacting physical, psychological, and social well-being. In this 42-day human intervention trial, we investigated the effects of two pasteurized fermented milks on sub-health symptoms. These pasteurized fermented milks shared the same starter culture and probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PC-01, Lactiplantibacillus plantarun Lp-6, Lactobacillus helveticus H9, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Probio-M8), differing only in the presence of inulin. Qualified subjects were randomly assigned to the probiotic group (received milk without inulin; n = 49 or synbiotic group (received milk with inulin; n = 51). Outcome measures included Sub-Health Measurement Scale (SHMS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, fecal metagenomes, metabolomes, and short-chain fatty acids, and serum neurotransmitter levels at baseline, after a 4-week intervention (day 28), and a 2-week-follow-up period (day 42). Our results showed that both pasteurized fermented milks improved sleep quality and alleviated sub-health symptoms, with no significant added benefit from inulin. Fecal metagenome analysis revealed post-interventional changes in gut microbial composition, including increased Bifidobacterium longum and decreased potentially pro-inflammatory bacteria (Blautia sp. and Dorea sp.). Changes in Blautia sp. and B. longum correlated significantly with SHMS and PSQI scores, respectively. Fecal and serum metabolite analysis showed post-interventional modulation of fecal short-chain fatty acids, anti-inflammatory bioactive metabolites, and serum neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric and serotonin hydrochloride. In conclusion, pasteurized fermented milk intake alleviated sub-health symptoms, affected the gut microbiome, metabolome, and serum metabolites. These findings highlight the potential of pasteurized fermented milk for mitigating sub-health conditions.

Impact of Cryptosporidium parvum infection on glucose transport and metabolism in calves: Physiological and molecular insight

The present study aimed to assess the impact of Cryptosporidium parvum infection on physiological parameters and glucose metabolism in calves. To achieve this goal, a study was conducted in Moscow, Russia, from 2022 to 2023, involving 20 calves, of which 10 were infected with C. parvum and 10 comprised the control group. Comprehensive methods were employed, including body weight measurement, fecal analysis, histopathological examinations, blood analysis, Using chamber experiments, and molecular analyses. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant decrease in body weight in the infected calf group (P < 0.052) and noticeable changes in fecal consistency changes were noticed on the 4th-day post-infection (P < 0.01). Histopathological examination identified acute catarrhal enteritis and villus atrophy in the small intestine of infected calves. Blood analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in glucose levels in infected calves on the 6th and 7th days post-infection (P < 0.05). However, the results of the Ussing chamber experiments and studies of glucose metabolism genes did not reveal statistically significant differences between the groups. The findings suggest the potential applicability of monitoring body weight, fecal consistency, and glucose levels in the diagnosis and control of cryptosporidiosis in cattle, which could lead to a reduction in economic losses in agriculture.

Bacteroides uniformis ameliorates pro-inflammatory diet-exacerbated colitis by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated ferroptosis

IntroductionA pro-inflammatory diet is positively associated with the risk and progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Recently, ferroptosis has been observed in patients with different dietary patterns-associated intestinal inflammation, while the mechanisms underlying the effects of a pro-inflammatory diet and whether it mediates ferroptosis are unknown. ObjectivesThis study aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying pro-inflammatory diet-mediated colitis and explore potential intervention strategies. MethodsMice were fed a dietary inflammatory index-based pro-inflammatory diet for 12 weeks. Subsequently, colitis was chemically induced using 2.5 % dextran sulfate sodium. The body weight, pathological score, immune response and mucosal barrier function were evaluated to assess intestinal inflammation. Intestine tissue transcriptomics, fecal microbiome analysis and serum metabolomics were applied to identify diet–microbe–host interactions. Additionally, the dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and intestinal specimens of 32 patients with Crohn’s disease were evaluated. The biological functions of Bacteroides uniformis were observed in vitro and in vivo. ResultsPro-inflammatory diet induces low-grade intestinal inflammation in mice and exacerbates colitis by activating glutathione peroxidase 4-associated ferroptosis in the endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated pathway. These effects are reversed by ferrostatin-1 treatment. Additionally, the pro-inflammatory diet triggers colitis by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites. Notably, supplementation with B. uniformis improves the pro-inflammatory diet-aggravated colitis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated ferroptosis. Moreover, B. uniformis is non-enterotoxigenic and non-enteroinvasive in co-cultures with intestinal epithelial cells. ConclusionsPro-inflammatory diet drives colitis by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated ferroptosis, possibly in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Pro-inflammatory diet restriction and microbial-based therapies may be effective strategies for preventing and treating IBD.

Year after year: Recurrent Toxocara vitulorum infections in American bison (Bison bison) calves in a zoo

Toxocara vitulorum (Nematoda: Ascaridida) is a common parasite of cattle and buffaloes in tropical and subtropical regions and the causative agent of toxocarosis in calves. In Europe, sporadic infections have been reported in cattle, but also in bovines held at zoological gardens. Here, we report T. vitulorum infections in a herd of American bison (Bison bison) kept at the Vienna Zoo, Au stria, which occurred in 2023 and 2024. After the first case in a seven-week-old calf in July 2023, another case in a five-week-old calf was diagnosed in May 2024, both of them detected by coproscopy and fecal discharge of adult worms after anthelmintic treatment. The calves originated from two different mothers imported to the zoo in 2014 from the Czech Republic and 2012 from Germany respectively. Both calves showed diarrhea and fecal soiling of the anal region prior to fecal analysis. Two intramuscular administrations of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg bodyweight, two-week interval) caused the passing of up to 39 cm long gravid female worms, resulted in the cessation of egg shedding and improved fecal consistency. Morphological and molecular identification confirmed infections with T. vitulorum. Additionally, another calf, born in May 2024 from the mother of the calf that was T. vitulorum-positive in 2023, showed periods of diarrhea. Due to difficulties in taking individual samples, no definitive diagnosis of T. vitulorum infection could be made, however, the animal was also treated and clinically improved afterwards. Besides T. vitulorum, Eimeria spp. were detected in all samples and Giardia duodenalis genotype E in two samples in 2024. This case series highlights the possibility of unnoticed parasite introductions into zoological gardens via animals infected with resting parasite stages, and demonstrates the importance of regular individual parasitological analysis in bovine zoo animals during the first weeks after birth.

Unravelling the seasonal dietary dynamics of the endangered garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) in Flanders, Belgium

The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) faces significant population declines across Europe, prompting urgent conservation measures. A critical aspect of these efforts is understanding the species’ dietary composition and preferences within specific areas and how this changes throughout the year. We compared garden dormouse diets between two habitats in West Flanders, Belgium with faecal analysis from May to October, covering almost their entire active phase. Our findings revealed a diverse diet of both plant and animal matter, with notable variations between habitats and seasons. Blackberries and other fruits, leaves, and to a lesser extent flowers, were the predominant plant-based food sources in both study areas, with seasonal fluctuations indicating a dietary shift throughout the dormice’s active period. Spring diets consisted primarily of young leaves and flowers, changing to increased fruit consumption in summer. Beetles emerged as a main animal food source throughout the entire active period. Snails were prominently eaten in the woody area, while millipedes prevailed in the diet in the dune environment, both more in spring than later in the active season. These insights highlight the importance of maintaining diverse fruit sources and preserving beetle, snail, and millipede populations for garden dormouse conservation. This study provides valuable insights into dormouse dietary preferences and thus contributes to targeted conservation strategies being essential for the survival of the dormouse.

Fecal Microbiome Composition Correlates with Pathologic Complete Response in Patients with Operable Esophageal Cancer Treated with Combined Chemoradiotherapy and Immunotherapy.

Background: Preclinical and clinical data indicate that chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in combination with checkpoint inhibitors may prime an anti-tumor immunological response in esophageal cancer. However, responses to neoadjuvant therapy can vary widely and the key biomarkers to determine response remain poorly understood. The fecal microbiome is a novel and potentially modifiable biomarker of immunotherapy response, and both fecal and tumor microbes have been found to associate with outcomes in esophageal cancer. Methods: Fecal and tumor samples were collected from patients with stage II-III resectable esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus CRT prior to surgical resection. Microbiome profiles were analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and taxonomic data were integrated with fecal metabolite analysis to assess microbial function. Results: The fecal microbiome of patients with pathological complete response (PCR) grouped in distinct clusters compared to patients with residual viable tumor (RVT) by Bray-Curtis diversity metric. Integrated taxonomic and metabolomic analysis of fecal samples identified a sphingolipid and primary bile acid as enriched in the PCR, the levels of which correlated with several bacterial species: Roseburis inulinivorans, Ruminococcus callidus, and Fusicantenibacter saccharivorans. Analysis of the tumor microbiome profiles identified several bacterial genera previously associated with esophageal tumors, including Streptococcus and Veillonella. Conclusions: These results further characterize the fecal and tumor microbiome of patients with operable esophageal cancer and identify specific microbes and metabolites that may help elucidate how microbes contribute to tumor response with neoadjuvant CRT combined with ICI.

Evidence of honey-processed Astragalus polysaccharides improving intestinal immune function in spleen Qi deficiency mice integrated with microbiomics and metabolomics analysis.

Radix Astragali, commonly known as Astragalus, is a traditional medicinal and edible plant valued for its Qi-tonifying properties. The dosage form of Radix Astragali processed with honey, known as honey-processed Astragalus (HPA), shows improved Qi-tonifying efficacy as compared to the raw product. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive ingredients in its aqueous extract. This study used a multiomics approach integrating microbiomics and metabolomics to elucidate the Qi-tonifying mechanisms of honey-processed Astragalus polysaccharides (HAPS). HAPS-treated mice showed improved symptom scores, spleen and thymus indices, serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β) and intestinal mucosa secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) compared to the mice with spleen Qi deficiency. The analysis of gut microbiota indicated that HAPS regulated the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria and Helicobacter, thereby improving intestinal flora dysbiosis in mice with spleen Qi deficiency. Eleven biomarkers in fecal metabolomics analysis were screened and identified, primarily associated with linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, comprehensive analyses demonstrated that HAPS regulates palmitic acid and sphingolipid metabolism by modulating the abundance of Bacteroidetes, which in turn increased the levels of intestinal mucosal SIgA and restored intestinal mucosal immune function in mice with spleen Qi deficiency. Our findings revealed that HAPS is an essential active ingredient of HPA, and its Qi-tonifying mechanism is closely related to the improvement of intestinal immune function. These findings lay the foundation for the application of HAPS as an immunomodulatory agent in health and dietary foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Angiotensin-(1-7) improves intestinal microbiota disturbances and modulates fecal metabolic aberrations in acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious health problem that dysregulates intestinal microbiota. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) plays a protective role in the intestinal barrier in AP, but its effect on intestinal microbiota remains clear. To investigate the impact of Ang-(1-7) on AP-induced intestinal microbiota disorder and metabolites. We collected blood and fecal samples from 31 AP patients within 48 h after admission to the hospital, including 11 with mild AP (MAP), 14 with moderately severe AP (MSAP), six with severe AP (SAP). Mice were divided into four groups: control, AP, AP + Ang-(1-7) via tail vein injection, and AP + Ang-(1-7) via oral administration. The samples of mice were collected 12 h after AP. Pancreatic and intestinal histopathology scores were analyzed using the Schmidt and Chiu scores. Fecal microbiota and metabolites analysis was performed via 16S rDNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analysis, respectively. In patients, the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Negativicutes) decreased and pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium bolteae and Ruminococcus gnavus) increased in SAP compared with MAP. Ang-(1-7) levels were associated with changes in the microbiota. There were differences in the intestinal microbiota between control and AP mice. Ang-(1-7) attenuated intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in AP mice, reflecting in the increase in beneficial bacteria (Odoribacter and Butyricimonas) than AP, as well as pancreatic and intestinal injuries. Oral administration of Ang-(1-7) reversing AP-induced decreases in metabolisms: secondary bile acids, emodin, and naringenin. Ang-(1-7) may improve intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and modulate fecal metabolites in AP, thereby reducing the damage of AP.

Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Alterations Associated with Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease.

This study investigates the role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases, with an additional focus on pro-atherogenic metabolites. We use advanced network analysis and machine learning techniques to identify key microbial features linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This cross-sectional study included 189 participants divided into three groups: coronary artery disease (n = 93), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n = 43), and controls (n = 53). Assessments included physical exams, echocardiography, dietary surveys, blood analysis, and fecal analysis. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis methods for testing hypotheses and correlations, alpha and beta-diversity analyses, co-occurrence networks, and machine learning were conducted using Python libraries or R packages with multiple comparisons corrected using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Significant gut microbiota alterations were observed, with higher Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratios in CAD and HFrEF groups compared to controls (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in α-diversity indices (Pielou, Chao1, Faith) between disease groups and controls (p < 0.001). β-diversity analyses also revealed distinct microbial profiles (p = 0.0015). Interestingly, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels were lower in CAD and HFrEF groups compared to controls (p < 0.05), while indoxyl sulfate (IS) levels were comparable between the study groups. Co-occurrence network analysis and machine learning identified key microbial features linked to these conditions, highlighting complex interactions within the gut microbiota associated with cardiovascular disease.

Estimating Uncertainty in Actinide Intake Due to Unknown Time of Exposure

Bioassay of radiation workers handling actinides in powder form is carried out annually under routine monitoring program. In case of routine monitoring, as the day of intake is unknown, it is assumed that intake has occurred at the midpoint of monitoring interval. However, an uncertainty is introduced in intake estimation due to this assumption. In the present work, uncertainties were evaluated due to unknown time of intake of Type M and S compounds of Pu and U for annual and biennial monitoring interval. Lung and excreta monitoring methods were considered for uncertainty estimation along with the spread of ±1 month or ±2 months in measurements, at the end of monitoring interval. Annual lung monitoring is found to be the most robust and accurate method for assessment of intake of Type S compounds of Pu, Am and U when time of intake is unknown and Pu is detected using 241Am as a tracer. For Type M compounds, uncertainty was found to be higher than 3 for biennial monitoring interval. Uncertainty is found to be less than 3 for Type S compounds of Pu and U and also for Type M compounds of Pu for both, annual and biennial monitoring intervals using urine analysis. It is higher than 3 for Type M compounds of U for both the monitoring intervals. It is greater than 3 for both Type M and S compounds of Pu and U for both the monitoring intervals using fecal analysis.

Case-control study on associations of hemorrhagic bowel syndrome in swine with feed characteristics and intestinal pathogens

Haemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS) is one of the most common causes of death in fattening pigs worldwide. The objective of this descriptive study was to systematically assess predictors or causal components for the appearance of HBS using case farms (mortality rate caused by HBS ≥ 1.5%) in comparison with control farms (mortality rate caused by HBS ≤ 0.25%), focusing on feed ingredients, feed quality and size, and gastrointestinal pathogens. The inclusion of sugar beet as a feed component in liquid feeding systems was found to be associated (p = 0.03) with farms identified as HBS cases. Another predictive or causal factor found for liquid feeding systems, but only for those using meal, was particle size. A higher percentage of small particles (< 2 mm) in the meal was associated with a higher risk of being an HBS case farm (p = 0.02), while no relevant association was detected for the use of pellets. Sugar beet in the diet was also associated with the incidence of HBS.The microbial quality of the feed in dry feeding systems, specifically the number of total aerobes at the first and last outlet tubes, was associated with a higher incidence of HBS (p = 0.03). Faecal sample analysis showed a difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of B. pilosicoli in the herd category (case vs. control herd). In this descriptive study, five predictive or causal factors were identified for an HBS farm with a mortality rate due to HBS ≥ 1.5%. These included the number of aerobes in dry matter samples from the first and last feeders, the particle diameter of the meal used in liquid feeding systems and sugar beet as a component of liquid feeding rations, and the presence of B. pilosicoli as an infectious agent at animal level. Relevant associations reinforce the findings of the previously published Swiss study that HBS is a multifactorial syndrome involving different aspects of pig production and cannot be attributed to a single cause. Further studies are needed to develop evidenced based causal models for HBS in swine.