Ultrasmall pH-triggered cerium-based MOF nanozyme delivery system: Stable implant coating with integrated synergistic antibacterial and corrosion resistance enhancement.

Postoperative pulmonary infection (PPI) after esophageal cancer surgery occurs frequently and severely impairs patients' prognosis. Most existing prediction models cannot realize staged classification of risk factors, which limits targeted risk identification and intervention. Based on machine learning algorithms, this study integrates preoperative baseline characteristics and perioperative indicators to construct a preoperative-perioperative two-stage risk prediction model for postoperative pulmonary infection. Clinical data of 2 200 patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery admitted to the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between October 2022 and August 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was combined with multivariate logistic regression to screen independent predictive variables for the two stages, and five machine learning models were established accordingly. Six independent predictive variables were identified. The preoperative predictors included gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, and colonization of multidrug-resistant bacteria. All models yielded area under the curve values ranging from 0.71 to 0.72 with a specificity higher than 98%, which can be used for preoperative risk stratification of high-risk individuals. On the basis of preoperative variables, the perioperative stage additionally incorporated operation duration, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and peak C-reactive protein level within 0-3 days after surgery, leading to a remarkable improvement in predictive performance with all area under the curve values greater than 0.82. The gradient boosting machine (GBM) model achieved a favorable balance between a sensitivity of 69.07% and a specificity of 82.59%, providing support for risk stratification and clinical management decision-making. Further multicenter studies are required to validate the generalization ability of the model.

Acute effects of cadmium and zinc on crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): Insights from deep learning-based behavioral analysis and physiological assessments.

Dietary polyphenols from shredded, steam-exploded pine particles mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress in broiler chickens.

The early colonization of bacteria has a significant impact on immune system development. The disruption of gut microbiota by antibiotics in early life is a major risk factor for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. This study explores how Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 modulates gut microbiota and immune responses after early antibiotic exposure, and whether such intervention mitigates DSS-induced colitis later in life. Newborn mice were administered with normal saline, ceftriaxone, or B. breve 207-1 from birth to day 21. The Ceftri + 207-1 + DSS group continued to receive B. breve 207-1 thereafter. Starting at day 42, all "-DSS" groups received 3% DSS drinking water to induce colitis. DSS increased inflammation scores versus the NS-Water group. The scores of the Ceftri + 207-1-DSS and Ceftri + 207-1-207-1 + DSS (the group receiving B. breve 207-1 continuously from birth to day 46) groups were lower than the Ceftri-DSS group (P < 0.0001). Gut microbiota analysis showed the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes was significantly higher in the Ceftri + 207-1-DSS group (P < 0.05). Long-term use of B. breve 207-1 from early life enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05). Compared to the NS-DSS group, the Ceftri + 207-1-DSS group exhibited significantly higher concentrations of butyric and valeric acids (P < 0.05). Treatment with B. breve 207-1 during early life and its long-term usage resulted in increased levels of SCFAs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these treatments enhanced the indices related to changes in the mucosal barrier (including mRNA for KI67 and MUC2) and colonic mechanical barrier (including mRNA for Claudin-1, ZO-1, and Occludin). With regards to systemic immune changes induced by B. breve 207-1 administration during early life, the anti-inflammatory cytokines (particularly IL-10 and TGF-β) were elevated (P < 0.05), while the pro-inflammatory cytokines (mainly IL-6 and TNF-α) were reduced (P < 0.05). B. breve 207-1 enhances immune development after antibiotic exposure, mitigates the severity of DSS-induced colitis later in life, likely through early remodeling of the gut microbiota and enhancement of intestinal barrier function. Our results suggest that the early postnatal period represents a strategic opportunity for probiotic intervention to confer protection against later-life colitis in the context of early antibiotic exposure. Notably, B. breve 207-1 may influence the composition of early-stage gut microbiota and subsequently affect local and systemic immune development.

The cheese of Xilingol: A comparative study on microbial diversity and metabolic profiles across typical and meadow steppes.

Remodeling of capsular polysaccharide enhances colonization and therapeutic efficacy of probiotic Escherichia coli against colitis.

Sulfated glycans play a central role in human health and influence cell signaling, cancer progression, pathogen invasion, and host-microbiome interactions. Metabolism of these glycans requires a specialized class of enzymes termed carbohydrate sulfatases. These enzymes are particularly important in the human gut where sulfated colonic mucin is produced and subsequently degraded by colonic bacteria. Despite the biological importance of carbohydrate sulfatases, there is currently a lack of chemical tools to study their activity, substrate selectivity, inhibition, and the discovery of novel enzymes. To address this, we have synthesized new chemical tools to rapidly and quantitatively determine the activity and selectivity of carbohydrate sulfatases in plate-based coupled assays. We have synthesized 3-O-sulfated fluorogenic glycosides using efficient synthetic routes and combined these fluorogenic substrates with a glycosidase that selectively cleaves unsulfated glycosides, allowing sensitive detection of sulfatase activity on both purified protein and cell lysate from the S1_20 subfamily sulfatases. Furthermore, we show that the assay enables differentiation and quantification of substrate specificity, identification of sulfatase inhibitors, and determination of sulfatase (sub-)cellular location for two S1_20 subfamily sulfatases. Collectively, we anticipate that these tools will further our understanding of the interplay between carbohydrate sulfatases, sulfated glycans, and human health.

Cell surface LPxTG motif protein (LMP) plays a crucial role in adhesion and biofilm formation during lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colonization. LMP anchors to the cell wall via its C-terminal LPxTG motif and contains functional domains that perform specific tasks. By integrating bioinformatics analysis with existing literature, this review systematically evaluates, for the first time at the domain level, the diversity of LMP in LAB and constructs a functional domain framework for understanding their roles in adhesion and biofilm formation. Annotation analysis reveals domain diversity across LAB strains: mucin-binding and extracellular-matrix-binding domains are widespread, while others exhibit strain-specific characteristics. We also speculate that certain LMP domains may form pilus-like adhesion structures via sortase C-mediated polymerization. Overall, this domain-level elucidation of LMP probiotic mechanisms provides a theoretical basis for probiotic strain screening and functional optimization, and offers new insights into structural and functional localization of LMP on the LAB surface.

This commentary describes a study displaying the dynamic process of bacterial recruitment from plants through the leakage of glutamine from a defect in the endodermis layer. Leakage of glutamine from the root and bacterial chemotaxis both contribute to the colonization and proliferation of bacteria.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have produced outcomes varying from no effect at all to high efficacy and durable effects over time. This review analyzed differences in the protocols used in FMT RCTs for IBS in the recently published literature with the aim of identifying the factors responsible for the success or failure of these RCTs. The results of this analysis might be useful in formulating an effective standard protocol for FMT in IBS. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed database of the literature published in English from January 2015 to December 2023 using several search phrases comprising MeSH expressions. Those RCTs that carefully selected donors based on environmental factors that are known to affect the gut microbiota positively and ensured bacterial diversity before and during FMT produced successful outcomes. Furthermore, direct freezing of the donor's fecal transplant, storing it at -80°C until the FMT is performed, and then thawing it at 4°C and mixing it manually appear to be factors associated with the success of FMT in IBS. Administering the donor's fecal transplant into the small intestine results in durable effects of FMT and long-term colonization of beneficial bacteria. A standard protocol for FMT with large and durable effects should include (1) careful donor selection, (2) handling the donor's fecal transplant in a way that preserves its microbiota contents, and (3) administering the transplant into the small intestine.

Background: The infection of the urinary tract is prevalent among females aged between 13 and 19 years because of anatomical and behavioral factors; there is a high difference in prevalence and incidence among the populations. Aims of the study: To estimate the prevalence and incidence of urinary tract infection in females aged 1015 years and to find out the most common bacterial pathogens associated with the infections. Methodology: This case-control study evaluated the prevalence and incidence of the urinary tract infections in females aged 10-15 years in Iraq. One hundred participants participated (70 UTI patients and 30 controls). Clinical symptoms and positive urine culture were used to diagnose the disease. Midstream urine samples that were clean were cultured on Blood and MacConkey agar, and significant bacteriuria was considered to be 105 CFU/mL and above. Gram staining and biochemical test were used to identify the bacteria. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the sociodemographic and clinical data. Result: There were no major differences between UTI patients and controls in terms of ages (P = 0.421), BMI (P = 0.118), and residence (P = 0.823). Poor hygiene (P = 0.006) and prior history of UTI (P = 0.002) were however very high among the patients. UTIs were very common and most of the cases were first-time and not recurrent. The predominant pathogen was E. coli. Unhygienic (P = 0.005) and previous UTI (P = 0.003) were important risk factors and residence and BMI did not have any significant association. Conclusions: The main factors that contribute to the development of UTI in adolescent females are poor hygiene and the history of infection, which contributes to the colonization and recurrence of bacteria. The preponderance of E. coli indicates its high virulence mechanisms, and this is why better hygiene and early preventive measures are necessary.

BackgroundColonization with antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) increases the risk for antibiotic-resistant infections. Our previous study documented a high level of colonization with ARBs in a suburban area of Chennai, a city in South India. Here, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for colonization with extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).MethodsAdult participants were enrolled in community and hospital surveys from November 2020 through March 2022, and ARB isolation was done from stool specimens. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn the community, the adjusted odds of ESCrE colonization were lower among those reporting consumption of animal products (1–2 days a week, aOR: 0.51; 95% CI 0.27–0.96; > 2 days a week, aOR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.25–0.94). Among hospitalized patients, the adjusted odds of CRE colonization was higher among those with prior antibiotic use (aOR: 1.50; 95% CI 0.97–2.32) and who underwent invasive procedures (aOR: 1.80; 95% CI 0.95–3.39). No significant associations were identified for other risk factors among community or hospital participants and colonization outcomes.ConclusionsDrivers of ARB colonization may be difficult to ascertain in high-burden settings. However, healthcare-based strategies to reduce ARB transmission should continue to emphasize infection prevention and control as well as antibiotic stewardship. Additional studies are needed to understand community factors contributing to ARB colonization.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-026-01747-2.

Dupilumab in the treatment of severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in cystic fibrosis patients.

Regulatory effects of natural polysaccharides on skin wound repair through modulation of immune-microbiome interactions.

Differential susceptibility of cariogenic and commensal oral Streptococcus species to chemically distinct disinfectants including ozone water in vitro

Staphylococcus aureus amidase cleaves the peptidoglycan that connect parent and offspring to promote bacterial proliferation, and it also affects the formation of bacterial biofilm. The critical roles of α-hemolysin (Hla) in the pathogenicity of S. aureus are indispensable. Compounds that inhibit the functions of these two proteins can provide a new strategy and a promising agent for the development of S. aureus infection inhibitors. In this study, it was found that corilagin bound to the active pocket of amidase and interacted with His370, Glu324, His382 and Ala288, the binding inhibited the function of amiA to hydrolyze peptidoglycan and resulted in slower bacterial growth and fewer biofilm formation. Additionally, corilagin inhibited the hemolytic activity of USA300 cultural supernatants by reducing Hla production. It also suppressed the function of purified Hla by binding to the rim region, Arg200, Gln194, Tyr182, Trp179 and Asn176 were identified as the critical residues for their interaction. At the cellular level, corilagin reduced the cytotoxicity and adhesion of USA300 to mouse macrophage cells and human lung cancer epithelial cells. In the USA300 mouse pneumonia model, corilagin reduces the colonization of bacteria in lung tissue, alleviates edema and inflammatory responses, and improves the survival percentage of the infected mice. The survival of G. mellonella that treated with USA300 and corilagin was higher than the samples from USA300 and ampicillin treatment group. Collectively, These results provide a basis for corilagin used as an anti-S. aureus infection agent.

The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a global threat. Our previous study investigated oral colonization by Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in long-term care facilities. In this study, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the oral cavity of bedridden severely dependent elderly residents were investigated and the relationship of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria with oral and systemic status was clarified. In addition, the effect of professional oral care on antimicrobial-resistant bacteria colonization was investigated. This was a cross-sectional study followed by an interventional study. Fifty-seven residents were randomly assigned to screening for the presence of Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria with 3rd-generation cephalosporin or carbapenem-resistance methods and the presence of oral and rectal MRSA using respective selective plates. Epidemiological data were collected from clinical records. The interventional study was conducted on 23 subjects who presented with Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or S. aureus in the cross-sectional study. The interventions included professional oral care once a week for 8 weeks in addition to daily oral care. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria colonization before and after the intervention was compared. Among 57 subjects, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria were isolated from oral samples of 29 subjects and from rectal samples of 44 subjects. Among 29 subjects with oral antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and MRSA were isolated from 21 and 17 subjects, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of the independent variables revealed that Non-oral nutritional intake was significantly related to Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria positivity. In the interventional study, professional oral care failed to eliminate of oral antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in most subjects. This study showed that subjects with Non-oral nutritional intake had significantly higher rates of oral Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. These findings concluded that a short-term professional oral management has a limited capacity to eliminate antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Our results provide important information for the control of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the oral cavity.

Tire wear particles facilitate the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes from soil to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) endophytes via roots.

Gut microbiota plays an important role in the digestive system of ruminants, affecting the health status of Hu sheep and their development and production traits. Factors such as gender, age, diet, and probiotic formulations may influence their compositions. This study aimed to investigate the morphological changes in the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota dynamics during postnatal development of Hu lambs and evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation. During the 60-day experiment, rumen, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum samples were collected at 2 hours, 20 days, and 55 days after birth. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to analyze microbial diversity, and morphological analysis was conducted to compare differences in the digestive tract surface tissues. The results indicated that the length of the rumen papillae and the height of the villi in the jejunum and ileum continued to increase with increasing age. The overall diversity of the gut microbiota exhibited a gradual upward trend. The microbial diversity indices were higher in the experimental group than in the control group at corresponding time points (p > 0.05). The number of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococci, increased, whereas the number of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia spp., decreased. Probiotic supplementation promotes early gastrointestinal tract development, enhances the colonization of beneficial bacteria, and improves microbial diversity in Hu lambs.