Strain Combinations Research Articles

A remarkable step in the aerobic biological treatment of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW): A combination of selected microbial strains that enhance their decolorization and depollution

The olive industry extracts oil from olives but also generates solid co-products called pomace and liquid wastes known as Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW). With global annual production exceeding 30 million tons and approximately 685,000 tons in Morocco alone, these wastes pose environmental challenges due to their high acidity, organic load, and phenolic compounds. Our research aims to depollute and recycle OMW using aerobic biological treatment methods. Samples were collected from various ecological sites across four Moroccan regions. We isolated and purified several strains of molds, yeasts, and bacteria capable of decolorizing OMW. Decolorization experiments revealed promising results, with a combination of seven selected molds showing significant reductions in chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 71.44%, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) by 69.91%, and polyphenols content by 84.22%. Encouraged by these findings, we propose further treatment using sourdoughs composed of combinations of different pure strains, including yeasts and selected bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This approach demonstrates a practical and cost-effective method for depolluting and recycling OMW, contributing to environmental protection and human health preservation. By mitigating the risks associated with untreated OMW discharge, this study offers a viable solution to the environmental challenges posed by olive processing industries globally, particularly in regions like Morocco where olive cultivation is significant.

Two male-killing Wolbachia from Drosophila birauraia that are closely related but distinct in genome structure.

Insects harbour diverse maternally inherited bacteria and viruses, some of which have evolved to kill the male progeny of their hosts (male killing: MK). The fly species Drosophila biauraria carries a maternally transmitted MK-inducing partiti-like virus, but it was unknown if it carries other MK-inducing endosymbionts. Here, we identified two male-killing Wolbachia strains (wBiau1 and wBiau2) from D. biauraria and compared their genomes to elucidate their evolutionary processes. The two strains were genetically closely related but had exceptionally different genome structures with considerable rearrangements compared with combinations of other Wolbachia strains. Despite substantial changes in the genome structure, the two Wolbachia strains did not experience gene losses that would disrupt the male-killing expression or persistence in the host population. The two Wolbachia-infected matrilines carried distinct mitochondrial haplotypes, suggesting that wBiau1 and wBiau2 have invaded D. biauraria independently and undergone considerable genome changes owing to unknown selective pressures in evolutionary history. This study demonstrated the presence of three male-killers from two distinct origins in one fly species and highlighted the diverse and rapid genome evolution of MK Wolbachia in the host.

Impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and casein fortification on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory peptides in yogurt: identification and in silico analysis.

In this study, the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M11 (Lb. plantarum M11) in conjunction with sodium caseinate on the characteristics and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of yogurt were investigated. ACE inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs) in yogurt were identified by nano-LC-MS/MS and potential ACEIPs were predicted by in silico and molecular docking methods. The results showed that the ACE-inhibitory activity of yogurt was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), while maintaining the quality characteristics of the yogurt. Thirteen ACEIPs in the improved yogurt (883 + M11-CS group) were identified, which were more abundant than the other yogurt groups (control 883 group, 883 + M11 group and 883-CS group). Two novel peptides with potential ACE inhibitory activity, YPFPGPIH and NILRFF, were screened. The two peptides showed PeptideRanker scores above 0.8, small molecular weight and strong hydrophobicity, and were non-toxic after prediction. Molecular docking results showed that binding energies with ACE were -9.4 kcal mol-1 and -10.7 kcal mol-1, respectively, and could bind to the active site of ACE. These results indicated that yogurt with Lb. plantarum M11 and sodium caseinate has the potential to be utilized as a functional food with antihypertensive properties. The combination of ACEIP-producing strains and casein fortification could be an effective method to promote the release of ACEIPs from yogurt.

Tetraquinolines; four linked quinoline units or porphyrinoids.

Tetraquinolines (TEQs) have been recently synthesized and proposed to be a new member of the porphyrinoid family with highly distorted, nonplanar, geometries. In this contribution by studying several molecules, closely related to TEQs, we have suggested that the origin of the nonplanarity of TEQs and their counterparts is a combination of steric strain and the propensity of the molecules to avoid antiaromaticity. The tendency of TEQs to coordinate with doubly charged metal ions can be interpreted in terms of their transition from potential antiaromaticity to nonaromaticity. Even metal-coordinated TEQs do not sustain diatropic ring currents. Although full planarization is not possible because of steric strain, doubly oxidized TEQs and their counterparts sustain moderate global diatropic ring currents and partially planarize. The nature of current density in the molecules is studied in the light of Steiner-Fowler selection rules.

Probiotics suppress LL37 generated rosacea-like skin inflammation by modulating the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition, is characterized by facial erythema and pustules. Recent investigations have delved into the interplay between the gut microbiota and rosacea pathogenesis, unveiling promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we screened and isolated strains Ligilactobacillus salivarius 23-006 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 23-008 from the feces of healthy volunteers and evaluated the intervention effects of probiotics on rosacea by constructing an LL37 induced rosacea-like mouse model. Our results showed that both L. salivarius 23-006 and L. paracasei 23-008 were probiotic strains with favourable properties. In specific, we observed that both L. salivarius 23-006 and L. paracasei 23-008 alleviated skin lesions, reduced skin inflammatory infiltrates, and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in mice, with the combination of L. salivarius 23-006 and L. paracasei 23-008 having the most significant effect. Moreover, the combination of strains reduced the expression of cathelicidin LL37 and rosacea-associated factors by inhibiting the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. The 16S rRNA analysis showed that the combination enhanced the intestinal barrier, restored intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and up-regulated the abundance of Lactobacillus while down-regulating the abundance of Coprococcus and Oscillospira. We also explored the effects of postbiotics of L. salivarius 23-006 and L. paracasei 23-008 on rosacea. While postbiotics could also ameliorate the rosacea-like phenotype in mice via the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, the effects were not as pronounced as those observed with probiotic treatment. However, the postbiotics still enhanced the intestinal barrier, up-regulated the Lactobacillus abundance, and modulated the intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, our study revealed that L. salivarius 23-006 and L. paracasei 23-008 improved rosacea by regulating the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and intestinal microbiota, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of rosacea.

A STUDY ON HOMOLOGY AND HETEROLOGY BETWEEN PANASIA-II &amp; PAK-98 LINEAGES OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE VIRUS SEROTYPE-O

To understand the dynamics of epidemics, it is crucial to evaluate prior exposure to infectious diseases as a possible defense against newly developing strains. The cross-protection prediction is unresolved matter that holds great importance, particularly in the field of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV). The new methods for controlling FMD involve the implementation of vaccine, limited movement, containment and elimination of cattle that are either affected or vulnerable to the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to use a serological analysis strategy that applies association coefficients (r1-values) to identify effective vaccines. The primary objective of this study was aimed to explain the genetic homologous and heterologous association among two ancestries of FMDV serotype O found in Pakistan (Pk) and to find a suitable strain from field for selection of vaccinated seed that provide cross-protection against both ancestries. Virus neutralization tests (VNTs) were used to evaluate an antigenic association among the two groups of viruses, indicates a significant degree of antigenic similarity between stains within a particular cluster. Conversely, r1 values ranging from 0.07-0.2 were obtained from cross-combinations among clusters, suggesting antigenic variation amongst virus strains. These results were further supported by in vitro tests, which showed that heterologous combinations of PanAsia-II and PAK-98 isolates showed antigenic variation, except for 25-06-PK-19, SDG-43-FSD-PK, and TANWL-34PK, which showed a 0.3 (r1 value). In contrast, when considering homologous combination of strains from both lineages showed antigenic similarity. Furthermore, it was projected that these combinations would provide protective titers during in-vivo. As a conclusion, it is recommended that all strains, except 25-06-PK-19, SDG-43-FSD-PK, and TANWL-34PK considered as potential vaccine candidates for effectively managing outbreaks of FMDV serotype-O, due to their ability to confer broad-spectrum immunity.

The effect of shearable clusters and precipitates on dynamic recovery of Al alloys

The formability of Al alloys is strongly influenced by their strain hardening capacity. Whilst the effect of precipitates on yield strength has been thoroughly studied, their effects on the strain hardening behaviour have been comparatively less studied. This is especially true for the case of shearable particles, such as those formed during natural ageing, or underaging. This work presents a detailed study of the effect of shearable clusters/precipitates on the room temperature dynamic recovery of 7xxx Al alloys. The dynamic recovery behaviour is characterised by the slope of the stage III hardening (β) curve in a Kocks–Mecking plot, and the cluster/precipitate state has been characterised using small angle x-ray scattering and atom probe tomography. The rate of dynamic recovery is shown to depend non-monotonically on the yield strength of the alloy. For alloys in the solution treated and quenched state, or with an extremely fine distribution of clusters, dynamic recovery becomes more difficult with increasing alloy yield strength. However, as the cluster/particle spacing increases, such as during artificial ageing, dynamic recovery becomes easier. A phenomenological model is presented showing that the critical microstructural features controlling this non-monotonic dependence of dynamic recovery on yield strength is the ratio of the cluster/precipitate spacing and the critical annihilation distance between dynamically recovering dislocations. The model is general and describes well the experimental data. It can be used as a predictive tool to guide microstructure design for combinations of yield strength and strain hardening behaviour.

Effect of graphene sheet diameter on the microstructure and properties of copper-plated graphene-reinforced 6061-aluminum matrix composites

Herein, graphene with two different average sheet diameters was ultrasonically dispersed, mechanically stirred, and copper-plated. The pretreated graphene was mixed with 6061-aluminum (6061Al) powder to fabricate copper-plated graphene (0.5 wt%) reinforced 6061Al matrix composites by spark plasma sintering. The resulting composites were characterized in terms of their microstructure, tensile properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. The incorporation of graphene facilitated load transfer and hindered dislocation movement, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites. Notably, the composite reinforced by larger-sized graphene achieved a favorable combination of high tensile strength (218 MPa) and fracture strain (17.2 %). Moreover, the addition of graphene also ameliorated the electrical conductivity of 6061Al. The composite reinforced by the larger-sized graphene achieved the highest electrical conductivity of 47.7 %IACS, attributed to the formation of a wider range of conductive channels. Additionally, the introduction of larger-sized graphene increased the thermal conductivity of 6061Al from 161.4 W/(m·K) to 183.2 W/(m·K), whilst the smaller-sized graphene contributed to a modest enhancement of 15.3 W/(m·K). In conclusion, graphene with a larger sheet diameter exhibits a remarkable reinforcement effect on the overall performance of 6061Al.

Improving the Quality and Safety of Barley by Controlled Homolactic Fermentation with Lactic Acid Bacteria

Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria can improve the nutritional and hygienic quality of barley, as well as its organoleptic properties. The aim of this study was to select a suitable lactic ferment to add value to barley through a controlled homolactic fermentation process, which can be used to produce a natural base product for broiler feed. Four different combinations of lactic strains were tested for their acidifying power, antibacterial activity, and fermentation performanceThe mixed culture of homolactic ferment FS4, composed of Lactobacillus plantarum (SC1), Pediococcus spp (SC4), and Lactococcus lactis ssp (SC5), showed the best result in terms of pH reduction, acidity production, and inhibition of spoilage bacteria. The in vivo application of the ferment FS4 on barley resulted in a decrease in pH to 4.12 after 15 days of fermentation, and an improvement in its hygienic quality, with the possibility of also enhancing its nutritional quality. This study demonstrated that FS4 is a suitable lactic ferment for valorizing barley through a controlled homolactic fermentation process, which can be used to produce a natural base product for animal feed with improved quality and safety.

Lactic acid bacteria and spoilage bacteria: Their interactions in Escherichia coliO157:H7 biofilms on food contact surfaces and implications for beef contamination

AbstractThis research explores the interaction between Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 and bacteria species commonly found in beef processing environments, specifically Carnobacterium, Lactobacillus, Comamonas, Raoultella, and Pseudomonas. The study investigated how various environmental conditions impact the formation of biofilms and the ability of O157:H7 to transfer from multispecies biofilm onto beef surfaces. For this purpose, a mixture of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), spoilage bacteria (106 CFU/mL), and E. coli O157 (103 CFU/mL) were combined as follows: LAB (T1): Carnobacterium piscicola + Lactobacillus bulgaricus + O157:H7, an spoilage bacteria (T2): Comamonas koreensis + Raoultella terrigena + O157:H7, an spoilage bacteria (T3): Pseudomonas aeruginosa + C. koreensis strain + O157:H7 and only O157:H7 as control (T4). Multispecies biofilms were developed on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and stainless steel (SS) coupons at 10 and 25°C for 6 days, washed and stored for 6, 30, and 60 days at wet (60%–90% RH) and dry (20%–50%, RH) conditions. To evaluate O157:H7 transfer, beef cubes (3 × 3 × 1 cm) were placed on the coupons, followed by a 50‐g weight (7.35 kPa). The experiment was repeated three times in triplicate for each strain combination. Results demonstrate that biofilms formed at 10°C were generally weaker (less biomass) than those at 25°C. Regardless of temperature, more viable O157:H7 cells were transferred to beef from moist biofilms on TPU surfaces. At 25°C, T3 biofilm exhibited the lowest O157:H7 transfer to beef by 1.44 log10 CFU/cm2 (p &lt; 0.01). At 10°C, none of the multispecies biofilm (T1–T3) affected the number of O157:H7 transfers to beef (p &gt; 0.05). Notably, O157:H7 was not detected on food contact surfaces with 30 and 60‐day‐old dry biofilms (T1–T4). Through enrichment, E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from multispecies biofilms T1, T2, and T3. Findings from this study imply that multispecies biofilms contribute to the persistence of O157:H7 under dry conditions, regardless of temperature. These results underscore the intricate influence of multiple environmental factors—including surface type, biofilm age, humidity, temperature, and the presence of other bacterial species—on the risk of beef contamination facilitated by biofilms.

Precision microbial intervention improves social behavior but not autism severity: A pilot double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by the presence of restricted/repetitive behaviors and social communication deficits. Because effective treatments for ASD remain elusive, novel therapeutic strategies are necessary. Preclinical studies show that L.reuteri selectively reversed social deficits in several models for ASD. Here, in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we tested the effect of L.reuteri (a product containing a combination of strains ATCC-PTA-6475 and DSM-17938) in children with ASD. The treatment does not alter overall autism severity, restricted/repetitive behaviors, the microbiome composition, or the immune profile. However, L.reuteri combination yields significant improvements in social functioning that generalized across different measures. Interestingly, ATCC-PTA-6475, but not the parental strain of DSM-17938, reverses the social deficits in a preclinical mouse model for ASD. Collectively, our findings show that L.reuteri enhances social behavior in children with ASD, thereby warranting larger trials in which strain-specific effects should also be investigated.

Advanced pesticide nano formulations and understanding their breakdown by Bacteria

The widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture has undeniably caused significant environmental harm, affecting the quality of air, water, and soil. This growing concern has steered the focus towards the development and research of nano formulations, which promise effective pest control with substantially reduced pesticide concentrations. These new formulations, which allow for controlled delivery of active ingredients, are demonstrating effectiveness comparable to traditional pesticides, but with less environmental impact. However, it is important to acknowledge that these nano-pesticides still contain certain organic groups which are structurally complex and not easily degradable. These elements can persist in the environment, accumulating and becoming more concentrated through the food chain, potentially causing a range of environmental hazards over time. Encouragingly, research has identified that specific bacterial genera including , and and among others, have the unique ability to break down certain chemical groups present in these pesticides, using them as a sole source of carbon or nitrogen. This process transforms them into non-harmful end products, marking a promising step towards bioremediation. Currently, efforts are being made to develop this into a viable large-scale solution, exploring different combinations of nano-pesticides and bacteria strains under optimized conditions. Through further research in this area, we aim to identify the specific types of bacteria that are most effective in degrading these pesticide groups, ultimately paving the way for more sustainable environmental management in the future.

Cost-Efficient Micro-Well Array-Based Colorimetric Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (MacAST) for Bacteria from Culture or Community.

Rapid and cost-efficient antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is key to timely prescription-oriented diagnosis and precision treatment. However, current AST methods have limitations in throughput or cost effectiveness, and are impractical for microbial communities. Here, we developed a high-throughput micro-well array-based colorimetric AST (macAST) system equipped with a self-developed smartphone application that could efficiently test sixteen combinations of bacteria strains and antibiotics, achieving comparable AST results based on resazurin metabolism assay. For community samples, we integrated immunomagnetic separation into the macAST (imacAST) system to specifically enrich the target cells before testing, which shortened bacterial isolation time from days to only 45 min and achieved AST of the target bacteria with a low concentration (~103 CFU/mL). This proof-of-concept study developed a high-throughput AST system with an at least ten-fold reduction in cost compared with a system equipped with a microscope or Raman spectrum. Based on colorimetric readout, the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacteria from microbial communities can be delivered within 6 h, compared to days being required based on standard procedures, bypassing the need for precise instrumentation in therapy to combat bacterial antibiotic resistance in resource-limited settings.

Co-inoculation effects of B. licheniformis and P. aeruginosa on soil Cd and As availability and rice accumulation

There have been studies reporting the effects of multiple bacterial strains on the Cd/As immobilization and transformation in culture media. However, there is limited research to validate the effects of microbial strain combination on plant Cd/As accumulation and antioxidant system in the soil-plant system. By planting the rice (Zhefu 7) with the co-inoculation of bacterial strains (i.e. Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) after two months with the contaminations of Cd (2 mg/kg), As (80 mg/kg) and Cd + As (2 + 80 mg/kg), we found that the bacterial co-inoculation decreased Cd concentrations in the rhizosphere soil porewater, but had limited effects on mitigating plant Cd accumulation. By contrast, the co-inoculation did not affect the As(III) and As(V) concentrations in the rhizosphere soil porewater, but decreased As(III) and As(V) concentrations by 17% and 17% in the root respectively and by 17% and 37% in rice shoot respectively. Using DNA sequencing, we found the increased abundance in both exogenous Bacillus licheniformis and native microorganisms, indicating that the added strains had synergetic interactions with soil native microorganisms. Regarding on plant antioxidant enzyme system, the bacterial co-inoculation decreased the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 75%, 74% and 22%, mitigating the As damage to rice root and promote plant growth. However, under Cd and As co-stress, the effects of co-inoculation on mitigating plant As accumulation and enhancing plant stress resistance appear to be diminished. Our findings underscore the importance of microbial co-inoculation in reducing plant As accumulation and preserving plant health under heavy metal stress.

Influence of preliminary compressive deformation on the spall strength of aluminum single crystal

Spall strength is an important property of material subjected to the shock wave loading. It substantially depends on the initial microstructure and its evolution during the preliminary shock compression. By an example of aluminum single crystal, a number of random axisymmetric compressed states are examined by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, different deformation modes are revealed and the spall strength is calculated during subsequent volumetric tensile tests. A domain of elastic states with the spall strength of about 9 GPa, plastically deformed (dislocation plasticity) states with the spall strength of 6–7 GPa and the states with BCC phase transformations and the spall strength in the range 6–9 GPa are revealed as the main scenarios depending on the combination of strains at preliminary compression. MD results are generalized by means of artificial neural networks (ANNs), which allow interpolation between MD-studied points and plotting of continuous dependencies.

Enhancement of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of Kombucha prepared using specific bacterial and yeast

The symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) encompasses a diverse array of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in the biochemical transformations during Kombucha fermentation. This study aims to investigate how various combinations of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and specific yeast strains influence SCOBY formation and the biochemical characteristics of Kombucha. Thirteen combinations of AAB and yeasts formed SCOBY. The pH of Kombucha decreased to 2.31, and titratable acidity content increased to 20.76 g/L. Acetic and gluconic acid contents of Kombucha were 1.96 g/L and 6.9 g/L, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased by 3.53- and 5.2 fold, whereas the condensed tannin content decreased by 31.3 fold. Chlorogenic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids were newly detected. Catechin, epicatechin, caffeine, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and rutin contents in Kombucha were increased. The antioxidant activity of Kombucha was enhanced up to 2.88 fold. The use of AAB and yeast has potential value in the industrial production of Kombucha.

904. Epidemiology of Rotavirus Group A Mixed Genotypes Isolated from Children with Acute Gastroenteritis over a 15-Year Period

Abstract Background Limited data exist worldwide regarding the genetic epidemiology of mixed G and/or P Rotavirus group A (RVA) strains and their association with demographic and clinical characteristics in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Methods Positive fecal samples for mixed RVA previously G (VP7) and P (VP4) genotyped from children aged ≤16 years with AGE between 2007-2021 (15 years) in Greece were further genotyped for I (VP6) and E (NSP4) using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data of children infected with a mixed RVA strain were also collected. Results Over the 15-year period, 129/4427 (2.9%) mixed RVA strains were detected. Higher detection rate was observed in 2016 (7.5%) and in 2021 (5.8%) (Figure 1). Children infected with a mixed RVA strain had a median age of 21.1 months (IQR: 56.2) and were predominantly males (85/129, 65.9%). Mixed G genotype were 73/129 (56.6%), mixed P type 54/129 (41.1%) and both G and P mixed genotypes 3/129 (2.3%). In total, 27 different G/P combinations were detected with most prevalent the: G1G4P[8] (47/129, 36.4%), G1P[4]P[8] (18/129, 14%) and G4P[4]P[8] (18/129, 14%) (Figure 2). Higher seasonal peaks were observed for G mixed types in spring (68.8%) and for P mixed types in summer (66.7%). Infection with a G mixed type had a higher relative frequency in children aged 0-12 months, while infection with P mixed type had a higher relative frequency in children aged 13-48 months (p=0.043). I and E typing was successful in 49.6% (64/129) of mixed samples from 2013-2021. Two different I (I1, I2) and three different E (E1, E2, E3) genotypes were detected, with I1 (42.2%, 27/64) and E1 (39.1%, 25/64) being the most common I and E genotypes, respectively. In 31.3% (20/64) of samples, mixed I (I1I1, I1I2) and/or E (E1E1, E1E2) genotypes were also detected. No association has been detected between mixed genotypes and clinical characteristics of the patients. Annual distribution of total and mixed RVA cases in a 15-year period G-P combinations of RVA mixed strains. Other combinations found in a smaller proportion (&amp;lt;2.3%) were: G3P[4]P[8] (1.6%), G4P[8]P[9] (1.6%), G6P[4]P[9] (1.6%), GUDP[4]P[8] (1.6%), G2G4P[4]P[8] (1.6%), G1G2P[4] (0.8 %), G1G3P[9] (0.8%), G1G8P[4]P[8] (0.8%), G10P[8]P[10] (0.8%), G12P[4]P[8] (0.8%), G2P[8]P[10] (0.8%), G2G4P[8] (0.8%), G2G9P[8] (0.8%), G4G12P[4] (0.8%), G8G9P[8] (0.8%), G9P[4]P[8] (0.8%), G9P[6]P[8] (0.8%), G9G12P[8](0.8%). Conclusion These results indicate the great genetic diversity of RVA strains. Significant differences were found in the seasonality of the mixed G and P strains as well as in the age group of children infected with mixed G and P strains. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Sequential inoculation of Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in rosé wines enhances malolactic fermentation and potentially improves colour stability

In rosé wines, colour influences consumer preferences and oenological trends. In this study, we propose an alternative approach employing Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td) as a biotechnological tool for colour modulation, coupled with its potential to enhance malolactic fermentation (MLF), necessary in certain rosé wines. Sequential alcoholic fermentations (AF) were conducted using Cabernet Sauvignon grape must, with inoculations of Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). Subsequently, different strains of Oenococcus oeni were employed to carry out MLF on the resulting rosé wines, allowing us to assess the impact of Td strains under these conditions. The formation of anthocyanins and pyranoanthocyanins depended on the specific strains of Td used, resulting in wines with varying hues, ranging from a more yellowish tone (Td + ScQ) to a bluish tone (Td + ScK1). Additionally, the performance of MLF displayed a positive synergy between Td and O. oeni, with outcomes varying depending on the strain combinations employed. In conclusion, this research highlights the potential of reducing total anthocyanins while maintaining a higher proportion of pyranoanthocyanins, offering an interesting technique for rosé wines with a lighter hue. This approach aligns well with evolving oenological trends, as certain regions prefer such rosé wine type

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic formulations for adult patients with mild-moderate ulcerative colitis in an adjunctive therapy: A network meta-analysis

Background & aimsProbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics (PPS) have been widely used as adjuvant treatments in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in recent years. However, the most effective formulations of PPS have yet to be identified. We thus aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of different PPS formulations for mild-moderate UC. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to June 24, 2023 for double-blind randomized controlled trials. We used a frequentist approach in random-effects models for network meta-analysis and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence. ResultsWe analysed data from 20 trials involving 1153 patients. The combinations of specific strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (CLB) (odds ratio (OR), 3.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.40-10.60; low certainty) and combinations of specific strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus (CLBS) (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.47-3.28; low certainty) significantly increased the clinical remission rate in intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) when compared to placebo. Similarly, compared with placebo, the two combinations significantly reduced clinical activity scores (standardized mean difference (SMD), -1.17 (95% CI, -1.68 to -0.65), low certainty; and SMD, -1.33 (95% CI, -1.81 to -0.86), low certainty, respectively). Hierarchical cluster analyses showed the two combinations formed clusters with high efficacy (clinical remission in ITT and clinical activity score) and tolerability (withdrawal due to worsening symptoms) within 12 weeks. ConclusionIn this systematic review, we found CLB and CLBS demonstrated a clinical benefit in adjuvant treatments, with a comparable tolerability and safety profile to placebo. Further trials are needed.Trial registration number: CRD42022344905

The effect of simulated seasonal temperatures on Metarhizium brunneum‐associated mortality in Agriotes spp. click beetles, and a degree‐day infection model

AbstractEntomopathogens tend to have a slow speed of kill when used for targeting agricultural insect pests. Relating temperature as a driver of this speed is important to predict pest mortality, and extending this to a degree‐day infection model has rarely been studied. Many species of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae), the larvae of click beetles, are subterranean and generalist agricultural pests that can be difficult to control with pesticides. Targeting adult beetles, however, may be an effective method to reduce larval recruitment. Metarhizium brunneum Petch (Hypocreales), an entomopathogenic fungus, kills click beetles but the mortality rate and speed of kill are expected to vary according to temperature. Using a thermal gradient plate to simulate daily oscillating temperatures in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, for April, May, and June, the effectiveness of M. brunneum strains LRC112 and F52 in causing mortality to Agriotes obscurus (L.) and Agriotes lineatus (L.) click beetles was studied in the laboratory. Mortality was fastest in beetles exposed to June temperatures and slowest in those exposed to April temperatures, with differences among beetle species × M. brunneum strain combinations. Higher temperatures resulted in more rapid mycelial outgrowth and conidiation in beetle cadavers, with only A. obscurus infected with M. brunneum LRC112 attaining near 100% conidiation. The number of degree days required to kill 50% of the beetles (LDD50) was least for A. obscurus infected with M. brunneum LRC112 (176) followed by A. obscurus × M. brunneum F52 (212), A. lineatus × M. brunneum LRC112 (215), and A. lineatus × M. brunneum F52 (292). Hypothetical calculations showed that M. brunneum exposure earlier in the season resulted in a longer time to kill 50% of the beetles (LT50) but the earliest LT50 calendar date. Later M. brunneum exposure dates resulted in lower LT50's, but later LT50 dates. This conceptual work demonstrates that daily temperature oscillations, seasonality, and degree days must be considered to predict the efficacy and speed of kill of different fungal entomopathogen strains when targeting different click beetle species.