Fecal Samples Research Articles

Gut microbiota induced abnormal amino acids and their correlation with diabetic retinopathy

AIM: To explore the correlation of gut microbiota and the metabolites with the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and provide a novel strategy to elucidate the pathological mechanism of DR. METHODS: The fecal samples from 32 type 2 diabetes patients with proliferative retinopathy (PDR), 23 with non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR), 27 without retinopathy (DM), and 29 from the sex-, age- and BMI- matched healthy controls (29 HC) were analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Sixty fecal samples from PDR, DM, and HC groups were assayed by untargeted metabolomics. Fecal metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Associations between gut microbiota and fecal metabolites were analyzed. RESULTS: A cluster of 2 microbiome and 12 metabolites accompanied with the severity of DR, and the close correlation of the disease progression with PDR-related microbiome and metabolites were found. To be specific, the structure of gut microbiota differed in four groups. Diversity and richness of gut microbiota were significantly lower in PDR and NPDR groups, than those in DM and HC groups. A cluster of microbiome enriched in PDR group, including Pseudomonas, Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002, Ruminococcaceae-UCG-005, Christensenellaceae-R-7, was observed. Functional analysis showed that the glucose and nicotinate degradations were significantly higher in PDR group than those in HC group. Arginine, serine, ornithine, and arachidonic acid were significantly enriched in PDR group, while proline was enriched in HC group. Functional analysis illustrated that arginine biosynthesis, lysine degradation, histidine catabolism, central carbon catabolism in cancer, D-arginine and D-ornithine catabolism were elevated in PDR group. Correlation analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002 and Christensenellaceae-R-7 were positively associated with L-arginine, ornithine levels in fecal samples. CONCLUSION: This study elaborates the different microbiota structure in the gut from four groups. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002 and Parabacteroides are associated with the severity of DR. Amino acid and fatty acid catabolism is especially disordered in PDR group. This may help provide a novel diagnostic parameter for DR, especially PDR.

Fecal proteolytic profiling of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: A pilot study.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, this invasive procedure has a high burden for pediatric patients. Previous research has shown elevated fecal amino acid concentrations in children with IBD versus controls. We hypothesized that this finding could result from increased proteolytic activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether fecal protease-based profiling was able to discriminate between IBD and controls. Protease activity was measured in fecal samples from patients with IBD (Crohn's disease (CD) n = 19; ulcerative colitis (UC) n = 19) and non-IBD controls (n = 19) using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-peptide library. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of each FRET-peptide substrate. Screening the FRET-peptide library revealed an increased total proteolytic activity (TPA), as well as degradation of specific FRET-peptides specifically in fecal samples from IBD patients. Based on level of significance (p < .001) and ROC curve analysis (AUC > 0.85), the fluorogenic substrates W-W, A-A, a-a, F-h, and H-y showed diagnostic potential for CD. The substrates W-W, a-a, T-t, G-v, and H-y showed diagnostic potential for UC based on significance (p < .001) and ROC analysis (AUC > 0.90). None of the FRET-peptide substrates used was able to differentiate between protease activity in fecal samples from CD versus UC. This study showed an increased fecal proteolytic activity in children with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve, IBD. This could lead to the development of novel, noninvasive biomarkers for screening and diagnostic purposes.

SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance of Wild Mice and Rats in North American Cities.

From July 2020 to June 2021, 248 wild house mice (Mus musculus), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and black rats (Rattus rattus) from Texas and Washington, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and infection. Two brown rats and 11 house mice were positive for neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization test, but negative or indeterminate with the Multiplexed Fluorometric ImmunoAssay COVID-Plex, which targets full-length spike and nuclear proteins. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and fecal samples tested negative by RT-qPCR, with an indeterminate fecal sample in one house mouse. Continued surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wild rodents is warranted.

A taste of wilderness: supplementary feeding of red deer (Cervus elaphus) increases individual bacterial microbiota diversity but lowers abundance of important gut symbionts

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of animals. It is especially critical for ruminants that depend on this bacterial community for digesting their food. In this study, we investigated the effects of management conditions and supplemental feeding on the gut bacterial microbiota of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany. Fecal samples were collected from free-ranging deer, deer within winter enclosures, and deer in permanent enclosures. The samples were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene. The results showed that the gut bacterial microbiota differed in diversity, abundance, and heterogeneity within and between the various management groups. Free-ranging deer exhibited lower alpha diversity compared with deer in enclosures, probably because of the food supplementation available to the animals within the enclosures. Free-living individuals also showed the highest beta diversity, indicating greater variability in foraging grounds and plant species selection. Moreover, free-ranging deer had the lowest abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa, suggesting a healthier gut microbiome. Winter-gated deer, which spent some time in enclosures, exhibited intermediate characteristics between free-ranging and all-year-gated deer. These findings suggest that the winter enclosure management strategy, including supplementary feeding with processed plants and crops, has a significant impact on the gut microbiome composition of red deer. Overall, this study provides important insights into the effects of management conditions, particularly winter enclosure practices, on the gut microbiome of red deer. Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing the potential health implications of management strategies and highlights the value of microbiota investigations as health marker.

Distinct gut microbiota signatures associated with progression of atherosclerosis in people living with HIV.

The relationship of microbiota composition dynamics and the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in people with HIV (PWH) remains unknown. 96-week, prospective, longitudinal study in virologically-suppressed PWH. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measurements and stool samples were obtained at baseline, 48-week and 96-week visits. cIMT progression was defined as an increase >10% and/or detection of new carotid plaque. To profile the gut microbiome, amplification and sequencing of 16S ribosomal-RNA (V3-V4 variable regions) were carried out following the Illumina protocol. Sequencing was performed with MiSeq platform. 191, 190 and 167 patients had available fecal samples for microbiome analysis at the baseline, 48- and 96-week visits, respectively. 87 (43%) participants showed atherosclerosis progression, and 54 (26.7%) presented new carotid plaque. No significant differences were observed in adjusted α-diversity indices between groups defined by cIMT progression. Beta-diversity determined through principal coordinate analysis distances showed that the groups exhibited distinct microbial profiles (PERMANOVA p-value = 0.03). Longitudinal analysis with ANCOM-BC2 adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, MSM and nadir CD4 count revealed that cIMT progression was consistently associated with Agathobacter and Ruminococcus_2, while non-progression was consistently associated with Prevotella_7. Progression of atherosclerosis in PWH might be associated with distinctive signatures in the gut microbiota.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Eimeria haematopusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in an Australian Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) (Aves: Charadriiformes)

A novel Eimeria Schneider, 1875 species is described from an Australian pied oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris Vieillot, in Western Australia. The pied oystercatcher was admitted to the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (KWRC), Perth, Western Australia in a poor body condition, abrasion to its right hock and signs of partial delamination to its lower beak. Investigation into potential medical causes resulted in a faecal sample being collected and screened for gastrointestinal parasites. Unsporulated coccidian oocysts were initially observed in the faeces and identified as Eimeria upon sporulation. The sporulated oocysts (n = 20) are ellipsoidal, 20–21 × 12–13 μm in shape and have thick bi-layered walls which are c.2/3 of the total thickness. Micropyle is present, robust and protruding, and occasionally has a rounded polar body attached to the micropyle. Within the oocyst, a residuum, in addition, two to five polar granules are present. There are four ellipsoidal sporocysts 9–11 × 5–6 μm with flattened to half-moon shaped Stieda bodies. Sub-Stieda body and para-Stieda body are absent. The sporocysts contain sporocyst residuums composed of a few spherules scattered among the sporozoites. Within the sporozoites, anterior and posterior refractile bodies are present, but the nucleus is indiscernible. To further characterise the novel Eimeria species from H. longirostris, molecular analysis was conducted at the 18S ribosomal RNA locus, using PCR amplification and cloning. Two cloned sequences from the novel Eimeria were compared with those from other Eimeria spp. with the highest genetic similarity of 97.6% and 97.2% from Clone 1 and 2, respectively with Eimeria reichenowi (AB544308) from a hooded crane (Grus monacha Temminck) in Japan. Both sequences grouped in a clade with the Eimeria spp. isolated from wetland birds, which include Eimeria paludosa (KJ767187) from a dusky moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa Gould) in Western Australia, Eimeria reichenowi (AB544308) and Eimeria gruis (AB544336) both from hooded cranes. Based on the morphological and molecular data, this Eimeria sp. is a new species of coccidian parasite and is named Eimeria haematopusin. sp. after its host H. longirostris.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital

Intestinal parasitosis constitutes a serious problem of public health, especially in developing countries. Even though the population of immunocompromised individuals is growing, this is a primary cause of illness and mortality. Numerous studies have demonstrated that immunosuppressive medications, such as those used after transplantation, as well as immune suppression as a primary immunodeficiency in HIV infection, increase the possibility of infection and persistent states of carriage. People whose immune systems were weakened, like in the case of chronic internal disorders or abnormal metabolism, were thought to be more susceptible to infection. A group of metabolic non-communicable diseases known as diabetes mellitus (DM) are characterized by hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar, which can be brought on by either inadequate secretion of insulin, insulin-resistant cells, or both. Parasitic infections in immunocompromised people are becoming more well-known as major opportunistic microorganisms that cause clinical illnesses. The goal of this research is to see how common intestinal parasite infections are in people with diabetes. The research was carried out at the Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Medical College, Bhilai, Durg district of Chhattisgarh, India. From March to August 2020, diabetic patients who visited hospitals were studied in this cross-sectional study. This study comprised 188 diabetic individuals with type I or type II diabetes who were taking anti-diabetic medication. With a little spoon and a sterile, dry, leak-proof plastic container with a tight-fitting cover that had the patient’s name and identification number on it, the feces samples were taken. The container was then quickly sent to the parasitology lab of the microbiology department for processing. Stool samples were examined under three headings: macroscopic examination, microscopic examination, and formal ether concentration procedure. A total of 188 DM patients was included with data on socio-demographic characteristics, and from each patient stool sample were collected and processed. Out of which, 27 stool samples were positive for intestinal parasites; showed a prevalence of 14.36%. Female 16 (16.49%) revealed a greater frequency than that of men 11 (12.09%). The age range of 51 to 60 years old exhibited the highest incidence 8 (29.63 %). Stool samples were positive for intestinal parasites with one suffering from a dual infection. Various parasites were detected in which Entamoeba histolytica 10 (5.32%) was most common parasite to isolate followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 9 (4.79%) and Giardia lamblia 6 (3.19%) was least isolated parasite. The most prevalent isolated parasite was Entamoeba histolytica, which was followed by Cryptosporidium parvum. Diabetic patients have an increased risk of parasitic infections, particularly when they have the opportunistic infection Entamoeba histolytica. Patients with diabetes who have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidium parvum have a weaker immune system. Therefore, for the sake of societal welfare, people with diabetes mellitus should have routine stool examination screening for parasite infection.

Rapid biotransformation of STW 5 constituents by human gut microbiome from IBS- and non-IBS donors.

STW 5 is an herbal medicinal product with proven clinical efficacy in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, like functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The effects of STW 5 on fecal microbial communities and metabolite production effects have been studied in an experimental model with fecal samples from individuals with and without IBS. While only minor taxonomic disparities were noted between IBS- and non-IBS samples and upon treatment with STW 5, rapid metabolic turnover of STW 5 components into specific degradation products with reported anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, or spasmolytic activities was observed, which may be relevant for the pharmacological activity of STW 5.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in domesticated animals from COVID-19 affected households in Bangladesh

The emergence and rapid global spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has sparked significant interest in understanding its zoonotic origins. This study aims to investigate animal and environmental samples in Bangladesh to identify the zoonotic source and reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2. This research adopted a comprehensive approach to gather and analyze samples from various animal species, including cattle, sheep, goats, cats, and dogs that are peridomestic in nature or remain in close contact, ensuring biosafety and avoiding cross-contamination. SARS-CoV-2 or related coronaviruses were identified using immunological detection and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). A total of 1028 samples from different regions of Bangladesh were collected from cattle (552), sheep (135), goats (112), cats (118), and dogs (111), of which 465 were rectal, 363 nasal swabs, and 200 blood samples. The samples were collected from those areas where there were human records of COVID-19 during July 2021- December 2022. The blood samples were collected and immediately used for antibody screening. No positive samples were found in both antibody test screens and RT-qPCR in fecal and nasal swab samples. The study indicated no COVID-19 infection was found in domestic animals and pets despite staying in close contact with COVID-19 patients or households, suggesting a limited risk of transmission from these animals to humans within the studied context. It's possible that domestic animals are not significantly involved in the COVID-19 epidemic in natural environment exposure conditions.

Fecal Microbial Communities of Nellore and Crossbred Beef Calves Raised at Pasture

This study aimed to investigate the effect of age and genetics on the fecal microbiota of beef calves. Ten purebred Nellore (Bos taurus indicus) and ten crossbreed 50% Nellore-50% European breed (Bos taurus taurus) calves co-habiting on the same pasture paddock had fecal samples collected on days five (5 d), 14 d, 28 d, 60 d, 90 d, 180 d, 245 d (weaning) and 260 d after birth. All calves were kept with their mothers, and six Nellore dams were also sampled at weaning. Microbiota analysis was carried out by amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene following high-throughput sequencing with a MiSeq Illumina platform. Results revealed that bacterial richness increased with age and became more similar to adults near weaning. Differences in microbiota membership between breeds were found at 60 d and 90 d and for structure at 60 d, 90 d, 245 d, and 260 d (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, crossbreed calves presented less variability in their microbiota. In conclusion, the genetic composition significantly impacted the distal gut microbiota of calves co-habiting in the same environment, and further studies investigating food intake can reveal possible associations between microbiota composition and performance.

Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia

The occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.

Social network dynamics, infant loss, and gut microbiota composition in female Colobus vellerosus during time periods with alpha male challenges.

The gut microbiota of group-living animals is strongly influenced by their social interactions, but it is unclear how it responds to social instability. We investigated whether social instability associated with the arrival of new males and challenges to the alpha male position could explain differences in the gut microbiota in adult female Colobus vellerosus at Boabeng-Fiema, Ghana. First, we used a data set collected during May-August 2007 and May 2008-2009 that consisted of (i) 50 fecal samples from adult females in eight social groups for V4 16S rRNA sequencing to determine gut microbiota composition, and (ii) demographic and behavioral data ad libitum to determine male immigration, challenges to the alpha male position, and infant births and deaths. Sørensen and Bray-Curtis beta diversity indices (i.e., between-sample microbiota variation) were predicted by year, alpha male stability, group identity, and age. Next, we used a more detailed behavioral data set collected during focal observations of adult females in one group with a prolonged alpha male takeover and three cases of infant loss, to create 12-month versus 3-month 1-m proximity networks that preceded and overlapped the gut microbiome sampling period in that group. The long versus short-term networks were not correlated, suggesting temporal variation in proximity networks. In this group, beta diversity among the five adult females was predicted by similarity in infant loss status and short-term (rather than yearly) 1-m proximity ties. Although the mechanism driving this association needs to be further investigated in future studies, our findings indicate that alpha male takeovers are associated with gut microbiota variation and highlight the importance of taking demographic and social network dynamics into account.

Evaluation of fecal sample collection methods for feline gut microbiome profiling: fecal loop vs. litter box

IntroductionMicrobial population structures within fecal samples are vital for disease screening, diagnosis, and gut microbiome research. The two primary methods for collecting feline fecal samples are: (1) using a fecal loop, which retrieves a rectal sample using a small, looped instrument, and (2) using the litter box, which collects stool directly from the litter. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different research objectives.Methods and resultsWhole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing were performed on the gut microbiomes of fecal samples collected using these two methods from 10 adult cats housed in the same research facility. We evaluated the influence of collection methods on feline microbiome analysis, particularly their impact on DNA extraction, metagenomic sequencing yield, microbial composition, and diversity in subsequent gut microbiome analyses. Interestingly, fecal sample collection using a fecal loop resulted in a lower yield of microbial DNA compared to the litterbox method (p = 0.004). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of host contamination (p = 0.106), virus contamination (p = 0.232), relative taxonomy abundance of top five phyla (Padj &amp;gt; 0.638), or the number of microbial genes covered (p = 0.770). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, the number of taxa identified at each taxonomic level, and the relative abundance of taxonomic units.DiscussionThese two sample collection methods do not affect microbial population structures within fecal samples and collecting fecal samples directly from the litterbox within 6 hours after defecation can be considered a reliable approach for microbiome research.

Faecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 from patients with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 without gastrointestinal symptoms in Ghana

ObjectiveIn this study, we sought to determine whether faecal shedding occurs among SARS-COV-2 positive Ghanaians, as reported elsewhere. Hence we assayed for SARS-COV-2 in the stools of 48 SARS-COV-2 confirmed patients at the Ho Municipal Hospital in Ghana.ResultsOf the 48 COVID-19 patients, 45 (93.8%) had positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 faecal shedding. About 60% reported no respiratory symptoms, while only 2% (1 patient) reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the form of nausea. Other symptoms reported included headache (57.9%), weakness (57.9%), cough (52.6%), blocked/runny nose (47.4%), fever (31.6%), sore throat (31.6%), and shortness of breath (21.1%). One person complained of nausea (5.3%) Semi-quantitative comparison of the SARS COV-2 viral loads in matched respiratory and faecal samples using the cycle threshold (CT) values revealed no statistical differences. Furthermore, the duration between collection of respiratory and faecal samples did not have any direct influence on the differences in the CT values. This suggests that treatment and use of sewage for environmental surveillance of SARS COV-2 could be a potential public health countermeasure.

A single subcutaneous dose of eprinomectin (Eprecis®) is effective against common gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in experimentally infected lactating goats

BackgroundThe health and productivity of dairy goats continue to be impacted by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and lungworms (LW). Eprinomectin (EPN) is frequently selected for treatment because it is generally effective and does not require a milk withdrawal period. However, some factors, such as lactation, can have an impact on EPN pharmacokinetics and potentially its efficacy. To evaluate whether this can alter the efficacy of Eprecis® 2%, an eprinomectin injectable solution, a study was performed in lactating goats using the dose currently registered in cattle, sheep and goats (0.2 mg/kg).MethodsThis study was a blinded, randomized, controlled trial performed according to the VICH guidelines. Eighteen (18) worm-free lactating goats were included and experimentally challenged on day 28 with a mixed culture of infective gastrointestinal and lung nematode larvae (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Dictyocaulus filaria). At D-1, fecal samples were collected to confirm patent infection in all animals. On D0, the goats were randomly allocated into two groups of nine goats; group 1 was treated with Eprecis® 2% at 0.2 mg/kg BW by subcutaneous injection, while group 2 remained untreated. Fecal samples for egg counts were collected from all animals on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14. On D14, all goats were killed, and the abomasum, small intestine and lungs were removed, processed and subsampled to record the number and species of worms.ResultsThe treatment was well tolerated. After treatment, the arithmetic mean FEC decreased in the treated group and remained < 5 EPG until the end of the study, while the arithmetic mean FEC in the control group remained > 849.0 EPG. At D14, goats in the treated group had very limited or zero total worm counts, whereas all animals from the control group had a high worm burden. The measured efficacy was 100.0% against H. contortus and T. colubriformis, 99.9% against T. circumcincta and 98.0% against D. filaria.ConclusionsEprinomectin (Eprecis®, 20 mg/ml), administered at the label dose (0.2 mg/kg), is highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in lactating goats.Graphical abstract

Are the biodistribution and metabolic effects of copper nanoparticles dependent on differences in the physiological functions of dietary fibre?

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the recommended (6.5 mg/kg) or enhanced (13 mg/kg) level of CuNPs in the diet in combination with different types of dietary fibre – cellulose (control), inulin, pectin, or psyllium on the Cu biodistribution and level of selected minerals parameters in the blood of rats. Rats were randomly divided into 10 groups. The first two groups were fed control diets containing cellulose and a mineral mixture with standard or enhanced content of CuCO3. Experimental groups were fed a diet supplemented with CuNPs (6.5 or 13 mg/kg) and combined with different types of fibre (cellulose, pectin, inulin, or psyllium). After the feeding period blood, liver, brain, and thigh samples were collected. In the samples of water, diet, urine, feces, liver, brain, and thigh the Cu content was determined to assess Cu biodistribution in the body. Additionally, the concentrations of minerals (Cu, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn) in the blood plasma samples were measured. The replacement of CuCO3 with CuNPs in the diet beneficially influenced the biodistribution of Cu in the body by reducing its excretion, improving its digestibility, and utilization, reducing its accumulation in the brain and muscle, and increasing levels of Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Fe in the blood. Increasing the level of CuNPs in the diet increased total Cu intake. The addition of pectin, inulin and psyllium to the diet with a high content of CuNPs significantly increased the excretion of Cu, with no negative effect on its digestibility, and utilization, and prevented its excessive accumulation in the brain and muscle of rats, especially in the case of inulin. The results suggest that the addition of dietary fibre to the diet of rats ensures homeostasis of this element in the case of excessive intake of CuNPs by modifying the bioavailability of Cu.

Relationship between the components of mare breast milk and foal gut microbiome: shaping gut microbiome development after birth

The gut microbiota (GM) is essential for mammalian health. Although the association between infant GM and breast milk (BM) composition has been well established in humans, such a relationship has not been investigated in horses. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the GM formation of foals during lactation and determine the presence of low-molecular-weight metabolites in mares’ BM and their role in shaping foals’ GM. The fecal and BM samples from six pairs of foals and mares were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic and metabolomic analyses, respectively. The composition of foal GM changed during lactation time; hierarchical cluster analysis divided the fetal GM into three groups corresponding to different time points in foal development. The level of most metabolites in milk decreased over time with increasing milk yield, while threonic acid and ascorbic acid increased. Further analyses revealed gut bacteria that correlated with changes in milk metabolites; for instance, there was a positive correlation between Bacteroidaceae in the foal’s gut microbiota and serine/glycine in the mother’s milk. These findings help improve the rearing environment of lactating horses and establish artificial feeding methods for foals.

HIV rebound in HIV controllers is associated with a specific fecal microbiome profile.

HIV infection is associated with gut dysbiosis, and microbiome variability may affect HIV control when antiretroviral therapy (ART) is stopped. The TLR7 agonist, vesatolimod, was previously associated with a modest delay in viral rebound following analytical treatment interruption in HIV controllers (HCs). Using a retrospective analysis of fecal samples from HCs treated with vesatolimod or placebo (NCT03060447), people with chronic HIV (CH; NCT02858401) or without HIV (PWOH), we examined fecal microbiome profile in HCs before/after treatment, and in CH and PWOH. Microbiome diversity and abundance were compared between groups to investigate the association between specific phyla/species, immune biomarkers, and viral outcomes during treatment interruption. Although there were no significant differences in gut microbiome diversity between people with and without HIV, HCs, and CH shared common features that distinguished them from PWOH. there was a trend toward greater microbiome diversity among HCs. Treatment with vesatolimod reduced dysbiosis in HCs. Firmicutes positively correlated with T-cell activation, while Bacteroidetes and Euryarchaeota inversely correlated with TLR7-mediated immune activation. Specific types of fecal microbiome abundance (e.g. Alistipes putredinis) positively correlated with HIV rebound. In conclusion, variability in the composition of the fecal microbiome is associated with markers of immune activation following vesatolimod treatment and ART interruption.

Enteroparasites and risk factors for infection in native and exotic domiciled birds in the North Pioneer region of Paraná State, Brazil

Although parasitic infections are common in free-ranging birds, they pose more significant threats in captivity. Free-ranging birds can live in large areas and have low exposure to parasitosis. On the other hand, birds kept in captivity, the high population density results in greater exposure, putting the animal's survival at risk. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal endoparasites in domiciled birds (native and exotic) in the Mesoregion North Pioneer of Paraná. For this, 59 fecal samples were collected from 63 birds and analyzed by the centrifugation-flotation method in hypersaturated sucrose solution. Of the 63 birds, 38 (60%) were native, 22 (35%) exotic and 3 (5%) hybrids. Oocysts, eggs and larvae were found in 22.03% (13/59) of the samples analyzed. Higher occurrence of protozoa (20.34% - 12/59) than helminths (5.08% - 3/59) was observed, in which seven genera found: Isospora, Eimeria, Ancylostoma, Heterakis, Strongyloides, Cryptosporidium and one cestode. No endoparasites were found in the ten exotic birds and three native birds analyzed. It is concluded that the birds were infected by helminths and protozoa with a higher occurrence of coccidia, with the genus Isospora predominating. Probably due to the low sampling, there was no influence of keeping birds in individual cages compared to birds kept in collective cages, birds raised in rural or urban areas, nor of the adequacy and hygiene of drinkers and feeders, thermal comfort and hygiene of the birds' enclosures. Studies on parasites in wild birds are necessary to gain a more profound understanding of the intensity of anthropogenic influences on these animal species.

The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on antibiotic-associated diarrhea and its impact on gut microbiota

BackgroundAntibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) refers to symptoms of diarrhea that cannot be explained by other causes after the use of antibiotics. AAD is thought to be caused by a disruption of intestinal ecology due to antibiotics. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a treatment method that involves transferring microbial communities from the feces of healthy individuals into the patient’s gut.MethodWe selected 23 AAD patients who received FMT treatment in our department. Before FMT, we documented patients’ bowel movement frequency, abdominal symptoms, routine blood tests, and inflammatory markers, and collected fecal samples for 16S rRNA sequencing to observe changes in the intestinal microbiota. Patients’ treatment outcomes were followed up 1 month and 3 months after FMT.ResultsOut of the 23 AAD patients, 19 showed a clinical response to FMT with alleviation of abdominal symptoms. Among them, 82.61% (19/23) experienced relief from diarrhea, 65% (13/20) from abdominal pain, 77.78% (14/18) from abdominal distension, and 57.14% (4/7) from bloody stools within 1 month after FMT. Inflammatory markers IL-8 and CRP significantly decreased after FMT, but there were no noticeable changes in WBC, IL-6, and TNF-α before and after transplantation. After FMT, the abundance of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium increased in patients’ fecal samples, while the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Veillonella decreased.ConclusionFMT has a certain therapeutic effect on AAD, and can alleviate abdominal symptoms and change the intestinal microbiota of patients.