Enhancing egg production in geese without antibiotics remains a challenge in poultry science. This study compared the effects of Lactobacillus (LAB) and Bacillus (BAC) probiotics on laying performance, gut microbiota, and serum metabolism in Zhedong White geese. Birds were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with LAB or BAC. Egg production and quality were monitored throughout the trial. Serum metabolomics and fecal 16S rRNA sequencing were integrated with KEGG enrichment and correlation analyses to uncover functional mechanisms. Both probiotics improved laying performance and egg quality. Total egg production of the LAB group was 8.5% higher than that of the BAC group (p < 0.05). The LAB group's advantage in egg production was consistent with its stronger activation of the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway (elevated serum corticosterone and tetrahydrocorticosterone indicated an overall enhancement of steroidogenic flux). Simultaneously, the LAB group exhibited a more efficient conversion of L-phenylalanine to catecholamine precursors, which drove activation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. The BAC group showed more significant changes in nitrogen and energy metabolism pathways and a more pronounced expansion of energy-harvesting Firmicutes. These findings reveal two strain-specific regulatory pathways: LAB functions through the "aromatic amino acid-neuroendocrine-steroid hormone axis," while BAC relies on the "gut microbiota-energy metabolism" pathway, with direct implications for the precise application of probiotics under antibiotic-free farming conditions.

New understanding on the combined treatment of lactobacillus and carnosine for protecting dexamethasone-induced cardiac and skeletal muscle injury.

Fungal pathogens continue to pose a significant challenge to global agriculture, food security, and public health, resulting in substantial crop losses, food spoilage, and the accumulation of harmful mycotoxins. The extensive reliance on synthetic chemical fungicides raises serious concerns, including the emergence of resistant fungal strains, ecotoxicity, and adverse health effects. This review highlights the potential of Bacillus spp. and Lactobacillus (LAB) in the development of natural antifungal agents. These bacterial genera are known for the production of a wide range of bioactive metabolites, such as cell-free supernatants (CFS) with potent antifungal properties, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phenolic acids, and lipopeptides. Lactobacillus-derived compounds, particularly phenyl lactic acid, play a dual role in inhibiting fungal growth while also improving food quality and safety. Similarly, Bacillus spp. produce lipopeptides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are effective against a wide range of airborne and soilborne plant pathogens. Recent studies also highlight Bacillus-mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles (e.g. silver, zinc oxide, and selenium) with potent antifungal activity. These eco-friendly nanomaterials inhibit fungal growth, disrupt biofilms, and enhance plant defenses, offering a targeted and sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. This review advocates the integration of bacterial antifungal strategies into sustainable agriculture and post-harvest management systems.

Fatty acids (FAs) are the building block of fats or lipids and the key indicator for rancidity during grain storage. The pearl millet grains were subjected to lactobacillus (LAB) fermentation and changes in their fatty acid profile with respect to different storage conditions were analysed. This study scrutinized the effect of storage period and temperature (5, 25, and 45 °C) on the fatty acid profile of raw and fermented pearl millet grains stored for 120 days through the FA analysis. A total of 23 FA compounds were identified in raw and fermented grains during storage. The predominant FAs identified in both the control and fermented pearl millet grains are linoleic, oleic, palmitic, alpha-linolenic, and stearic acids. Multivariate data analysis shows that the oPLS-DA and sPLS-DA could distinctly classify the fatty acid data as compared to PLS-DA with respect to various storage conditions. A high value of the variable importance in projection score (VIP > 1) indicates a significant contribution of the FAs to cluster separation. The idea of the FA analysis at a particular time period will be helpful for the endorsement of applicable remedial measures so as to minimize grain quality loss and recommend a use-by-date.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-15785-0.

This study evaluated the potential of utilizing Sesbania cannabina, produced during saline–alkali soil improvement, as a high-quality feed resource for ruminants. Mixed silages were prepared by combining S. cannabina and whole corn at ratios of 1:1 and 1:3, with or without a compound Lactobacillus (LAB) inoculant, and were assessed for fermentation quality, nutrient composition, ruminal degradation, intestinal digestibility, and energy value. Results: The addition of Lactobacillus (LAB) inoculants increased lactic acid content, crude protein effective degradability (CPED), gross energy (GE), and dry matter apparent digestibility (DMAD), while decreasing ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), rumen undegradable protein (RUP), intestinal crude protein degradability (ICPD), and intestinal digestible crude protein (IDCP). Increasing the proportion of whole corn increased dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE), while reducing crude protein (CP), NDF, ADF, Ash, rumen degradable protein (RDP), RUP, IDCP, and the effective ruminal degradability of NDF (NDFED) and ADF (ADFED). Overall, a 1:1 mixing ratio maximized S. cannabina utilization without compromising feeding value, and LAB inoculation ensured successful ensiling while enhancing nutrient utilization.

Genitourinary tract infections, including bacterial vaginosis, which is characterized by the loss of Lactobacillus (LAB) in the vaginal microbiota, is a risk factor for low birth weight. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation on the incidence of genitourinary tract infections in pregnant women and the birth weights of newborns in Bangladesh. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Women in early pregnancy were randomized to the FOS or placebo groups (105 women per group), and supplements were provided daily until delivery. Stool samples were collected from women at baseline and at 24 and 36weeks of gestation and from infants at birth for the analysis of LAB and Bifidobacterium by PCR. Vaginal swabs to test for bacterial vaginosis were collected at 18 and 30weeks of gestation. Anthropometric measurements were taken at birth, and the newborns were followed up for 6months. Of the 210 pregnant women, 8 had abortions, 5 refused the study product, 31 migrated, 4 had infants who were stillborn, and the neonate of 1 woman died early. The mean (SD) birth weight was 2799 (381) grams; 27 (17.0%) newborns had low birth weight (15.6% in the FOS group and 19.5% in the placebo group). Birth weight did not differ between the groups after adjusting for gestational week at birth and maternal early pregnancy BMI. Bacterial vaginoses were observed in 4.3% of women in the FOS group and 3.1% of women in the placebo group and were not statistically different between the groups. LAB colonization rates in stools of pregnant women at 24 and 36 gestational weeks did not differ between the groups. However, LAB colonization rate was higher in stools of infants in the FOS group than in those in the placebo group (68.8% in the FOS group and 51.2% in the placebo group, p = 0.024). This difference remained significant after adjusting for maternal age and LAB colonization at baseline (adjusted risk ratio (95% CI) = 1.45 (1.12-1.88), p = 0.005). The rate of Bifidobacterium colonization in the stools of infants did not differ between the groups. FOS supplementation did not affect bacterial vaginosis incidence in pregnant women or infant birth weight. A higher rate of Lactobacillus in the stool samples of infants whose mothers received FOS was observed. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings with a large sample size. This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02127225).

In this study, we developed novel porous starch (PS)/Lactobacillus (LS) microcapsules via in situ cross-linking with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), using Lactobacillus johnsonii (LJ), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as representative strains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the cross-linked microcapsules (designated as PS/LS-CL: PS/LJ-CL, PS/LA-CL, PS/LGG-CL) formed aggregated structures with denser microarchitecture compared to uncross-linked porous starch/Lactobacillus microcapsules (designated as PS/LS: PS/LJ, PS/LA, PS/LGG). The encapsulation efficiencies of PS/LJ-CL, PS/LA-CL, and PS/LGG-CL (79.56%, 78.49%, and 55.96%, respectively) significantly surpassed those of their uncross-linked counterparts (67.92%, 58.68%, and 47.71%, p < 0.05). In addition, the cross-linked porous starch microcapsules improved the survival rate of Lactobacillus during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and long-time storage. Importantly, the oral gavage of PS/LS-CL, PS/LA-CL, and PS/LGG-CL significantly increased the amount of Lactobacillus. The colonization efficiency of all the tested Lactobacillus in mice was detected by both gradient dilution plate counting and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These findings indicate the potential function of the in situ cross-linked porous starch microcapsules as a robust delivery system to enhance the colonization of probiotics in vivo.

Probiotic supplementation contributes to glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Abstract Fatty acids (FAs) are the building block of fats or lipids and the key indicator for rancidity during grain storage. The pearl millet grains were subjected to lactobacillus (LAB) fermentation and changes in their lipidomic profile with respect to different storage conditions were analysed. This study scrutinised the effect of storage period and temperature (5, 25, and 45 °C) on the lipidomic profile of raw and fermented pearl millet grains stored for 120 days through the FA analysis. A total of 23 FA compounds were identified in raw and fermented grains during storage. The predominant FAs identified in both the control and fermented pearl millet grains are linoleic, oleic, palmitic, alpha-linolenic, and steric acids. It can be observed that the unsaturated FAs such as linoleic and oleic acids are prone to oxidation during storage, contribute to rancidity of the grains. Multivariate data analysis shows that the oPLS-DA and sPLS-DA could distinctly classify the lipidomic data as compared to PLS-DA with respect to various storage conditions. A high value of the variable importance in projection score (VIP&gt; 1) indicates a significant contribution of the FAs to cluster separation. The idea of the lipidomic profile of FA analysis at a particular time period will be helpful for the endorsement of applicable remedial measures so as to minimize grain quality loss and recommending a use-by-date.

A feeding trial was conducted to study the dietary effect of feeding probiotics on growth performance and gut microbial changes of fish, Silver barb (Puntius gonionotus) yearlings for 90 days. Four iso-nitogenous diets (crude protein: 32%) with graded levels of probiotics incorporation i.e. T1(Control), T2 (Lacto Bacillus sporogenes at a rate of4% in the diet), T3 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a rate of 4% in the diet) and T4 (L. sporogenes + S. cerevisiae at a rate of 2% each in the diet) were fed to Silver barb yearlings (average body weight: 63.42&plusmn;1.13 g to 64.42 &plusmn; 0.66 g) in triplicates (12 healthy fish per replicate) following a completely randomised design (CRD). Twelve FRP tanks of 500-L capacity having a provision of aeration were used for rearing the fish. Fishes were fed with the diets at the rate of 3% of their body weight twice daily. The average bodyweight gains (%) of fish were 30.55&plusmn;3.40, 40.64&plusmn;1.83, 55.91&plusmn;3.29 and 73.07&plusmn;1.72 for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectivelyat the end of the study. Highest growth as measured by average final weight (110.31&plusmn;1.58 g), body weight gain (46.58&plusmn;1.30 g), SGR (0.61&plusmn;0.01% per day), PER (1.35&plusmn;0.04) coupled minimum FCR (2.75&plusmn;0.09) was observed in T4 group compared to other groups (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, the T2(21366.67&plusmn; 185.59) and T4(232333.33&plusmn; 6661.92) treatments showed significantly higher in gut microbial count i.e., L. sporogenes and S. cerevisiae, respectively followed by T4 treatment in L. sporogenes (12100.00&plusmn;152.75) and T3 treatment in S. cerevisiae (198333.33&plusmn;1201.85).In line to this, data on gut S. cerevisiae count was reported significantly higher in T4 treatment throughout the study than in others (p&lt;0.05).The findings from the study also revealed that the probiotic bacteria i.e. S cereviciae was colonised in the gut after 15 days, however, L. sporogenes was not colonized in the gut. In conclusion, the study revealed the feasibility of dietary incorporation of both probiotics i.e. L. sporogenes and S. cerevisiae in the diets of Silver barb at the rate of 4% (2% each) for better growth and optimum gut microbial flora.

ABSTRACT Cervicovaginal (CV) microbiota is critical for the well-being of host. We investigated the relationship between the ratio of Lactobacilli (LB) and cocci/coccobacilli (C/CB)-type microbial cells with biofilm formation of CV mixed cultures of women with no inflammation/infection or any epithelial abnormalities in Pap-stained smears Group 1 (G1) corresponds to the flora with LB-type cells alone, whereas G2 corresponds to the LB-dominated flora. G3 contains balanced LB and C/CB cells and G4 is dominated with C/CB. G5 corresponds to a flora with C/CB-type cells alone. Biofilm formation of CV mixed cultures was assessed by crystal violet binding assay and optical density (OD)≥0.8 were defined as biofilm producers. G1 and G3 exist in higher frequencies compared to the other smear groups. However, although the frequency of G5 dominated with C/CB-type cells were the lowest (4%); biofilm formation in that group was observed in the highest frequency (42.9%). The least biofilm formation frequency was observed in G3 smears with balanced flora (1%). Biofilm formation in healthy CV flora increases when there becomes an imbalance between LB and C/CB-type cells and an increase in C/CB-type cells. Our approach may enable early detection of vaginal dysbiosis in healthy flora prone to biofilm-associated CV infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Background and objectives: Fixed orthodontic treatment can alter the oral environment, potentially increasing cariogenic bacteria levels. This study aimed to utilize real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify salivary levels of cariogenic bacteria in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Erbil, Iraq, from April 2024 to August 2024. One hundred participants were included in the study by random sampling method and equally divided into two groups: case group or orthodontic group and control group. The orthodontic group included participants with fixed orthodontic brackets, while the control group included participants without current or past orthodontic treatment with matching age and sex as the orthodontic group. Data were collected via questionnaires, clinical examinations, and saliva sampling. Salivary samples were analyzed using real-time PCR to detect Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB) spp. levels.Results: The age ranged from 18 to 30 years, and the mean age of participants was 23.96 ± 3.64 years. No significant differences were observed between the two groups across most parameters, except in the use of fluoride therapy, where the control group demonstrated better usage (p≤0.003). Real-time PCR results indicated a significant difference in the levels of LB and SM between patients with fixed orthodontics and the control group (p≤0.001). However, no significant differences were found in decay indices such as decayed, missing, and filled teeth; decayed, missing, and filled surfaces; and plaque index in this study.Conclusions: The quantity and levels of LB and SM were higher in the orthodontic group compared to the control group. Despite the elevated bacterial levels in the orthodontic group, there was no significant difference in decay and plaque indices between the two groups.

Sensor model fusion reveals the dynamics of lactobacillus fermentation with real time concentrations of lactic and acetic acids in ensiling of maize and ryegrass

The development of intelligent, environmentally responsive and biocompatible photothermal system holds significant importance for the photothermal combined therapy of tumors. In this study, inspired by Lactobacillus (LAC), we prepared a biomimetic nanoplatform PDA&DOX@LAC for tumor photothermal-chemotherapy by integrating the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) with dopamine through oxidative polymerization to form polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of LAC. The PDA&DOX@LAC nanoplatform not only achieves precise and controlled release of DOX based on the slightly acidic microenvironment of tumor tissues, but also exhibits enzyme-like properties to alleviate tumor hypoxia. Under near-infrared light irradiation, it effectively induces photothermal ablation of tumor cells, enhances cellular uptake of DOX with increasing temperature, and thus efficiently inhibits tumor cell growth. Moreover, it is further confirmed in vivo experiments that photothermal therapy combined with PDA&DOX@LAC induces tumor cells apoptosis, releases tumor-associated antigens, which is engulfed by dendritic cells to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby effectively suppressing tumor growth and prolonging the survival period of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, the PDA&DOX@LAC nanoplatform holds immense potential in precise tumor targeting as well as photothermal combined therapy and provides valuable insights and theoretical foundations for the development of novel tumor treatment strategies based on endogenous substances within the body.

Association between untreated caries and cariogenic bacteria in adolescents in Taiwan

Strain-specific probiotics can present antioxidant activity and reduce damage caused by oxidation. Streptococcus alactolyticus strain FGM (S. alactolyticus strain FGM) isolated from the chicken cecum shows potential probiotic properties which have been previously demonstrated. However, the antioxidant properties of S. alactolyticus strain FGM remain unknown. In this view, cell-free supernatant (CFS), intact cells (IC) and intracellular extracts (CFE) of strain FGM and 3 strains of Lactobacillus (LAB) were prepared, and their scavenging capacities against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were compared in this study. The effects of strain FGM cell-free supernatant (FCFS) on NO production, activity of SOD and GSH-Px in RAW264.7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were analyzed. The metabolites in the supernatant were quantitated by N300 Quantitative Metabolome. It was shown that the physicochemical characteristics of CFS to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were significantly stronger than that of IC and CFE in the strain FGM (P < 0.05), respectively 87.12% ± 1.62, 45.03% ± 1.27, 15.63% ± 1.34. FCFS had a promotional effect on RAW264.7 cells, and significantly elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities in RAW264.7 cells. 25 μL FCFS significantly promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, increased the activities of SOD and GSH-PX, and decreased the release of NO. Furthermore, among the differential metabolites of FCFS quantified by N300, 12 metabolites were significantly up-regulated, including lactic acid, indole lactic acid, linoleic acid, pyruvic acid etc., many of which are known with antioxidant properties. In conclusion, FCFS had good antioxidant properties and activity, which can be attributed to metabolites produced from strain FGM fermentation. It was further confirmed that S. alactolyticus strain FGM and its postbiotic have potential probiotic properties and bright application prospects in livestock and poultry breeding.

Two leading environmental factors that influence the overall health of humans are diet and physical exercise. However, it is still unclear how these factors influence health and disease susceptibility. Both diet and exercise have been shown to modulate the microbial flora that may significantly influence health and disease; however, it is unclear if diet modulates the effects of exercise on gut microflora. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how diet and exercise modulate the microbial content of the mouse cecum. Male, weanling, C57Bl/6 mice were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets ad libitum: standard laboratory chow, AIN93-G, and our novel Americanized diet (AD). Within each diet, mice were then assigned to a voluntary exercise regimen (wheel access, 16-hours per day, 3-days per week) or a control sedentary group (individually housed in cage without wheel for the same duration and frequency). After 2-weeks of exercise, mice were euthanized and cecal microbial content was determined by16S rDNA sequencing and RT-PCR for Firmicutes (FIRM), Bifidobacterium (GBIFD), Lactobacillus (LB) , and Bacteroides (BACT). Data were analyzed using GLM Procedures in SPSS with significance determined at P&lt;0.05. Pilot results found that diet, exercise, and their interaction significantly influenced FIRM expression. Mice fed the standard chow diet had the lowest expression of FIRM , which was significantly lower than mice fed AIN (P&lt;0.001) and AD (P=0.001). Exercise caused a significant decrease (P&lt;0.001) in FIRM presence, especially in mice fed AIN and AD. Diet and exercise also significantly influenced GBIFD , with mice fed AIN having significantly more GBIFD than mice fed chow and AD (P&lt;0.001 for both). Exercise also caused a significant reduction (P=0.016) in GBIFD , and a reduction in LB expression in mice fed chow and AD, but not AIN (P=0.03). The results of this study highlight how two key aspects of lifestyle, diet and exercise, independently and additively influence the gastrointestinal flora in a preclinical mouse model. Additional studies are needed to validate these findings and determine their physiological significance.

Effects of carnosine combined with Lactobacillus on the antioxidant capacity of liver and kidney in normal or stressed mice

The rise of functional foods has expanded food production, offering not just essential nutrition but also potential health and longevity benefits. This study aimed to identify probiotics from common Nigerian fermented foods as potential starter cultures for yogurt production. Ten local fermented food were screened for suitable starter culture(probiotics) for yogurt production, including fresh milk from cow (CM), sheep (SM), and goat (GM), as well as pap made from maize, millet, sorghum, cassava products (garri, fufu, and lafun), and Kunuzaki. Probiotic isolates with desired characteristics underwent tests for tolerance to acidic pH and bile conditions; antioxidative properties. Test yogurt was produced using Lactobacillus (LAB) isolates and physicochemical and organoleptic scores were determined for the yogurt samples. LAB species from CM, SM, and Lafun samples showed tolerance to both acidic pH (pH 3.0) and 0.5 percent bile. CM isolates exhibited strong antioxidant effects comparable to vitamin C. Yogurt samples had pH ranging from 4.77 to 5.45 and titratable acidity from 5.56 to 8.06. Sensory characteristics of the test yogurt did not significantly differ from commercial yogurt (p ≤ 0.05). Thus, probiotics (LAB) from common Nigerian fermented foods like CM, SM, and lafun could serve as cost-effective, nutrient-rich alternatives for yogurt starter cultures.

Out of 50 samples of yogurt and vaginal swabs, 20 isolates of Lactobacillus (LAB) were isolated for the current investigation. Additionally, the bacteriocin produced by lactic acid bacteria that produced against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria was screened. The results of morphological, microscopical, and biochemical tests used to identify these isolates showed that they are all of the Lactobacillus genus. Moreover, screening was performed for the best producer isolate and the results showed the yogurt-isolated Lactobacillus bacterium was the best bacteriocin activity according to screening results for the best producer isolate. To isolate the P. aeruginosa-tested bacterium about 100 urine samples from females patients at AlBatool teaching hospital (Diyala/Iraq) with ages ranging from 19 to 40 years were gathered. 34 investigated bacteria in all were isolated. When two antibiotics (Piperacillin 5 mg and Ciprofloxacin 10 mg) were tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the agar disk diffusion method, all isolates appeared to be resistant to Piperacillin and 16% to Ciprofloxacin. Using the micro-titer plate method on four different isolates of P. aeruginosa, both with and without bacteriocin treatments, the producing biofilm was observed. The results showed that bacteriocin treatment resulted in a decrease in biofilm thickness (i.e., biofilm absorbency). Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bacteriocin, determined using the good diffusions method, was 12.5 mg/ml. &nbsp; &nbsp;The expression of genes PA-ss (species-specific gene) and Ps1A (polysaccharide synthesis locus) before and after bacteriocin treatment was compared using reverse transcription-quantitative quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The findings indicate that this gene's folding was reduced following bacteriocin treatment, indicating that bacteriocin inhibits the gene expression in the bacteria that form biofilms to isolate them.