Fecal Matter Research Articles

The effectiveness of faecal collection devices in preventing moderate to severe incontinence-associated dermatitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common problem among critically ill patients with faecal incontinence (FI). However, there are few studies comparing the effects of different faecal collection devices impact the prevention of moderate to severe IAD in this patient population. This review aims to compare the effectiveness of various devices for collecting faecal matter in preventing moderate to severe IAD in critically ill patients suffering from FI through a network meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan fang, Wei Pu, and China Biomedicine (CBM) from their inception until May 4, 2023. The selected studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two researchers independently performed study selection and data extraction. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool Version 2.0. RevMan 5.4 was utilized for conventional pairwise meta-analysis of direct comparisons, while Stata16.0 was employed for network meta-analysis. A total of 14 studies, involving 1345 patients, were included in the analysis. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that an anal bag[odds ratio(OR): 0.07(0.03, 0.20)], a balloon catheter[(OR:0.30(0.15, 0.62)], and an anal bag connected to negative pressure and flushing [(OR: 0.09(0.01,0.68)] all reduced the incidence of moderate to severe IAD in critically ill patients compared with usual care measures, respectively. The cumulative rank probabilities indicated that moderate to severe IAD prevention was more effective when employing balloon catheters connected to negative pressure [surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA): 20.8%] and anal bags connected to negative pressure (SUCRA: 27.0%) among critically ill patients with FI. FI is a common problem among severely ill patients, and the reduction of moderate and severe IAD incidence is deemed essential. In this review, it is suggested that both balloon catheters connected to negative pressure and anal bags connected to negative pressure are associated with a higher effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe IAD. The findings of this review can assist healthcare professionals in the selection of suitable stool management devices for the prevention of moderate to severe IAD in critically ill patients with FI.

Ileal fecaloma in a 2-month healthy boy

A fecaloma is a fecal matter that builds up to form a hard mass of feces that is extremely rigid than a mass connected with fecal impaction. Fecalomas are commonly in the rectosigmoid region. Our report aimed to give a brief review of this case and discuss the treatment options for it. A 2-month-old male presented with bowel obstruction and a palpable mass on the right side of the abdomen. A simple abdominal radiograph and contrasted abdominal computed tomography scan were performed immediately, resulting in small intestine mechanical obstruction. A 4.6 × 6.6 × 4 cm fecaloma was found in the distal ileum. We consequently diagnosed a case of ileal fecaloma-producing small bowel obstruction. The patient was surgically managed after conservative treatment failed.

P179 Decrease in Butyric Acid in fecal matter in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease is associated with the levels of secretory Immunoglobulin A and fecal calprotectin

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence shows that the development of IBD is always accompanied by dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by prebiotic intestinal bacteria, with mportant anti-inflammatory functions, delaying the clinical progression of IBD. The aim of this study is to compare SCFA levels in fecal matter in patients with IBD versus patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and healthy controls. Methods 24 patients were evaluated for the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, demographic data and inflammatory markers: fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), secretory IgA (SIgA) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The quantification of SCFAs (acetic-AC, propionic-AP, butyric-AB and total SCFAs-ACCC-T) from fecal matter was analyzed by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/ TOFMS). Results 33.3% of patients with IBD were men, with body mass index >25 in 16.7%; 83.3% presented more than 2 gastrointestinal symptoms at the time of sample collection, 33.3% had high levels of fecal calprotectin, 50% had CRP levels higher than 3mg/L and high ESR in 33.3% and a mean SIgA. of 27.73±5.03 g/mL. Very decreased levels of butyric acid (BA)ug/mL and T-SCFA were observed in IBD (9.45±4.89 and 121.73±65.94, respectively), compared to CS (BA 20.84±8.83 and total SCFA.12±122.09)., SpA SG (AB 13.35±10.44 and total AGCC 150.73±128.52) and SpA without OS (AB 21.13±5.68 and AGCC-T 219.51±229.65). Significant differences were found in fecal BA levels between the study groups (p=0.027). Interestingly, this metabolite in the CS group and the SpA group without OS did not show differences between them, but compared to the IBD group p=0.015 and 0.009 respectively, with a decrease in IBD. And interestingly, no differences were evident between fecal SCFA levels between the IBD group and the SpA group with OS even without a diagnosis of IBD. A principal component analysis was performed for the IBD group where two components were identified that group where COMP.1 was defined by a high correlation between the levels of each of the ACCC (AB CCF= 0.994, AA CCF= 0.935, AP= 0.610 and AGCC-TCCF= 0.910) that had an inverse relationship with COMP.2 which was made up of SIgA (CCF=0.988) and fecal calprotectin (CCF= 0.988). Conclusion SCFAs play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis both locally and systemically. BA levels were significantly lower in patients with IBD compared to CS and those with SpA. This evidence clearly supports the hypothesis that relates the lack of BA with an exacerbated inflammatory response that could give rise to a dysfunctional intestinal epithelial barrier by regulating the production of mucosal antibodies such as SIgA.

Modelling microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in the Galápagos penguin ecosystem using Ecopath and Ecosim (EwE) with Ecotracer.

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of anthropogenic particles are crucial factors in assessing microplastic impacts to marine ecosystems. Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to iconic and often endangered species but examining their tissues and gut contents for contaminant analysis via lethal sampling is challenging due to ethical concerns and animal care restrictions. Incorporating empirical data from prey items and fecal matter into models can help trace microplastic movement through food webs. In this study, the Galápagos penguin food web served as an indicator species to assess microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential using trophodynamic Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modelling with Ecotracer. Empirical data collected from surface seawater near Galápagos penguin colonies, zooplankton, penguin prey, and penguin scat in October 2021 were used to inform the ecosystem model. Multiple scenarios, including a 99% elimination rate, were employed to assess model sensitivity. Model predictions revealed that microplastics can bioaccumulate in all predator-prey relationships, but biomagnification is highly dependent on the elimination rate. It establishes the need for more research into elimination rates of different plastics, which is a critical missing gap in current microplastic ecotoxicological and bioaccumulation science. Compared to empirical data, modelling efforts underpredicted microplastic concentrations in zooplankton and over-predicted concentrations in fish. Ultimately, the ecosystem modelling provides novel insights into potential microplastics' bioaccumulation and biomagnification risks. These findings can support regional marine plastic pollution management efforts to conserve native and endemic species of the Galápagos Islands and the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Anthropogenic multipollutant input to the offshore South China Sea

The remote region of the South China Sea (SCS), situated far from urban mainland areas, is commonly perceived to experience minimal pollution. However, this may evolve into a considerably polluted region owing to increasing anthropogenic pollutants. In this study, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the surface sediments collected from the offshore area of the southern SCS. Our aim is to explore potential anthropogenic pollutants, their interactions, and the related controlling factors. This research endeavors to enhance our understanding of the current pollution status in the SCS and help making relevant policy management decisions. Comparison with previous reports reveals that now, the area is more extensively and increasingly contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals (Cd and As) than before. For the first time, we report the recognition of coprostanol and long-chain alkyl mid-chain ketones, unveiling the noticeable incorporation of sewage fecal matter and biomass burning into offshore sediments. Moreover, sedimentary multipollutants (except ketones) exhibit strong correlations with terrestrial elements and fine-sized particles, displaying a roughly high-west/low-east spatial variability in pollutant accumulation or enrichment. These signatures evidently demonstrate the major impact of river discharges (e.g., the Mekong River to the west and the Pearl and Red Rivers to the north) on the SCS. They have hydrodynamic effects on the subsequent basin-wide dispersal of pollutants, driven by monsoon-induced large- and regional-scale currents. The different behavior of burning-related ketones may be partly due to their aerosol form, leading to atmospheric transportation. Because anthropogenic multipollutants pose compounded threats, exacerbating oceanic warming and acidification to marine ecosystems such as the widespread coral reefs in the southern SCS, scientific management of urban emissions is required to mitigate ecosystem degradation in the Anthropocene era.

Patent vitellointestinal duct with ileal prolapse in a newborn: A case report and literature review.

Patent vitellointestinal duct is the most common omphalomesenteric duct anomaly to present with symptoms. A 10-day-old child presented with increase in the size of a polypoidal lesion into a large, "Y"-shaped reddish, prolapsing lesion, discharging gaseous, and fecal matter at her umbilicus. A laparoscopic exploration was performed, followed by wedge resection and anastomosis. No complications occurred during postoperative follow-up. A patent vitellointestinal duct with ileal prolapse. The resection of extended intraperitoneal intestinal tube was performed. During the follow-up 3 months after surgery, the umbilical cord of the child healed well after surgery. Timely surgical treatment can minimize the occurrence of complications, and the overall prognosis is good after surgery.

Assessing Different Chronic Wasting Disease Training Aids for Use with Detection Dogs.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly infectious, fatal prion disease that affects cervid species. One promising method for CWD surveillance is the use of detection dog-handler teams wherein dogs are trained on the volatile organic compound signature of CWD fecal matter. However, using fecal matter from CWD-positive deer poses a biohazard risk; CWD prions can bind to soil particles and remain infectious in contaminated areas for extended periods of time, and it is very difficult to decontaminate the affected areas. One solution is to use noninfectious training aids that can replicate the odor of fecal matter from CWD-positive and CWD-negative deer and are safe to use in the environment. Trained CWD detection dogs' sensitivity and specificity for different training aid materials (cotton, GetXent tubes, and polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS) incubated with fecal matter from CWD-positive and CWD-negative deer at two different temperatures (21 °C and 37 °C) for three different lengths of time (6 h, 24 h, and 48 h) were evaluated. Cotton incubated at 21 °C for 24 h was identified as the best aid for CWD based on the dogs' performance and practical needs for training aid creation. Implications for CWD detection training and for training aid selection in general are discussed.

Profiles of Intestinal Flora in Breastfed Obese Children and Selecting Functional Strains Against Obesity.

Breast milk has the potential to prevent childhood obesity by providing probiotics, but there are still instances of obesity in breastfed children. This study investigates the difference in intestinal flora structure between breastfed children with obesity (OB-BF) and normal-weight breastfed children (N-BF). Building upon this foundation, it employs both cell and mouse models to identify an antiobesity strain within the fecal matter of N-BF children and explore its underlying mechanisms. The results reveal a reduction in lactobacillus levels within the intestinal flora of OB-BF children compared to N-BF children. Consequently, Lactobacillus plantarum H-72 (H-72) is identified as a promising candidate due to its capacity to stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in enteroendocrine cells (ECCs). In vivo, H-72 effectively increases serum GLP-1 concentration, reduces food intake, regulates the expression of genes related to energy metabolism (SCD-1, FAS, UCP-1, and UCP-3), and regulates gut microbiota structure in mice. Moreover, the lipoteichoic acid of H-72 activates toll-like receptor 4 to enhanced GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells. L. plantarum H-72 is screened out for its potential antiobesity effect, which presents a potential and promising avenue for future interventions aimed at preventing pediatric obesity in breastfed children.

A 'Frugal' EGFET Sensor for Waterborne H2S.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a toxic gas soluble in water, H2Saq, as a weak acid. Since H2Saq usually originates from the decomposition of faecal matter, its presence also indicates sewage dumping and possible parallel waterborne pathogens associated with sewage. We here present a low footprint ('frugal') H2Saq sensor as an accessible resource for water quality monitoring. As a sensing mechanism, we find the chemical affinity of thiols to gold (Au) translates to H2Saq. When an Au electrode is used as a control gate (CG) or floating gate (FG) electrode in the electric double layer (EDL) pool of an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) sensor, EGFET transfer characteristics shift along the CG voltage axis in response to H2Saq. We rationalise this by the interface potential from the adsorption of polar H2S molecules to the electrode. The sign of the shift changes between Au CG and Au FG, and cancels when both electrodes are Au. The sensor is selective for H2Saq over the components of urine, nor does urine suppress the sensor's ability to detect H2Saq. Electrodes can be recovered for repeated use by washing in 1M HCl. Quantitatively, CG voltage shift is fitted by a Langmuir-Freundlich (LF) model, supporting dipole adsorption over an ionic (Nernstian) response mechanism. We find a limit-of-detection of 14.9 nM, 100 times below potability.

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Contamination Water Supply in Shendi City-Sudan

Background: Microbial contamination of water persists to be a significant problem; the usual source is human and animal fecal matter that has contaminated the water systems. The presence of bacteria and pathogenic organisms is of great concern when considering the safety of drinking water, as pathogenic organisms can cause watery diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, and other illnesses. Objective: This is a prospective tap water examination study to find groundwater microbiological fecal contamination. Materials and Methods: Water samples for laboratory examination were collected from a different area of Shendi city, which were classified as Tap water. Each sample was a collection in a sterile container and then isolated and Confirmation by biochemical test. Results: Tap water samples were found to be contaminated with E. coli about 80 (63.6%) samples, an indicator of contamination with the fecal matter of animals and humans. It was the isolation of other Gram-negative enteric bacteria such as Salmonella and pseudomonas these were not scientific indicators of water contamination by animal and human fecal matter. Conclusions: Tap Water was contaminated with feces and posed a health risk to consumers of that water and was found to be contaminated with E.coli bacteria. Future studies are needed to understand the complicated issues concerning water quality in the city. Community-led sanitation and hygiene education and better water source protection are urgently required.

Saliva identification in forensic samples by automated microextraction and intact mass analysis of statherin.

The enzyme α-amylase has long been a commonly targeted protein in serological tests for saliva. While being especially abundant in saliva, α-amylase is detectable in vaginal secretions, sweat, fecal matter, breast milk and other matrices. As a result, assays for α-amylase only provide a presumptive indication of saliva. The availability of mass spectrometry-based tools for the detection of less abundant, but more specific, protein targets (e.g., human statherin) has enabled the development of high confidence assays for human saliva. Sample throughput, however, has traditionally been low due to multi-step workflows for protein extraction, quantitation, enzymatic digestion, solid phase cleanup, and nano-/capillary-based chromatography. Here, we present two novel "direct" single-stage extraction strategies for sample preparation. These feature immunoaffinity purification and reversed-phase solid-phase microextraction in conjunction with intact mass analysis of human statherin for saliva identification. Mass analysis was performed on the Thermo Scientific Q-Exactive™ Orbitrap mass spectrometer with a 10-min analytical run time. Data analysis was performed using Byos® from Protein Metrics. Two sample sets were analyzed with a population of 20 individuals to evaluate detection reliability. A series of casework-type samples were then assayed to evaluate performance in an authentic forensic context. Statherin was confidently identified in 92% and 71% of samples extracted using the immunoaffinity purification and solid phase microextraction approaches, respectively. Overall, immunoaffinity purification outperformed the solid phase microextraction, especially with complex mixtures. In toto, robotic extraction and intact mass spectrometry enable the reliable identification of trace human saliva in a variety of sample types.

Zinc status and indicators of intestinal health in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18 challenged newly weaned pigs fed diets with different levels of zinc.

This study investigated the impact of an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18 challenge on newly weaned pigs when fed one of three Zn levels (150, 1,400, or 2,500ppm) on performance, Zn status, ETEC shedding, and diarrhea. The ETEC challenge was hypothesized to have a more pronounced negative impact on pigs fed a diet containing 150ppm Zn compared to 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn for 14 d after weaning. The study included 72 ETEC F18 susceptible pigs weaned at ~28 d of age (d 0 of the study). The pigs were distributed according to initial weight and litter to one of the three dietary Zn levels. Half of the pigs were challenged with ETEC on d 1 and 2. The challenge reduced (P ≤ 0.03) feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) during d 3 to 5. Challenged pigs fed 150ppm Zn had lower (P = 0.01) ADG during d 5 to 7 compared to those fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn, whereas control pigs' ADG were not affected by dietary Zn content. Challenged pigs fed 150ppm Zn also showed lower (P < 0.01) fecal dry matter (DM) on d 5 compared to control pigs fed 150ppm Zn and challenged pigs fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn. Challenge increased (P < 0.01) ETEC shedding in all groups, but challenged pigs fed 150ppm Zn showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) fecal shedding of ETEC and toxins than when fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm. On d 3, C-reactive protein concentration in plasma was lower (P < 0.03) for pigs fed 1,400 and 2,500 compared to 150ppm Zn. Plasma haptoglobin and pig major acute phase protein were unaffected by dietary Zn content. On d 0, the serum Zn concentration was 586 ± 36.6 µg/L, which pigs fed 150ppm Zn maintained throughout the study. The serum Zn concentration increased (P ≤ 0.07) in pigs fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn. The challenge decreased (P < 0.01) the serum Zn concentration in pigs fed 2,500ppm Zn. On d 5 and 7, serum Zn concentration was similar for challenged pigs fed 1,400 and 2,500ppm Zn, while control pigs fed 2,500ppm Zn had higher (P < 0.01) serum Zn concentration than 1,400ppm Zn. On d 7, serum Zn concentration tended (P = 0.08) to be lower for pigs with diarrhea (fecal DM ≤ 18%). In summary, these results indicate that newly weaned pigs fed 150ppm Zn are more susceptible to ETEC F18 colonization and its adverse consequences such as diarrhea and reduced growth, even though challenge did not increase acute phase proteins.

Johannesburg’s shitty little river: faecal discourse and discontent regarding the Jukskei

ABSTRACT This paper theorises the discursive construction of sewerage and sewage in relation to Johannesburg’s Jukskei river. In the context of failing national and local water infrastructures, rivers in South Africa are filthier than ever and public trust in politicians is similarly polluted. We explore key moments in public discourse about sewage in the Jukskei, to consider how the visible and affective traces of faecal matter in the river speak to a broader sense of post-colonial collapse of both infrastructure and trust in those responsible for it. We argue that as both material and metaphor, shit-in-the-river serves to expose maladministration and corruption on the part of the government. But it also highlights the fragility of modernity itself as a project. In the context of massive looming water crises, huge shifts in both culture and infrastructure will be required to de-faecalise rivers specifically, and water supplies in general, in South Africa.

Will COVID-19 become mild, like a cold?

Several recent studies conclude that an increase in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be ruled out. However, it should be noted that SARS-CoV-2 is a 'direct' respiratory virus - meaning it is usually spread by the respiratory route but does not routinely pass through the lymphatics like measles and smallpox. Providing its tropism does not change, it will be unique if its pathogenicity does not decrease until it becomes similar to common cold viruses. Ewald noted in the 1980s that respiratory viruses may evolve mildness because their spread benefits from the mobility of their hosts. This review examines factors that usually lower respiratory viruses' severity, including heat sensitivity (which limits replication in the warmer lungs) and changes to the virus's surface proteins. Other factors may, however, increase pathogenicity, such as replication in the lymphatic system and spreading via solid surfaces or faecal matter. Furthermore, human activities and political events could increase the harmfulness of SARS-CoV-2, including the following: large-scale testing, especially when the results are delayed; transmission in settings where people are close together and not free to move around; poor hygiene facilities; and social, political, or cultural influences that encourage sick individuals to remain active, including crises such as wars. If we can avoid these eventualities, SARS-CoV-2 is likely to evolve to be milder, although the timescale is uncertain. Observations of influenza-like pandemics suggest it may take around two decades for COVID-19 to become as mild as seasonal colds.

Sudden death due to enterotoxemia among Arabian camels (Camelus dromedaries) and associated risk factors.

Sudden death is defined as an unexpected death occurring with no observed antecedent clinical signs. The current study was performed to notice the tangible causes of sudden death among 51 out of 340 she-camels on a private farm in the eastern region of El Khafgi, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective cohort study design was conducted to investigate the sudden death of camels through microscopic examination of fecal matter to identify the gastrointestinal parasites, analysis of whole blood thin films to diagnose blood parasites, blood culturing to recognize bacterial infection as Pasteurella multicida, and macroscopic postmortem examination to identify the gastrointestinal adult worm. The quantity and composition of feed were also analyzed. Afterward, a commercial multiscreen Ag-ELISA kit technique determined the toxins of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). The results revealed that the incidence rate of sudden death was 15%. The sudden death occurred due to C. perfringens enterotoxins detected in the rumen, intestinal content, and intestinal wall. The enterotoxins and Alpha toxins were noticed, but the other toxin types, including Beta and Epsilon, could not be detected. All C. perfringens toxins were discovered to be negative in fecal matter. A significant association was reported between sudden death, she-camels age, and feeding habits as risk factors (p = 0.020 and 0.028, respectively). Risk factor assessment by relative risk (RR) revealed that the odds of RR of sudden death occurring among she-camels aged over two years were higher than those less than two years (2.24 CI 95%, 1.093-4.591). Furthermore, the odds RR of sudden death occurring due to exposure of she-camels to a concentrated ration of 18% were higher twice than those not exposed (2.346 CI 95%, 1.039-5.296). Clostridium perfringens enterotoxaemia should be listed as a cause of sudden death in camels and the alteration in diet with 18% concentration feed changes the intestinal environment, which leads to C. perfringens proliferating and yielding potent toxins. More observations and interferences like regular immunization are recommended to reduce the disease and increase the awareness of the farmers of the importance of risk factors.

Evaluation of the stress state based on fecal corticosterone metabolite concentrations in captive penguins in Japan.

Fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) concentrations, which can be determined noninvasively, have recently been explored as a stress indicator in birds. In our study, we measured FCM concentrations in penguins under nonmolting or molting conditions, cool or hot season, diseased condition, and incubation period. These measurements were conducted in an aquarium that housed king penguins, gentoo penguins, and African penguins. This study aimed to investigate the validity of fecal matter as a stress indicator. Our findings revealed that FCM concentrations were significantly higher in molting individuals than in nonmolting individuals. Compared with the cool season, FCM concentrations were significantly higher in penguins housed outdoors during the hot season. However, no differences were observed in penguins housed indoors. Diseased individuals and an incubating individual showed notably higher FCM concentrations than healthy individuals. Interestingly, the FCM concentration in king penguin that underwent cataract surgery was extremely high before the surgery. However, 1 month postsurgery, it decreased to a level similar to that of healthy individuals. We observed increased FCM concentrations in penguins considered to be exposed to stressors. Notably, FCM concentration decreased after removing the stress factor. The FCM concentration was found to be consistent with the stress state of penguins, suggesting its usefulness as a stress indicator.

Constipation anti-aging effects by dairy-based lactic acid bacteria.

Constipation, which refers to difficulties in defecation and infrequent bowel movement in emptying the gastrointestinal system that ultimately produces hardened fecal matters, is a health concern in livestock and aging animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of dairy-isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to alleviate constipation as an alternative therapeutic intervention for constipation treatment in the aging model. Rats were aged via daily subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (600 mg/body weight [kg]), prior to induction of constipation via oral administration of loperamide hydrochloride (5 mg/body weight [kg]). LAB strains (L. fermentum USM 4189 or L. plantarum USM 4187) were administered daily via oral gavage (1 × 10 Log CFU/day) while the control group received sterile saline. Aged rats as shown with shorter telomere lengths exhibited increased fecal bulk and soften fecal upon administration of LAB strains amid constipation as observed using the Bristol Stool Chart, accompanied by a higher fecal moisture content as compared to the control (p < 0.05). Fecal water-soluble metabolite profiles showed a reduced concentration of threonine upon administration of LAB strains compared to the control (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis also showed that the administration of LAB strains contributed to a higher colonic goblet cell count as compared to the control (p < 0.05). The present study illustrates the potential of dairy-sourced LAB strains as probiotics to ameliorate the adverse effect of constipation amid aging, and as a potential dietary intervention strategy for dairy foods including yogurt and cheese.

Epidemiological study of Intestinal protozoan Infections: A Cross-sectional study in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq during 2018-2022

Background and aims: Intestinal protozoan parasitic infections are considered one of the most frequent types of infection caused by these parasites and remain a major health problem for communities. This study aims to detect the frequency of intestinal protozoan infections infection among Zakho general population from October 2018 to June 2022. Methods: This study was performed as a cross-sectional study among 2118 patients referring to private medical diagnostic laboratories in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Samples of faecal matter were collected and subjected to analysis using two different techniques: direct observation under the microscope (wet mount) and formalin-ether concentration methods. Morphological characteristics of trophozoites and cysts were used to identify E. histolytica using microscopical examination. Results: Out of 2118 recruited samples, 1155 (54.53%) were male and 963 (45.47%) were female. The mean age of participants was 20.41 (±19.12) with ages ranging from 1-63 years. The overall prevalence of protozoan infections was 395/2118 (18.65%). Out of these, Entamoeba histolytica was the predominant pathogenic protozoa infection 271 (68.61%), followed by Giardia lamblia 100 (25.31%). A significant association was seen between Entamoeba histolytica and age groups (p=0.003) and gender (p=0.004). The highest infection rate was reported among the age group &lt;15 years (55.72%). We also found a higher rate of Giardia infection among age group &lt;15 years (46%) with significant differences (p=0.002) and a higher rate of Giardia seen in females (55%) with significant association (p=0.014). Conclusion: The frequency of Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica infections in our study was higher than other studies reported in Iraq and other countries, and these infections continue to pose a difficult public health issue and necessitate the implementation of stronger and more effective preventative measures.

The Simulated Experimental Design and Study of the Synergistic Treatment of Chicken Manure and Traditional Chinese Medicine Residues on Earthworm Growth and Soil Quality

Annelids conspicuously exert influence upon soil physicochemical attributes through their alimen-tary, burrowing, and excretion endeavors, thereby imparting ramifications upon soil erosion phenomena. Nev-ertheless, comprehension of the particular repercussions stemming from annelid activities vis-à-is soil erosion remains circumscribed. The primary objective of this investigation was to scrutinize the synergistic ramifica-tions of gallinaceous fecal matter and remnants of traditional Chinese medicinal substances on annelid prolif-eration and soil characteristics within a simulated experiment. In order to gauge the impact of annelid activities upon soil hydric distribution, runoff velocity, and soil erosion, a laboratory-simulated precipitation experiment was executed across three incline gradients (5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees), featuring a uniform pre-cipitation intensity of 80 mm/h and a 60-minute precipitation duration post-runoff initiation. Findings evinced that annelids significantly heightened soil hydric infiltration and retention. In tanks inhabited by annelids, the increments in soil hydric retention were 93%, 51%, and 70% more elevated than those in control plots at incline gradients of 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees, respectively. Comparatively, earthworm activities led to a 70% reduction in runoff rate at a 5-degree slope, a 13% reduction at 10 degrees, and a 39% reduction at 15 degrees. However, soil erosion rates increased by 42% and 46% at slope gradients of 10 degrees and 15 degrees, respectively. Earthworms, through their feeding and burrowing activities, not only enhanced soil water infil-tration but also mitigated surface runoff while contributing to increased soil erosion. This research proffers invaluable perspicacity regarding the influence of subterranean fauna on the vicissitudes of soil erosion pro-cesses, furnishing empirical evidence amenable for assimilation into extant soil erosion simulation paradigms or as a substratum for the construction of nascent models.

Evaluation of the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater in the Nihit rural commune of the Moroccan Anti-Atlas

Our study evaluated the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of water wells and boreholes in the rural commune of Nihit in the Moroccan Anti Atlas. In this study, we assessed the physico-chemical qualities of the water such as pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, mineral elements, and heavy metals. We also studied the bacteriological quality of the water in terms of microbial germs represented by Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Intestinal Enterococci, and sulfito-reducing Clostridium.Apart from two points located upstream of the Douars, nitrate concentrations range from 60 to 290 mg.L-1, well above the permissible value according to the World Health Organization (50 mg.L-1). At some points, values reach concentrations of 4.1.103 CFU/100 mL, 1.9.102 CFU/100 mL, 60 CFU/100 mL, 1.8.103 CFU/100 mL, and 90 CFU/100 mL, respectively for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia, intestinal enterococci and sulfito-reducing Clostridium. The presence of Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, and E. coli in the water tested is an indicator of contamination by human or animal fecal matter, which may come from conventional septic tanks, untreated wastewater discharges, animal manure leaching, or runoff. On the other hand, the values of the other physicochemical parameters tested remain compliant with potable water standards.