Microbial Profiles Research Articles

Differential Nasal Recolonization and Microbial Profiles in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Patients After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or Dupilumab Treatment: A Prospective Observational Study.

The role of microbial profiles in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) pathogenesis is increasingly recognised, with microbial imbalances perpetuating inflammation. We performed this study to associate the different nasal microbiological profile changes with the response to surgical or monoclonal treatment. This prospective observational study evaluated changes in the nasal microbial profiles of 44 patients (22 dupilumab, 22 surgery) over 6 months. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and follow-ups, including Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores and Sniffin Sticks-Identification (SS-I) olfactory testing. Microbial profiling of nasal swabs was carried out by microbial culture and subsequent molecular identification by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Baseline characteristics of 44 patients (22 dupilumab, 22 surgery) enrolled in this study were similar between groups. In the dupilumab group, Staphylococcus epidermidis prevalence rose from 37.03% to 59.25%, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was eradicated. Moreover, dupilumab stabilised Staphylococcus aureus at 63.64%, while its prevalence increased in the surgery group (from 22.72% to 50%). When bacterial groups were associated with clinical scores, P. aeruginosa carriers had worse SNOT-22 (21.00 ± 1.41) and SS-I (5.50 ± 0.71) scores. Instead, S. epidermidis-colonised patients exhibited significantly lower mean SNOT-22 (15.39 ± 8.54) and greater SS-I scores (8.39 ± 3.77). The best outcomes were found in the subgroup of S. epidermidis carriers undergoing the dupilumab treatment. The two treatments modulated the microbial profiles differently, and, most importantly, clinical responses might depend on the association between treatment and the dominant bacterial species colonising the nasal cavity. Further investigation into microbial-restorative strategies could enhance outcomes for better treatment of CRS.

The hindgut microbiota of coconut rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros) in relation to their geographical populations.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros) is a palm tree pest capable of rapidly expanding its population in new territories. Previous studies identified a digestive symbiosis between CRB and its gut microbes. However, no research compared the genetic variation of CRBs with their hindgut microbiota on a global scale. This study aims to investigate the genetic divergence of CRB and the compositional variation of CRB's microbiota across different geographical locations, and explore the association between them and their predicted functional profiles and environmental data. The research reveals a distinct and consistent microbial community within local populations, but it varies across different geographical populations. The microbial functional profiles linked to the production of digestive enzymes, including cellulases and ligninases, are nonetheless globally conserved. This suggests that CRBs employ specific mechanisms to select and maintain microbes with functional benefits, contributing to host adaptability, stress tolerance, and fitness. The CRB microbial communities did not appear to recapitulate the genetic variation of their hosts. Rather than depend on obligate symbionts, CRBs seem to establish similar digestive associations with whatever environmentally acquired microbes are available wherever they are, aiding them in successfully establishing after invading a new location.IMPORTANCECoconut rhinoceros beetles (CRBs) are notorious pests on Arecaceae plants, posing destructive threats to countries highly reliant on coconut, oil palm, and date palm as economic crops. In the last century, CRBs have rapidly expanded their presence to territories that were once free of these beetles. The United States, for instance, has officially designated CRBs as invasive and alien pests. Given their remarkable ability to swiftly adapt to new environments, their gut microbes may play a crucial role in this process. While the microbiota of CRBs vary depending on geographical location, these beetles consistently exhibit a functionally identical digestive association with locally acquired microbes. This underscores the significance of CRB-microbe association in shaping the adaptive strategies of this agricultural pest.

MicrobiomeNet: exploring microbial associations and metabolic profiles for mechanistic insights.

The growing volumes of microbiome studies over the past decade have revealed a wide repertoire of microbial associations under diverse conditions. Microbes produce small molecules to interact with each other as well as to modulate their environments. Their metabolic profiles hold the key to understanding these association patterns for translational applications. Based on this concept, we developed MicrobiomeNet, a comprehensive database that integrates microbial associations with their metabolic profiles for mechanistic insights. It currently contains a total of ∼5.8 million known microbial associations, coupled with>12 400 genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) covering ∼6000 microbial species. Users can intuitively explore microbial associations and compare their corresponding metabolic profiles. Our case studies show that MicrobiomeNet can provide mechanistic insights that are consistent with the literature. MicrobiomeNet is freely available at https://www.microbiomenet.com/.

Microbial and Transcriptomic Landscape Associated With Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease.

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (pfCD) poses significant healing challenges, closely associated with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This study aimed to investigate the microbe-host interactions influencing NETs in pfCD. From January 2019 to July 2022, patients with pfCD were screened at Ren Ji Hospital. Patients in remission following comprehensive treatment were recruited. We documented clinical characteristics, medication regimens, healing outcomes, and infliximab levels in fistula tissues. NET positivity was confirmed by positive results in citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and dual immunofluorescence staining for myeloperoxidase and CitH3. Microbial and transcriptomic profiles from fistula tissues, obtained during surgery, were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and RNA sequencing. Differences in microbiome and transcriptomic profiles were evaluated, and their relationships were assessed using Mantel's and Spearman's coefficients. Significant differences in microbial communities were found between groups (P = .007). Representatively differential microbes such as Prevotella bivia, Streptococcus gordonii, and Bacteroides dorei were enriched in NETs-positive fistulas (P < .05). Functional analysis of microbes revealed reduced ubiquinol biosynthesis and butanoate production in NETs-negative fistulas (P < .05). Transcriptomic analysis indicated increased neutrophil and monocyte infiltration in NETs-positive fistulas, associated with pathways involving bacterial response, neutrophil chemotaxis, secretory processes, and peptidase activity (P < .05). Species prevalent in NETs-positive fistulas correlated positively with immune responses and wound healing pathways, whereas bacteria in NETs-negative fistulas correlated negatively. NETs were negatively associated with tissue infliximab levels (P = .001) and healing outcomes (P = .025). Our findings reveal unique microbial and transcriptomic signatures associated with NETs in pfCD, highlighting their profound influence on clinical outcomes.

Oral biofilm composition and phenotype in caries-active and caries-free children.

During development of dental caries, oral biofilms undergo changes in microbial composition and phenotypical traits. The aim of this study was to compare the acid tolerance (AT) of plaque from two groups of children: one with severe caries (CA) and one with no caries experience (CF) and to correlate this to the microbial composition and metabolic profile of the biofilms. Dental plaque samples from 20 children (2-5 years) in each group were studied. The AT was analyzed by viability assessment after exposure to an acid challenge (pH 3.5), using LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ stain and confocal microscopy. Levels of acid tolerance (AT) were evaluated using a scoring system ranging from 1 (no/low AT), to 5 (high/all AT). Metabolic profiles were investigated following a 20 mM glucose pulse for one hour through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Microbial composition was characterized by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing. The mean AT score of the CA group (4.1) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (2.6, p < 0.05). When comparing the end-products of glucose metabolism detected after a glucose-pulse, the CA samples showed a significantly higher lactate to acetate, lactate to formate, lactate to succinate and lactate to ethanol ratio than the CF samples (p < 0.05). The bacterial characterization of the samples revealed 25 species significantly more abundant in the CA samples, including species of Streptococcus, Prevotella, Leptotrichia and Veillonella (p < 0.05). Our results show that AT in pooled plaque from the oral cavity of children with severe caries is increased compared to that in healthy subjects and that this can be related to differences in the metabolic activity and microbial composition of the biofilms. Thus, the overall phenotype of dental plaque appears to be a promising indicator of the caries status of individuals. However, longitudinal studies investigating how the AT changes over time in relation to caries development are needed before plaque AT could be considered as a prediction method for the development of dental caries.

Modulation of gut microbiome in response to the combination of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and sugars: a pilot study using host-free system reflecting impact on interpersonal microbiome.

The differential effects of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic formulations on human health are dictated by the inter-individual gut microbial profile. The effects of probiotics such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (ECN) on gut microbiota may vary according to the microbiome profiles of individuals and may be influenced by the presence of certain carbohydrates, which can impact microbial community structure and treatment results. Processed fecal samples from donors having contrasting lifestyles, dietary patterns, and disease histories were mixed with 5 × 106 CFU/mL ECN with or without 1% (w/v) sugars (glucose, galactose, or rice starch) in a host-free system. Post-incubation, 16 s rRNA sequencing was performed. Microbial diversity and taxonomic abundance were computed in relation to the probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic treatment effects and interpersonal microbiome variance. Baseline gut microbial profiles showed significant inter-individual variations. ECN treatment alone had a limited impact on the inter-personal gut microbial diversity and abundance. Prebiotics caused a substantial enrichment in Actinobacteria, but there were differences in the responses at the order and genus levels, with enrichment shown in Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, and Megasphaera. Subject B exhibited enrichment in Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria, but subject A showed more diversified taxonomic alterations as a consequence of the synbiotic treatments. Despite negligible difference in the α-diversity, probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic treatments independently resulted in distinct segregation in microbial communities at the β-diversity level. The core microbiota was altered only under prebiotic and synbiotic treatment. Significant correlations primarily for minor phyla were identified under prebiotic and synbiotic treatment. The interindividual microbiome composition strongly influences the effectiveness of personalized diet and treatment plans. The responsiveness to dietary strategies varies according to individual microbiome profiles influenced by health, diet, and lifestyle. Therefore, tailored approaches that consider individual microbiome compositions are crucial for maximizing gut health and treatment results.

Features Associated With the Presence of Specific Bacterial Strains in Pediatric Tracheostomy.

Tracheostomy bypasses physical barriers that decrease microbial access to the lower airway, which can lead to changes to the lung microbiota. Patients often become chronically colonized with potential pathogens. This study described the incidence and prevalence of specific organisms in a 5-y cohort of children with tracheostomy. This retrospective cohort of children aged 0-18 y with tracheostomy identified associations between microbial species and subject characteristics including reason for tracheostomy, gastrostomy tube (G-tube), fundoplication, and ventilator use using chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Of 113 eligible patients, 79 (57% male) met study inclusion criteria. Reasons for tracheostomy included airway obstruction secondary to craniofacial anomalies in 16 children (20%), upper-airway obstruction in 14 subjects (17.3%), neuromuscular disorder in 19 subjects (24%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia with or without pulmonary hypertension in 17 subjects (21%), and congenital heart disease in 13 subjects (16%). Most (69%) used a ventilator for at least 6 h/d; 63% had a G-tube; 41% also had a Nissen fundoplication. Of the 20% with upper-airway obstruction, one third were ventilator dependent, unlike other diagnoses where 57% used a ventilator. Staphylococcus aureus (52/113), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (43/113), and Stenotrophomonas species (39/113) were the most frequently identified bacterial species. Most microbes identified were not associated with subjects underlying diagnoses, ventilator use, or feeding type. However, there was a significant association between upper-airway obstruction and group B Streptococcus species and G-tube with P. aeruginosa. This retrospective single-site descriptive cohort analysis of pediatric subjects with long-term tracheostomy identified trends in microbial prevalence. The presence of specific bacterial strains was more likely to follow individual subject trajectories than sequential appearance of species. P. aeruginosa was associated with G-tube and Streptococcus species with upper-airway obstruction. Ventilator dependence was not associated with specific microbial profiles.

Effect of Microgravity on Rare Earth Elements Recovery by Burkholderia cepacia and Aspergillus niger

Rare earth elements (REEs) are indispensable in modern industry and technology, driving an urgent demand for innovative, eco-friendly recovery technologies. As space exploration advances, the impact of microgravity on microorganisms has become a focal point, yet the effects on microbial growth and REEss recovery remain uncharted. This study investigates the biosorption of REEs by Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger) from a mixed solution containing La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Er, and Y under varying initial concentrations, pH levels, and microgravity conditions. We observed that the medium’s pH rose with B. cepacia and fell with A. niger when cultured in normal gravity conditions, suggesting distinct metabolic responses. Notably, microgravity significantly altered microbial morphology and metabolite profiles, significantly enhancing REEs recovery efficiency. Specifically, the recovery of B. cepacia of Ce and Pr peaked at 100%, and A. niger achieved full recovery of all tested REEs at pH 1.5 (suboptimal growth conditions). This study pioneers the application of biosorption for the recovery of REEs in microgravity conditions, presenting a promising strategy for future resource exploitation by space biomining.

Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Alterations Associated with Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease.

This study investigates the role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases, with an additional focus on pro-atherogenic metabolites. We use advanced network analysis and machine learning techniques to identify key microbial features linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This cross-sectional study included 189 participants divided into three groups: coronary artery disease (n = 93), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n = 43), and controls (n = 53). Assessments included physical exams, echocardiography, dietary surveys, blood analysis, and fecal analysis. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis methods for testing hypotheses and correlations, alpha and beta-diversity analyses, co-occurrence networks, and machine learning were conducted using Python libraries or R packages with multiple comparisons corrected using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Significant gut microbiota alterations were observed, with higher Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratios in CAD and HFrEF groups compared to controls (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in α-diversity indices (Pielou, Chao1, Faith) between disease groups and controls (p < 0.001). β-diversity analyses also revealed distinct microbial profiles (p = 0.0015). Interestingly, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels were lower in CAD and HFrEF groups compared to controls (p < 0.05), while indoxyl sulfate (IS) levels were comparable between the study groups. Co-occurrence network analysis and machine learning identified key microbial features linked to these conditions, highlighting complex interactions within the gut microbiota associated with cardiovascular disease.

Microbial Protein and Metabolite Profiles of Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1 in a Bubble Column Bioreactor.

The production of microbial proteins (MPs) has emerged as a critical focus in biotechnology, driven by the need for sustainable and scalable alternatives to traditional protein sources. This study investigates the efficacy of two experimental setups in producing MPs using the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1. K. oxytoca M5A1, known for its facultative anaerobic growth and capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, offers a promising avenue for environmentally friendly protein production. This research compares the performance of a simple bubble column (BC) bioreactor, which promotes efficient mixing and cross-membrane gas transfer, with static fermentation, a traditional method lacking agitation and aeration. The study involved the parallel cultivation of K. oxytoca M5A1 in both systems, with key parameters such as microbial growth, glucose utilization, protein concentration, and metabolite profiles monitored over a 48 h period. The results indicate that the BC bioreactor consistently outperformed static fermentation regarding the growth rate, protein yield, and glucose utilization efficiency. The BC exhibited a significant increase in protein production, reaching 299.90 µg/mL at 48 h, compared to 219.44 µg/mL in static fermentation. The organic acid profile reveals both synthesis and utilization regimes of varying patterns. These findings highlight the advantages of the BC bioreactor for MP production, particularly its ability to maintain aerobic conditions that support higher growth and yield.

Fertilization shapes microbial life strategies, carbon and nitrogen metabolic functions in Camellia oleifera soil

Mineral, organic and microbial fertilizers are crucial for maintaining and improving soil quality, ecosystem functions, and fruit yield in Camellia oleifera plantations. However, how the application of these fertilizers shapes the life strategies and functions of soil microbial communities is unclear. Here, we conducted a one-year field experiment with three types of fertilizers: mineral (NPK), manure (Man), and microbial (MicrF), and analyzed soil properties, bacterial and fungal communities to assess microbial life strategies, functional traits and their determinants. The application of MicrF strongly increased the diversity of both soil bacterial (by 6.4%) and fungal communities (by 23%). Organic matter inputs from Man and MicrF had greater effects on the life strategies of bacteria than fungi: the dominant r-strategy bacteria (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria) increased with Man and MicrF, but K-strategists (Acidobacteria) decreased. Conversely, the abundance of r-strategy fungi (Ascomycota) decreased, but that of K-fungi (Basidiomycota) increased. Predictions of the functions indicated that microbial fertilization accelerated the bacterial carbohydrates, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, while also increasing the prevalence of wood saprotrophic fungi. The changes in the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the microbial communities induced co-metabolism priming effects, which were mainly regulated by soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen contents, and carbon-nitrogen ratio. The application of MicrF is an effective approach to increase the diversity and multifunctionality of soil microbial communities in Camellia oleifera plantations, including organic matter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into the fertilizer regimes based on microbial ecological strategies and functional profiles in Camellia oleifera plantations.

Aged Gut Microbiome Induces Metabolic Impairment and Hallmarks of Vascular and Intestinal Aging in Young Mice.

Aging, an independent risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases, refers to a progressive deterioration in physiological function, characterized by 12 established hallmarks. Vascular aging is driven by endothelial dysfunction, telomere dysfunction, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation. This study investigated whether aged gut microbiome promotes vascular aging and metabolic impairment. Fecal microbiome transfer (FMT) was conducted from aged (>75 weeks old) to young C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks old) for 6 weeks. Wire myography was used to evaluate endothelial function in aortas and mesenteric arteries. ROS levels were measured by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Vascular and intestinal telomere function, in terms of relative telomere length, telomerase reverse transcriptase expression and telomerase activity, were measured. Systemic inflammation, endotoxemia and intestinal integrity of mice were assessed. Gut microbiome profiles were studied by 16S rRNA sequencing. Some middle-aged mice (40-42 weeks old) were subjected to chronic metformin treatment and exercise training for 4 weeks to evaluate their anti-aging benefits. Six-week FMT impaired glucose homeostasis and caused vascular dysfunction in aortas and mesenteric arteries in young mice. FMT triggered vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, along with declined telomerase activity and shorter telomere length in aortas. Additionally, FMT impaired intestinal integrity, and triggered AMPK inactivation and telomere dysfunction in intestines, potentially attributed to the altered gut microbial profiles. Metformin treatment and moderate exercise improved integrity, AMPK activation and telomere function in mouse intestines. Our data highlight aged microbiome as a mechanism that accelerates intestinal and vascular aging, suggesting the gut-vascular connection as a potential intervention target against cardiovascular aging and complications.

Microbial exposure at birth and the development of behavioral temperament during the first three years of childhood.

We investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between neonate microbial exposure and emerging behavioral temperament measures at the ages of 1, 2, and 3 years. Infants and mothers (n = 335) were extracted from the Kuopio Birth Cohort Study. Temperament was assessed using the Infant Behavioral and Early Childhood Behavioral Questionnaires. Microbial samples were collected from oral cavity at birth and the bacterial profiles were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbial diversity was characterized using alpha and beta diversity metrics. Analyses were performed for the most abundant genera. The sample was analyzed as a whole, as well as divided into subgroups representing no antibiotic use during birth (n = 198) and those with antibiotic use during birth (n = 137). No significant associations were observed between microbial profiles and behavioral measures after Bonferroni corrections. Nevertheless, our pre-correction results indicated an association between increased behavioral temperament surgency in the first year and beta diversity (high abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium and Blautia, low abundance of Lactobacillus) in the antibiotic use group. Additionally, pre-corrections, a high relative abundance of Staphylococcus was associated with increased surgency through years 1, 2, and 3 in the no antibiotics group, prompting consideration into a possible link between antibiotic use and emerging behavioral temperament.

Cryoprotective Potential of Theobromine in the Improvement of the Post-Thaw Quality of Bovine Spermatozoa.

Theobromine (TBR) is a methylxanthine known for its bronchodilatory and stimulatory effects. This research evaluated the vitality, capacitation patterns, oxidative characteristics, microbial profile and expression of capacitation-associated proteins (CatSper1/2, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter [NBC], protein kinases A [PKA] and C [PKC] and adenylate cyclase 10 [ADCY10]) in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa (n = 30) in the absence (cryopreserved control [CtrlC]) or presence of different TBR concentrations (12.5, 25, and 50 µM) in egg yolk extender. Fresh ejaculate served as a negative control (CtrlN). Significant post-thaw maintenance of the sperm motility, membrane and DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001) were recorded following the administration of 25 μM and 50 μM TBR, then compared to CtrlC. All groups supplemented with TBR exhibited a significantly lower percentage of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa (p < 0.001) than CtrlC. Significantly decreased levels of global reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals were observed in the presence of 25 μM and 50 μM TBR (p < 0.01). Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation with 50 μM TBR significantly prevented the loss of NBC and ADCY10 (p < 0.01), while all TBR doses stabilized the levels of PKC (p < 0.05 at 50 μM TBR; p < 0.001 at 12.5 μM and 25 μM TBR). In summary, we suggest that TBR is effective in protecting the spermatozoa during the cryopreservation process through its potential to stimulate energy synthesis while preventing ROS overproduction and the loss of proteins involved in the sperm activation process.

Stability of Gastric Fluid and Fecal Microbial Populations in Healthy Horses under Pasture and Stable Conditions.

Equine gastrointestinal microbial communities vary across the gastrointestinal tract and in response to diet or disease. Understanding the composition and stability of gastric fluid microbiota in healthy horses is a prerequisite to understanding changes associated with the development of disease. The objective of this study was to describe microbial communities in the gastric fluid and feces of healthy horses longitudinally. Horses were maintained on pasture (6 weeks), stabled (5 weeks), then returned to pasture. A consistent forage diet was provided throughout. Native gastric fluid and feces were collected weekly for full-length 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and microbial profiling analysis. Fewer taxa were identified in the gastric fluid (770) than in the feces (5284). Species richness and diversity were significantly different between sample types (p < 0.001), but not between housing locations (p = 0.3). There was a significant effect of housing and horse on the Bray-Curtis compositional diversity of gastric (p = 0.005; p = 0.009) and fecal (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) microbiota. When horses moved from pasture to stable, the relative proportions of gastric fluid Lactobacillaceae increased and Streptococcaceae decreased, while fecal Firmicutes increased and Bacteriodota decreased. Within each housing condition, there was no significant week-to-week variation in gastric (p = 0.9) or fecal (p = 0.09) microbiota. Overall, these findings support the maintenance of stable gastric and fecal microbial populations under each management condition, providing a basis for further investigation of gastric fluid microbiota in diseases of the foregut.

A pilot study examining periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys display different levels of alveolar bone resorption, gingival inflammatory infiltrate, and salivary microbiota profile.

Monkeys are an appropriate model for periodontal research owing to their similar dental anatomy and physiology unlike humans. Extensive literature exists on pathological periodontitis in monkeys and humans, although concerns regarding whether healthy middle-aged monkeys and humans display the same periodontal and oral microbial status remains unclear. The current study aimed to compare alveolar bone resorption, gingival inflammatory infiltrate, and salivary microbiota profile in periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys. CBCT examination and histological analysis were performed to compare the periodontal status in middle-aged healthy humans and monkeys. Oral saliva16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the oral microbial profile. The alveolar resorption was compared between humans and monkeys, to determine the periodontal health. The percentage attachment of attachment loss was more around the posteriors teeth in humans when compared to monkeys (p<0.05). The degree of gingival inflammation was analyzed in both the groups, the expression of CD 34,45was higher in humans. 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated less diversity of salivary microorganisms in humans than in monkeys. The relative abundance of Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, Gemella, and Porphyromonas at the genus level was significantly less in humans than in monkeys (p(<0.05). The periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys display different alveolar bone resorption and gingival inflammatory infiltrate levels. Furthermore, the salivary microbiota profile showed distinctly different oral microbiomes in these two primates. Our results suggest that the difference in alveolar bone status and gingival inflammatory infiltrate in healthy humans and monkeys might be associated with the diversity of the oral microbiome.

The Influence of Microbiota on Breast Cancer: A Review

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, and recent research highlights its growing connection to alterations in the microbiota. This review delves into the intricate relationship between microbiotas and breast cancer, exploring its presence in healthy breast tissue, its changes during cancer progression, and its considerable impact on both the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). We extensively analyze how the microbiota influences cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, resistance to drugs, and the evasion of the immune system, with a special focus on its effects on the TIME. Furthermore, we investigate distinct microbial profiles associated with the four primary molecular subtypes of breast cancer, examining how the microbiota in tumor tissues compares with that in adjacent normal tissues. Emerging studies suggest that microbiotas could serve as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as targets for therapy. This review emphasizes the urgent need for further research to improve strategies for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By offering a detailed examination of the microbiota’s critical role in breast cancer, this review aims to foster the development of novel microbiota-based approaches for managing the disease.

Impact of Dehydration Techniques on the Nutritional and Microbial Profiles of Dried Mushrooms.

The global consumption of dried mushrooms has increased worldwide because of their rich nutritional value and culinary versatility. Dehydration methods such as sun drying, hot air drying, freeze drying, and microwave drying are employed to prolong the shelf life of a food product. These methods can also affect the food product's nutritional value and the final product's microbial profile. Each technique affects the retention of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds differently. Additionally, these techniques vary in their effectiveness at reducing microbial load, impacting the dried mushrooms' safety and shelf life. This review addresses the gap in understanding how different dehydration methods influence dried mushrooms' nutritional quality and microbial safety, which is crucial for optimizing their processing and consumption. It targets researchers, food processors, and consumers seeking to improve the quality and safety of dried mushrooms. This review comprehensively examines the impact of major dehydration techniques, including sun drying, hot air drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying, on the nutritional and microbial profiles of dried mushrooms. Each method is evaluated for its effectiveness in preserving essential nutrients and reducing microbial load. Current research indicates that freeze drying is particularly effective in preserving nutritional quality, while hot air and microwave drying significantly reduce microbial load. However, more well-designed studies are needed to fully understand the implications of these methods for safety and nutritional benefits. These findings are valuable for optimizing dehydration methods for high-quality dried mushrooms that are suited for culinary and medicinal use.

A Kinetic Study on Chronic Response of Activated Sludge to Diclofenac by Respirometry

The present study investigated the chronic response of activated sludge to the emerging pollutant diclofenac as well as its aerobic biodegradation potential at different sludge retention times (SRTs). The impact of prolonged exposure to diclofenac on microbial process kinetics was explored with respirometric modelling. The long-term operation of lab-scale reactors revealed that continuous feeding of diclofenac at relevant concentrations observed in municipal wastewaters did not affect carbon removal efficiency independentl of SRT. However, in case of diclofenac removal, 34% efficiency could be achieved at a higher SRT of 20 days. Kinetic evaluation showed that the increment in diclofenac dosing resulted in no adverse effect on the microbial growth rate except that high concentrations of diclofenac exposure decreased the growth rate at SRT of 10 days. A significant increase in hydrolysis rate was determined in the diclofenac-acclimated biomass for both SRTs; even at high concentrations of diclofenac exposure, the hydrolysis rate remained unchanged. Long-term acclimation to diclofenac had a progressive impact on the hydrolysis kinetics, which could be attributed to an alteration in the microbial culture profile. Overall, the results suggest that the operation with diclofenac-acclimated biomass at higher SRTs could enrich a microbial culture capable of overcoming the adverse effect of the pollutant and improve the biodegradation potential as well.

Novel mechanistic understanding that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is more capable of improving the ensiling performance of wheat straw silage than xylanase by driving certain key metabolites

Microbial and enzyme additives can improve silage performance, but there is limited comparative research on the effects of microbial and enzyme additives on improving silage fermentation quality, and the underlying microbial and metabolic pathways remain unclear. This study investigated the effects without inoculants (CK treatment) or with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP treatment), xylanase (XY treatment) and their combination (LPXY treatment) on the fermentation quality, as well as on the microbial communities and metabolite profiles of the wheat straw silage. The results demonstrated that the LP treatment has a better effect on improving the fermentation quality of wheat straw silage compared to other treatments, as evidenced by markedly (p < 0.05) decreased the pH (4.06), acid and neutral fiber (ANF, NDF, 23.43 and 31.69%DM), and increased the lactic acid (LA, 965.89 mg/L) and acetic acid (AA, 656.10 mg/L) concentrations. After the fermentation process, the LP treatment significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the abundance of Lactobacillus, reduced bacterial Shannon (p < 0.05) and increased some key metabolites content. The structural equation models (SEMs) and Pearson’s correlation results proved that the LP treatment improved the wheat straw silage fermentation quality via increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus, decreasing the diversity of bacterial community and enriching the content of certain key metabolites. The present study provides mechanistic evidence that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum additive is superior to xylanase additive and their combination on improving fermentation quality of wheat straw silage, that is, by enriching certain key metabolites to increase AA and LA concentrations, providing a reference for the cross study of silage feed fermentation microbiome and metabolome.Graphical