Addition Of Probiotics Research Articles

Screening and effects of intestinal probiotics on growth performance, gut health, immunity, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcus agalactiae

In the present study, 59 autochthonous bacteria were isolated from the intestine of tilapia. Following enzyme producing activity, antagonistic ability, hemolytic activity, drug sensitivity assessments, and in vivo safety evaluation, 7 potential probiotic strains were screened out: Bacillus tequilensis BT0825-2 (BT), Bacillus aryabhattai BA0829-3 (BA1), Bacillus megaterium BM0505-6 (BM), Bacillus velezensis BV0505-11 (BV), Bacillus licheniformis BL0505-18 (BL), B. aryabhattai BA0505-19 (BA2), and Lactococcus lactis LL0306-15 (LL). Subsequently, tilapia were fed basal diets (CT) and basal diets supplemented with 108 CFU/g of BT, BA1, BM, BV, BL, BA2 and LL, respectively. After 56 days of continuous feeding, the growth parameters (weight gain, final weight, and specific growth rate) showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in both BM and BA2 groups. The total cholesterol and triglycerides of serum were significantly decreased in BV and LL groups (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and lysozyme of BV, BA2 and LL groups were increased, and the malondialdehyde of BV group was significantly decreased. The villous height and amylase of midgut were increased in BV, BA2 and LL groups. In addition, the expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin genes in the midgut of tilapia were enhanced in BM, BV, BA2 and LL groups. The supplementation of probiotics reduced the abundance of Cyanobacteria and increased the abundance of Actinobacteria at the phylum level. At the genus level, the addition of probiotics increased the abundance of Romboutsia. Furthermore, improvement in the expression of immune-related genes were observed, including interleukin 1β, interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and transforming growth factor beta (p < 0.05). After challenging with S. agalactiae, the survival rates of BV, BA2 and LL groups were significantly higher than CT group (p < 0.05). Above results indicated that BM, BA2, BV and LL improved growth performance, gut health or immunity of tilapia, which can be applied in tilapia aquaculture.

PSVI-14 Changes in zinc oxide concentration in feed and effects of probiotic addition to weaning to finishing pig diet by microbiome analysis

Abstract To analyze the implications of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) with probiotic administration on productivity, fecal index, meat quality characteristics, odorous substances, and microbiome analysis in weaning-finishing pigs, 200 weaned piglets (3 barrows and 2 gilts) were radomly assigned (average body weight = 6.65 ± 0.66 kg) into four treatments with ten repetitions per treatment. The treatments consisted of varying ZnO content (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm) and probiotic percentages (0.1% or 0.3%), as follows: TRT1 (75 ppm ZnO), TRT2 (75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic), TRT3 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO), and TRT4 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic). In comparison with the TRT1 treatment group, the TRT2 and TRT4 treatment groups had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) body weight at wk 12, 18, and 22 of the trial and greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain at wk 12, 18, 22, and the overall period (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, pigs fed ZnO with the probiotic included a diet that reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) NH3 and H2S at wk 18 and 22, and CO2 at wk 22, in the TRT2 and TRT4 groups compared with the TRT1 group. However, the fecal score and meat quality exhibited no substantial change (P &amp;gt; 0.05). By incorporating probiotics into the pig diet along with ZnO supplementation, a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increase in alpha diversity and beta diversity, as well as a higher relative abundance of phyla and genera of Firmicutes was found. Furthermore, based on taxonomic analysis, the dietary treatment group (TRT 4) showed a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increase in beneficial bacteria (Prevotella, Lactobacillus) while simultaneously reducing (P &amp;lt; 0.05) pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium_sunsu_strico_1, Campylobacteria, Olsenella) compared with the TRT1 treatment group. An improvement in diversity and expansion of the identified taxonomic groups has been associated with healthier gut health. The results indicated that the effects of ZnO with probiotics on the improvement of performance and reduced gas emissions in pigs may be associated with the modulatory effect on the gut microbiome. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into using decreased ZnO with probiotic inclusion as a novel feeding strategy to improve pig gut health and overall performance.

Effect of Consortium Probiotic Addition on the Health of Pre-Weaned Buffalo at BPTU Siborong-borong

Low immune systems and bacterial infections are the main cause of the high mortality of buffalo calves. The study aimed to investigate the effect of probiotics addition (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus acidophilus) on the performance of pre-weaned buffalo. The study used 20 pre-weaned buffalo (4-6 months old and an average body weight of 163.53 kg). They were grouped into the Treatment group fed fresh chopped elephant grass and concentrate plus the probiotics; and Control group without the probiotics. The probiotics were offered daily orally using a drenching gun. The parameters measured were body weight, feed consumption, and hematological parameters. The results showed that probiotics increase the average daily gain of calves (P<0.05). The two probiotics have no significant effect on dry matter, protein and energy intake, and feed digestibility. There was an increase in the white blood cell content on calves supplemented with the probiotics, indicating the improvement of the immune system. Conversely, decreasing the white blood cell content in calves who did not receive the probiotics showed a decline in the immune system of the calves. It is concluded that the probiotic improved animal health and body weight gain in pre-weaned buffalo.

Adaptability of commercial probiotics to biofloc system: Influences on autochthonal bacterial community, water quality and growth performance of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aimed to investigate the adaptability of commercial probiotics to the biofloc system, as well as the influence on bacterial community, water quality and aquatic animal growth. Two biofloc systems nursing Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae for 28 days were designed, the control (cBFT) and pBFT with addition of commercial probiotics (containing Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Rhodopseudomonas). Results showed that at the end of the experiment, only the absolute abundance and the proportion of Bacillus contained in commercial probiotics (2.1 ± 0.8 × 105 genome copies mL−1 and 0.12 ± 0.03%) significantly increased in pBFT compared to those in cBFT (1.7 ± 0.8 × 104 genome copies mL−1 and 0.03 ± 0.02%), respectively (P < 0.05). Absolute abundances and proportions of several autochthonal bacterial genera (i.g., Acinetobacter, Anaerospora, Arthrobacter, Devosia, Luteolibacter, Marivita and Mycobacterium) also significantly elevated in pBFT (P < 0.05). Total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity (415.2 ± 79.6 mg L−1 and 379.0 ± 86.4 NTU) were significantly higher in pBFT than both parameters in cBFT (118.1 ± 23.9 mg L−1 and 109.4 ± 44.3 NTU), respectively (P < 0.05). Whereas, zootechnical indices (except survival rate) were significantly lower in pBFT than those in cBFT, respectively (P < 0.05). The integrated impact model of commercial probiotics explained 57.9%–77.1% variations of shrimp growth performance, and showed that commercial probiotics as well as some autochthonal bacteria positively correlated with turbidity which in turn negatively correlated with zootechnical indices (P < 0.05). The findings suggested that added probiotics (especially Bacillus) induced changes on the autochthonal bacterial community, leading to changes of water quality which consequently resulted in the depression of growth performance of shrimp.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanism of Probiotics on the Growth Performance of Fattening Sheep.

Probiotics have been proven to improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance; rumen and intestinal microbiota; rumen fluid, serum, and urine metabolism; and rumen epithelial cell transcriptomics of fattening meat sheep. Twelve Hu sheep were selected and randomly divided into two groups. They were fed a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 × 108 CFU/g probiotics (PRB). The results show that the average daily weight gain, and volatile fatty acid and serum antioxidant capacity concentrations of the PRB group were significantly higher than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, the thickness of the rumen muscle layer in the PRB group was significantly decreased (p < 0.01); the thickness of the duodenal muscle layer in the fattening sheep was significantly reduced; and the length of the duodenal villi, the thickness of the cecal and rectal mucosal muscle layers, and the thickness of the cecal, colon, and rectal mucosal layers (p < 0.05) were significantly increased. At the genus level, the addition of probiotics altered the composition of the rumen and intestinal microbiota, significantly upregulating the relative abundance of Subdivision5_genera_incertae_sedis and Acinetobacter in the rumen microbiota, and significantly downregulating the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio, Saccharofermentans, and Fibrobacter. The relative abundance of faecalicoccus was significantly upregulated in the intestinal microbiota, while the relative abundance of Coprococcus, Porphyromonas, and Anaerobacterium were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the rumen, serum, and urine metabolites between the PRB group and the CON group, with 188, 138, and 104 metabolites (p < 0.05), mainly affecting pathways such as vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and a series of amino acid metabolisms. The differential genes in the transcriptome sequencing were mainly enriched in protein modification regulation (especially histone modification), immune function regulation, and energy metabolism. Therefore, adding probiotics improved the growth performance of fattening sheep by altering the rumen and intestinal microbiota; the rumen, serum, and urine metabolome; and the transcriptome.

Untargeted metabolic footprinting uncovers key biochemical changes in fermented camel milk

Camel milk is becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to its nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, challenges such as the harsh living conditions required for camels and the relatively low production when compared to cow milk affect the sales of camel milk. Nevertheless, fermented camel milk is an excellent carrier of probiotics, which not only maintain its positive characteristics but also provide additional benefits. In this study, we compared the pH, viable counts, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) activity, and microrheological properties of untreated fermented camel milk (control group) and fermented camel milk treated with probiotics (Zhang group [Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang], V9 group [Bifidobacterium lactis V9], and Mix group [Zhang + V9]). After the addition of probiotics, the fermentation time reduced, potentially decreasing the costs associated with large-scale camel milk fermentation. Finally, eight key metabolites were identified in camel milk and fermented camel milk, we observed that the post-fermentation levels of guanine were significantly higher in the probiotic groups, with the highest levels observed in the Mix group. The research provides a theoretical basis for preparation of probiotic fermented camel milk, and produces a product which can be used to for diabetes patients in the future.

Cold stress changes the composition and function of microbiota in the content and mucosa of the ileum and colon in piglets

Context Cold stress is a significant factor that contributes to the imbalance of energy in piglets during their early life. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining energy homeostasis under cold-stress conditions. Aims This study aims to investigate the effects of cold stress on the microbiota and expression pathways in the colon and ileum of weaned piglets, providing new insights and methods for helping piglets resist cold stress. Methods In total, 10 piglets in the cold-stress group (n = 5) and room-temperature group (n = 5) were sacrificed. Intestinal contents and mucosa samples were collected for 16S rRNA analysis. Key results The results showed that cold stress increased the observed features and chao1 index in the colonic mucosa. The beta diversity of ileum, colon and ileum mucosa was significantly changed. Under cold stress, the relative abundance of Acholeplasma, Proteiniphilum, and Olsenella increased in the contents of the ileum and colon. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae sp., Butyricicoccus, and Lachnospiraceae FCS020 increased in the mucosa of the colon. Sphingomonas, Helicobacter, Cutibacterium, and Bradyrhizobium were significantly increased in the mucosa of the ileum. In predicted functions, after cold stress, the purine metabolism and degradation increased in the content and mucosa of the ileum and mucosa of the colon. The fat biosynthesis pathway increased in the content of the colon. Complex carbohydrate degradation increased in the mucosa of both. Conclusions These findings suggest that cold stress has a significant impact on the species richness, composition, and predicted functions of the microbiota in the ileum and colon of piglets, with these effects varying depending on the location within the gut. Implications Therefore, we can help piglets resist cold stress by modifying the structure of gut microbiota through the addition of probiotics or adjusting the composition of their diet.

Production of probiotic fermented salami using Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

The objectives of the study were to improve the functionality of fermented salami using probiotics, to evaluate the effects of the addition of probiotics on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and sensory acceptance of fermented salami, and to introduce a brand-new probiotic food to the market for meat products. Fermented salami samples were produced using various formulations, including no probiotic (A), non-probiotic starter cultures (B) or probiotic cultures [Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR32 200B (C), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP115 400B (D), Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 (E), and L. rhamnosus LR32 200B+L. plantarum LP115 400B (F)]. The samples were kept at 4°C for 60 days, and their probiotic viability as well as their chemical, physical, microbiological, and sensory qualities were assessed at intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. The probiotic addition enhanced the safety and quality of the product while favorably affecting the microbiological, physical, chemical, and sensory properties of the samples. The sample produced with mixed probiotics (F) had the highest moisture and fat content and the lowest pH. Lactic acid bacteria counts were found above 6.0logCFU/g in the samples produced with probiotic at the end of the storage. Probiotic added products were rated higher than products without probiotics in terms of color, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance during storage. Consequently, a probiotic fermented salami with high probiotic cell counts and meeting the sensory preferences of the consumers was produced.

A functional and probiotic approach: mixed fruit juice powder with addition of lactobacilli

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in a mixture of acerola and ciriguela juice (40/60%, respectively) and the juice mixture supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LPAA 01, L. casei LPAA 02, and L. plantarum LPAA 03, ratio 1:1, both powders obtained by spray drying, during storage. The stability of acerola and ciriguela mixed powder without the addition of microorganisms was evaluated for 90 days at 25°C in different water activities (Aws) (0.11, 0.23, and 0.34). Aw that most effectively maintained the stability of mixed powdered juice was used for the evaluation of the fermented mixed juice powder containing probiotics for 45 days at 5 and 25°C, respectively. Samples were characterized by physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and cell viability. The physicochemical properties of the powdered mixed juice without the addition of probiotics remained stable when stored at 25°C at an Aw of 0.11 for 60 days. Ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and total phenolics showed favorable characteristics for the commercialization and bioactive properties of the powders, with potential use as functional ingredients in food. Probiotic powders showed viable cell counts above 6.0 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g after storage for up to 20 days at 5°C and up to 14 days at 25°C.

Development of Innovational Brem Bali Products with Probiotics through Immobilization of Durian Skin Flour as a Healthy Alcoholic Beverage

The alcohol produced from the fermentation process in the traditional Balinese brem drink is one of the obstacles. Innovation and functional studies of brem Bali products are needed to be standardized and industrialized. The Bali brem fermentation process uses a dry starter, yeast, and a dominant growing microbe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The alcohol content in Bali brem ranges from 3-10%. Several studies have studied the probiotics in alcoholic beverages to provide health benefits potentially. In addition, durian skin flour is claimed to be used as a probiotic immobilizer. The development of brem drink with the addition of probiotics can have a major impact on health; in addition to the benefits of brem as a fermented drink, it also provides probiotic effects for health, including helping digestion as irritable bowel syndrome, reducing digestive tract symptoms (constipation, non-pathogenic diarrhoea, and flatulence), intolerance lactose, as the body’s defence (allergies such as eczema, atopic), cariogenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, tumours, intestinal inflammation, intestinal bacterial overgrowth, lowering blood cholesterol, and hypertension.

Evaluation of a Standard Dietary Regimen Combined with Heat-Inactivated Lactobacillus gasseri HM1, Lactoferrin-Producing HM1, and Their Sonication-Inactivated Variants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders in an Obesity Mouse Model.

This study investigated the impact of incorporating various inactivated probiotic formulations, with or without recombinant lactoferrin (LF) expression, into a standard chow diet on metabolic-related disorders in obese mice. After inducing obesity through a 13-week high-fat diet followed by a standard chow diet, mice received daily oral administrations of different probiotics for 6 weeks using the oral gavage approach. These probiotic formulations consisted of a placebo (MRS), heat-inactivated Lactobacillus gasseri HM1 (HK-HM1), heat-killed LF-expression HM1 (HK-HM1/LF), sonication-killed HM1 (SK-HM1), and sonication-killed LF-expression HM1 (SK-HM1/LF). The study successfully induced obesity, resulting in worsened glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, the regular diet alone improved glucose tolerance, and the addition of inactivated probiotics further enhanced this effect, with SK-HM1/LF demonstrating the most noticeable improvement. However, while regular dietary intervention alone improved insulin sensitivity, probiotic supplementation did not provide additional benefits in this aspect. Inflammation in perirenal and epididymal fat tissues was partially alleviated by the regular diet and further improved by probiotics, particularly by SK-HM1, which showed the most significant reduction. Additionally, HK-HM1 and HK-HM1/LF supplements could contribute to the improvement of serum total triglycerides or total cholesterol, respectively. Overall, incorporating inactivated probiotics into a regular diet may enhance metabolic indices, and recombinant LF may offer potential benefits for improving glucose tolerance.

World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) guideline update – XII – Recommendations on milk formula supplements with and without probiotics for infants and toddlers with CMA

BackgroundCow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in infants. The replacement with specialized formulas is an established clinical approach to ensure adequate growth and minimize the risk of severe allergic reactions when breastfeeding is not possible. Still, given the availability of multiple options, such as extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein formula (eHF-CM), amino acid formula (AAF), hydrolyzed rice formula (HRF) and soy formulas (SF), there is some uncertainty as to the most suitable choice with respect to health outcomes. Furthermore, the addition of probiotics to a formula has been proposed as a potential approach to maximize benefit. ObjectiveThese evidence-based guidelines from the World Allergy Organization (WAO) intend to support patients, clinicians, and others in decisions about the use of milk specialized formulas, with and without probiotics, for individuals with CMA. MethodsWAO formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to include the views of all stakeholders and to minimize potential biases from competing interests. The McMaster University GRADE Centre supported the guideline-development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used, including GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks, which were subject to review by stakeholders. ResultsAfter reviewing the summarized evidence and thoroughly discussing the different management options, the WAO guideline panel suggests: a) using an extensively hydrolyzed (cow's milk) formula or a hydrolyzed rice formula as the first option for managing infants with immunoglobulin E (IgE) and non-IgE-mediated CMA who are not being breastfed. An amino-acid formula or a soy formula could be regarded as second and third options respectively; b) using either a formula without a probiotic or a casein-based extensively hydrolyzed formula containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for infants with either IgE or non-IgE-mediated CMA.The issued recommendations are labeled as “conditional” following the GRADE approach due to the very low certainty about the health effects based on the available evidence. ConclusionsIf breastfeeding is not available, clinicians, patients, and their family members might want to discuss all the potential desirable and undesirable consequences of each formula in infants with CMA, integrating them with the patients' and caregivers’ values and preferences, local availability, and cost, before deciding on a treatment option. We also suggest what research is needed to determine with greater certainty which formulas are likely to be the most beneficial, cost-effective, and equitable.

PROBIOTICS FOR THE PREVENTION OF VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with a high rate of all-cause mortality and a prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay. Ventilator associated pneumonia accounts for about half of all antibiotics given in the intensive care unit. Plenty of studies have assessed various kinds of prevention strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia over the years. An emerging number of studies has assessed the non-antibiotic approaches for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the last few years. One of the frequently used strategy is addition of probiotics in the preventive measures list. Regular consumption of probiotics can modulate immune responses and metabolic processes as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The strongest evidence in favor of probiotics lies in the prevention or treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis, acute infectious diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and infant colic. The beneficial effects of probiotics in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia were not yet entirely clarified. Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that the bacteria that populate the gut efficiently modulate the immune response. Treatment with probiotics have shown promising preliminary results to attenuate systemic inflammation, especially in postoperative infections and ventilation performance. This review aims to summarize latest data on the use probiotics to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in critical care unit.

Viability of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 Encapsulated by Ionic Gelation during Refractance Window® Drying of a Strawberry Snack.

The selection of appropriate probiotic strains is vital for their successful inclusion in foods. These strains must withstand processing to reach consumers with ≥106 CFU/g, ensuring effective probiotic function. Achieving this in commercial products is challenging due to sensitivity to temperature during processing. In this work, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 was microencapsulated by ionic gelation (with alginate or pectin) followed by polymeric coating (with whey protein concentrate or chitosan). Then, such microcapsules were incorporated into a strawberry puree, which was subsequently dehydrated at three temperatures (40 °C, 45 °C, and 50 °C) by Refractance Window®. The ultimate aim was to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methods from a technological point of view. Kinetic curves of the probiotic's viability showed a high cell loading (>109 CFU/g). Additionally, an average encapsulation efficiency of 91% and a particle size of roughly 200 µm were found. A decrease in the viability of the microorganism was observed as drying temperature and time increased. As a demonstration of the above, in a particular case, drying at 45 °C and 50 °C, viable cells were found up to 165 min and 90 min, respectively; meanwhile, drying at 40 °C, viable cells were reported even after 240 min. The greatest viability preservation was achieved with Refractance Window® drying at 40 °C for 240 min when microcapsules coated with whey protein concentrate were incorporated into puree; this procedure showed great potential to produce dehydrated strawberry snacks with moisture (15%), water activity (aw < 0.6), and viability (≥106 CFU/g) suitable for functional foods. The membrane-stabilizing properties of whey protein concentrate could prevent cell damage. In contrast, probiotics in chitosan-coated capsules showed reduced viability, potentially due to antimicrobial properties and the formation of cracks. These findings signify a breakthrough in the production of dehydrated snacks with the addition of probiotics, addressing challenges in preserving the viability of these probiotics during processing; thus, opening the possibility for the development of a probiotic strawberry snack.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemicals for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a burden for patients with increasing prevalence in industrialized countries. Phytochemicals are non-nutrient plant derived bioactive substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may prove beneficial to IBD patients. This review aims to overview current evidence on the application and impact of isolated phytochemicals or phytochemicals contained in plant extracts and essential oils on patients suffering from IBD. A systematic literature search was conducted for studies relating to the use of phytochemicals for the treatment of IBD. Ultimately, 37 human clinical trials and 3 systematic reviews providing human IBD patient data relevant to phytochemicals as therapeutic agents were included. Phytochemicals in the form of curcumin, Plantago ovata seeds, polyphenon E, silymarin, resveratrol supplements or an herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee charcoal have evidence from human clinical trials supporting their safety and beneficial effects. Cannabinoids improve quality of life but not IBD outcomes. The addition of probiotics like B. longum to fructo-oligosaccharides promote healthy composition of the gut microbiome. Phytochemicals like mastiha, anthocyanins, berberine, tormentil, T2, ecabet sodium and Pycnogenol need more well-designed trials. Systematic research on phytochemicals can lead to the discovery of useful therapeutics. These secondary metabolites can be incorporated in current IBD treatment strategies to limit side effects, promote mucosal healing and provide higher quality of life to patients.

Effect of probiotics addition on artificial feed for catfish growth

The research aimed to investigate the impact of probiotics supplementation in artificial feed on the growth of catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Catfish farming is a vital component of aquaculture, and optimizing feed formulations can enhance both the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry. In this study, probiotics were incorporated into the catfish feed to assess their potential benefits on growth performance. A fully randomized design was employed, encompassing four distinct treatment groups denoted as follows: P0, representing the control group without any treatment; P1, involving the incorporation of 2 cc/kg of probiotic into the feed; P2, entailing the inclusion of 4 cc/kg of probiotic in the feed; and P3, comprising the use of 6 cc/kg of probiotic in the feed. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of variance with a confidence level set at 5%. The growth parameters, including weight gain, length increase, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were monitored over 2 months. The results revealed a significant improvement in the growth performance of catfish in the probiotics-supplemented group compared to the control group. Catfish fed with probiotics exhibited a higher average weight gain and increased length, indicating better growth.

Inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 and Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 as a Probiotic Additive in Pigs’ Postweaning Diets and Its Effect on Meat Composition, Carcass Characteristics, and Fatty Acids Profile after Slaughter

The postweaning is recognized as one of the most challenging stages of pig growth that can affect their lifetime productivity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 and Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 as a probiotic additive in pigs’ postweaning diets and its effect on meat composition, carcass characteristics, and fatty acids profile after slaughter. The following three treatments (550 animals each) were included: T1: control balanced diet (CD), T2: CD with S. boulardii RC009 (1 × 109 CFU/kg feed), and T3: CD with P. pentosaceus RC007 (1 × 109 CFU/kg feed). The additive was administered throughout the postweaning phase (49 d), and then the pigs were moved to a fattening house where they no longer received probiotics in the feed. At 115 ± 5 kg, the animals were transferred to the slaughterhouse. Analyses of carcass composition, muscle depth, protein content, total fat and ash, drip and cooking water loss, and fatty acids were performed. Pigs consuming the probiotic additives had improvements in some of the production parameters. According to our results, we could observe that some modifications in meat composition after slaughter were observed in the group of pigs that consumed the probiotic additives during the postweaning, which could be considered as an improvement in meat quality. Pigs consuming probiotics had higher percentages of essential omega-3 fatty acids such as linolenic acid, and pigs consuming S. cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 increased lean percentage and reduced the eicosanoic contents in meat. Also, an improvement in water retention capacity was observed in both groups treated with probiotics. While these results are promising, further studies are needed to evaluate the possible effect of these additives closer to slaughter, as well as their combined use.

The Effect of GDM Probiotics in Rearing Media on Water Quality And Growth of Pomfret Fry (Colossoma macropomum)

This study aims to determine the effect of giving GDM probiotics on maintenance media on water quality and growth of pomfret fish. The method used was a completely randomized design (RAL) with 4 treatments and 3 replications, namely P0 (without the addition of probiotics). P1 (addition of probiotics 1.5 ml/L). P2 (addition of probiotic 2.0 ml/L) and P3 (addition of probiotic 2.5 ml/L). Each treatment used seeds measuring 4-5 cm. Parameters observed during the study were water quality, absolute weight growth (PBM), absolute length growth (PPM), survival rate (SR), and specific growth rate (SGR). Based on the analysis of variance, it was found that the treatment given had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on absolute weight growth, absolute length growth, SR survival rate, and specific growth rate. Also, based on Duncan's test, treatment P1 (1.5 ml/L) was the best treatment.

Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosis and management: current practices of Greek gastroenterologists.

The diagnosis and management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection vary significantly, depending on country, area, and specialty. The aim of this study was to record the current practices of Greek gastroenterologists in the screening and treatment of H. pylori infection. An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 19 questions about the management of H. pylori infection was sent with the aid of the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology to all members of the Society. The questionnaire was completed by 180 gastroenterologists, with a response rate of 31.4%. Diagnostic tests to confirm H. pylori infection are ordered by >90% of the gastroenterologists for patients with current peptic ulcer disease, gastric lymphoma, family history of gastric cancer, and an endoscopic appearance suggestive of gastritis. Most gastroenterologists (55.8%) also tested for H. pylori in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Histopathology was the most preferred (60.6%) method when testing was decided during endoscopy, while urea breath test was the most preferred method (67.8%) regardless of endoscopy. Most gastroenterologists use quadruple eradication regimens supported by international guidelines (90%), while 65.6% of the physicians answered that they systematically recommend the addition of probiotics to standard therapy. Most physicians (82.8%) answered that they always confirm the eradication of the pathogen. The majority of Greek gastroenterologists conform to the recommendations of international guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection, except for the screening of patients with GERD. A considerable number of doctors use probiotics in addition to standard therapy.

Can the Evidence-Based Use of Probiotics (Notably Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) Mitigate the Clinical Effects of Antibiotic-Associated Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis corresponds to the disruption of a formerly stable, functionally complete microbiota. In the gut, this imbalance can lead to adverse health outcomes in both the short and long terms, with a potential increase in the lifetime risks of various noncommunicable diseases and disorders such as atopy (like asthma), inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disorders, and even behavioural and psychological disorders. Although antibiotics are highly effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in infectious diseases, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is a common, non-negligible clinical sign of gut dysbiosis (and the only visible one). Re-establishment of a normal (functional) gut microbiota is promoted by completion of the clinically indicated course of antibiotics, the removal of any other perturbing external factors, the passage of time (i.e. recovery through the microbiota's natural resilience), appropriate nutritional support, and-in selected cases-the addition of probiotics. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials have confirmed the strain-specific efficacy of some probiotics (notably the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and the bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) in the treatment and/or prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and in adults. Unusually for a probiotic, S.boulardii is a eukaryote and is not therefore directly affected by antibiotics-making it suitable for administration in cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. A robust body of evidence from clinical trials and meta-analyses shows that the timely administration of an adequately dosed probiotic (upon initiation of antibiotic treatment or within 48h) can help to prevent or resolve the consequences of antibiotic-associated dysbiosis (such as diarrhoea) and promote the resilience of the gut microbiota and a return to the pre-antibiotic state. A focus on the prescription of evidence-based, adequately dosed probiotics should help to limit unjustified and potentially ineffective self-medication.