Search Results (3,036)

Microbiome analysis has revolutionized our understanding of various biological processes, spanning human health and epidemiology (including antimicrobial resistance and horizontal gene transfer), as well as environmental and agricultural studies. At the heart of microbiome analysis lies the characterization of microbial communities through the quantification of microbial taxa and their dynamics. In the study of bacterial abundances, it is becoming more relevant to consider their relationship, to embed these data in the framework of network theory, allowing characterization of features like node relevance, pathways, and community structure. In this study, we address the primary biases encountered in reconstructing networks through correlation measures, particularly in light of the compositional nature of the data, within-sample diversity, and the presence of a high number of unobserved species. These factors can lead to inaccurate correlation estimates. To tackle these challenges, we employ simulated data to demonstrate how many of these issues can be mitigated by applying typical transformations designed for compositional data. These transformations enable the use of straightforward measures like Pearson’s correlation to correctly identify positive and negative relationships among relative abundances, especially in high-dimensional data, without having any need for further corrections. However, some challenges persist, such as addressing data sparsity, as neglecting this aspect can result in an underestimation of negative correlations. Full article

Toothpaste is an essential oral hygiene product commonly used to sustain oral health due to its incorporation of antimicrobial agents. Numerous functional toothpastes enriched with antimicrobial agents have been developed and are available to consumers. This study evaluates the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of 12 commercially available toothpaste products, including those with specialized functions. Statistical significance was assessed to validate the differences observed among the toothpaste samples. Their effects on Streptococcus mutans, the primary pathogen responsible for dental caries, were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined, and bacterial growth was measured to compare antimicrobial activities. Toothpaste containing 1000 μg/mL fluoride and whitening toothpaste exhibited the strongest antimicrobial effects, effectively inhibiting S. mutans growth. Additionally, bamboo salt-enriched and tartar-control toothpaste demonstrated inhibitory effects on bacterial growth. Assays to evaluate the ability of cells to form biofilms and the expression of genes involved in biofilm formation revealed a partial correlation between biofilm formation and spaP, gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD expression, although some showed opposite trends. Collectively, this study provides valuable insights into the antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition capabilities of commercial toothpastes against S. mutans, offering a foundation for evaluating the efficacy of functional toothpaste products. Full article

Backgrounds and aim: Protective effects of natural compounds have been suggested in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced mucositis or bacterial infections. In this study, the protective effects of proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) on bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and radiation-induced epithelial barrier damage and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production were investigated in an in vitro model. Methods: Human intestinal epithelial cells Caco-2, previously treated with LPS, GSE, or LPS + GSE, were irradiated with 10 Gy divided into five daily treatments. Epithelial barrier integrity and ROS production were measured before and after each treatment. Results: Irradiation, at different doses, significantly increased intestinal permeability and ROS production; pretreatment with GSE was able to significantly prevent the increased intestinal permeability (4.63 ± 0.76 vs. 15.04 ± 1.5; p < 0.05) and ROS production (12.9 ± 1.08 vs. 1048 ± 0.5; p < 0.0001) induced by irradiation treatment. When the cells were pretreated with LPS, the same results were observed: GSE cotreatment was responsible for preventing permeability alterations (5.36 ± 0.16 vs. 49.26 ± 0.82; p < 0.05) and ROS production (349 ± 1 vs. 7897.67 ± 1.53; p < 0.0001) induced by LPS exposure when added to the irradiation treatment. Conclusions: The results of the present investigation demonstrated, in an in vitro model, that GSE prevents the damage to intestinal permeability and the production of ROS that are induced by LPS and ionizing radiation, suggesting a potential protective effect of this extract on the intestinal mucosa during irradiation treatment. Full article

This study explores the potential of biodegradable Bioglass 45S5 formulations as a dual-function approach for preventing and treating Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopaedic surgery while addressing the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research focuses on the development and characterisation of antibiotic-loaded BG45S5 formulations, assessing parameters such as drug loading efficiency, release kinetics, antimicrobial efficacy, and dissolution behaviour. Key findings indicate that the F2l-BG45S5-T-T-1.5 and F2l-BG45S5-T-V-1.5 formulations demonstrated controlled antibiotic release for up to seven days, with size distributions of D(10): 7.11 ± 0.806 µm, 4.96 ± 0.007 µm; D(50): 25.34 ± 1.730 µm, 25.20.7 ± 0.425 µm; and D(90): 53.7 ± 7.95 µm, 56.10 ± 0.579 µm, respectively. These formulations facilitated hydroxyapatite formation on their surfaces, indicative of osteogenic potential. The antimicrobial assessments revealed zones of inhibition against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, ATCC-6538) measuring 20.3 ± 1.44 mm and 24.6 ± 1.32 mm, while for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC-43300), the inhibition zones were 21.6 ± 1.89 mm and 22 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Time-kill assay results showed complete bacterial eradication within eight hours. Additionally, biocompatibility testing via MTT assay confirmed cell viability of >75%. In conclusion, these findings highlight the promise of antibiotic-loaded BG45S5 as a multifunctional biomaterial capable of both combating bone infections and supporting bone regeneration. These promising results suggest that in vivo studies should be undertaken to expedite these materials into clinical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gut microbiota research has gained momentum in recent years broadening knowledge of microbial components and their potential effects on health and well-being. Strong association between explicit microbes and metabolic diseases associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancers have been established. Akkermansia muciniphila is a budding next-generation probiotic that plays an important role in systemic metabolism, intestinal health, and immune regulation, establishing strong implications for its use as a potent therapeutic intervention in diverse diseases. This project aimed at evaluating whether bacterial cell extracts of VH Akkermansia muciniphila (Vidya Strain; VS) can stimulate insulin secretion in INS-1 pancreatic beta cells and GLP-1 secretion in NCI-H716 human L-cells, both established in vitro models for studying metabolic regulation. Methods: Cultured VH Akkermansia muciniphila extracts were administered in a dose-dependent manner on INS-1 cells, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was measured via ELISA. Treated Human L-cell lines (NCI-H716) were analyzed for GLP-1 secretion. Results: Our study demonstrated that VH Akkermansia muciniphila extracts modestly increase insulin secretion from INS-1 beta cells and, more notably, induce a robust, dose-dependent rise in GLP-1 secretion from NCI-H716 L-cells, with the highest dose achieving over a 2000% increase comparable to glutamine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that VH A. muciniphila extracts may offer metabolic benefits by enhancing GLP-1 release, highlighting their potential for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Full article

Objectives: Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a Gram-negative organism, is a well-recognized cause of hospital outbreaks, often linked to a contaminated shared source, such as multidose medications. In this study, we report an outbreak of Bcc infections in a tertiary care hospital, associated with the intrinsic contamination of a prepared solution used in interventional radiology (IR) procedures. Additionally, we provide a detailed explanation of the interventions implemented to control and interrupt the outbreak. Methods: Records from the infection control committee from 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2024 were screened to identify cases with Bcc growth in cultured blood, urine, or respiratory samples. Clinical and laboratory data were collected in March 2025. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional methods and MALDI-TOF (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Controls were matched to cases by ward, date of initial growth, and duration of hospitalization. Demographic and clinical data of these patients were systematically collected and analyzed. Microbiological cultures were obtained from environmental objects of concern and certain medications. Results: A total of 82 Burkholderia species were identified. We enrolled 77 cases and 77 matched controls. The source of contamination was identified in ready-to-use intravenous medications (remifentanil and magnesium preparations) in the IR department. These preparations were compounded in advance by the team and were used repeatedly. Although the outbreak originated from contaminated IV medications used in IR, secondary transmission likely affected 28 non-IR patients via fomites, shared environments, and possible lapses in isolation precautions. The mortality rate among the cases was 16.9%. Infection with Bcc was associated with prolonged intensive care unit stays (p = 0.018) and an extended overall hospitalization duration (p < 0.001); however, it was not associated with increased mortality. The enforcement of contact precautions and comprehensive environmental decontamination successfully reduced the incidence of the Bcc outbreak. No pathogens were detected in cultures obtained after the disinfection. Conclusions: The hospital transmission of Bcc is likely driven by cross-contamination, invasive medical procedures, and the administration of contaminated medications. Implementing stringent infection control measures such as staff retraining, updated policies on medication use, enhanced environmental decontamination, and strict adherence to isolation precautions has proven effective in curbing the spread of virulent and transmissible Bcc. Full article

The rise of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa underscores the need for novel therapeutic targets beyond conventional peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Some bacterial strains bypass MurA inhibition by fosfomycin via a cell wall salvage pathway. This study targeted P. aeruginosa AmgK (PaAmgK) and MurU (PaMurU) to identify inhibitors that could complement fosfomycin therapy. A malachite-green-based dual-enzyme assay enabled efficient activity measurements and high-throughput chemical screening. Screening 232 compounds identified Congo red and CTAB as potent PaMurU inhibitors. A targeted mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the selective inhibition of PaMurU relative to that of PaAmgK. Molecular docking simulations indicate that Congo red preferentially interacts with PaMurU through electrostatic contacts, primarily involving the residues Arg28 and Arg202. The binding of Congo red to PaMurU was corroborated further using SUPR-differential scanning fluorimetry (SUPR-DSF), which revealed ligand-induced thermal destabilization. Ongoing X-ray crystallographic studies, in conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis and enzyme kinetic analyses, aim to elucidate the binding mode at an atomic resolution. Full article

Background: Salivary pH plays a critical role in oral health by influencing enamel demineralization, buffering capacity, and the ecology of oral microbiota. Essential oils such as Origanum vulgare (oregano) possess well-documented antimicrobial properties that may reduce acidogenic bacterial activity. However, the effects of edible delivery systems like jellies on salivary pH modulation and their potential interactions with hormonal states remain poorly understood. Methods: This study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of an oregano-oil-based jelly formulation against standard bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli) and fungal (Candida albicans) strains using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Additionally, a human trial (n = 91) measured salivary pH before and after administration of the oregano-oil jelly. Participants were characterized by age, smoking status, menopausal status, and presence of menstruation. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of final salivary pH. Results: The oregano-oil jelly demonstrated strong in vitro antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones up to 8 mm for E. coli and C. albicans. In vivo, mean unstimulated salivary pH increased from 6.94 to 7.07 overall, indicating a mild alkalinizing effect. However, menstruating participants showed a significant decrease in final pH (from 7.03 to 6.78). Multiple regression identified menstruation as a significant negative predictor (β = −0.377, p < 0.001) and initial pH as a positive predictor (β = +0.275, p = 0.002). Menopausal status was not a significant predictor, likely due to the small sample size. Conclusions: Oregano-oil jellies may represent a promising natural approach to support oral health by increasing salivary pH and providing strong antimicrobial activity. However, physiological states such as menstruation can significantly modulate this response, underscoring the importance of personalized or phase-aware oral care strategies. Further studies with larger, diverse cohorts and controlled hormonal assessments are needed to validate these findings and optimize product formulations. Full article

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), i.e., the evolution of microbes to become resistant to chemicals used to control them, is a global public health concern that can make bacterial diseases untreatable. Inputs including antibiotics, metals, and biocides can create an environment in the agrifood chain that selects for AMR. Consumption of food represents a potential exposure route to AMR microbes and AMR genes (ARGs), which may be present in viable bacteria or on free DNA. Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are of particular interest because they are eaten without further cooking, so AMR bacteria or ARGs that are present may be consumed intact. They also represent varied production systems (fresh produce, cooked meat, dairy, etc.). An evidence gap exists regarding the diversity and consumption of ARGs in RTE food, which this study begins to address. We sampled 1001 RTE products at retail sale in the UK, in proportion to their consumption by the UK population, using National Diet and Nutrition Survey data. Bacterial DNA content of sample extracts was assessed by 16S metabarcoding, and 256 samples were selected for metagenomic sequencing for identification of ARGs based on consumption and likely bacterial DNA content. A total of 477 unique ARGs were identified in the samples, including ARGs that may be involved in resistance to important antibiotics, such as colistin, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems, although phenotypic AMR was not measured. Based on the incidence of ARGs in food types, ARGs are estimated to be present in a high proportion of average diets. ARGs were detected on almost all RTE food types tested (48 of 52), and some efflux pump genes are consumed in 97% of UK diets. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with estrogen-like activity, known to impair immune function. BPA may act as a pro-inflammatory agent, reducing immune response efficacy, increasing bacterial load in E. coli infections, and altering immune responses in parasitic infections (Leishmania major, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Toxocara canis) through cytokine and regulatory T-cell modulation. Following its ban in food contact materials in Europe, several analogs have been introduced. This study assessed the immunotoxicity of BPA and six analogs, namely BPAP, BPE, BPP, BPS-MAE, BPZ, and TCBPA, by evaluating in vitro the antibody production. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy male and female donors were exposed to increasing concentrations of each compound for 24 h. After stimulation with rhIL-2 and ODN2006, IgM and IgG secretion were measured on day six. All compounds suppressed antibody production in a concentration-dependent manner, with some sex-related differences. IC₅₀ values showed BPP as the most potent suppressor, and BPE as the weakest. Similarly, IC₂₀ values confirmed these differences in potency, except for BPA being the weakest for IgM in males. Overall, te results do not support the idea that BPA analogs are safer than BPA. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an inflammatory disease responsible for approximately 75% of sudden cardiac deaths. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cardio-protective influence of microencapsulated probiotic and synbiotic dietary supplements in vivo and in molecular docking studies. MI was induced in rats with the injection of isoproterenol (i.p. 67 mg/kg). Plasma lipid profiles and the levels of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, and cardiac enzymes were determined. The expression levels of MMP-7 and IL-1β in the heart muscle were measured. The impact of dietary supplements on fecal bacterial counts was evaluated across all rat groups. A histopathological examination of cardiac tissue was performed. The cardio-protective potential of cyanidin 3-diglucoside 5-glucoside and arabinoxylan was studied using molecular docking. The results demonstrate that all tested dietary supplements induced an improvement in all the biochemical parameters in association with an improvement in myocardial muscle tissue. The mRNA expression levels of MMP-7 and IL-1β were significantly downregulated by all dietary supplements. All dietary supplements increased the fecal counts of probiotic strains. In the molecular docking analysis, cyanidin 3-diglucoside 5-glucoside exhibited binding affinity values of −8.8 and −10 for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), respectively. Arabinoxylan showed similar binding affinity (−8.8) for both LDH and PON1. Conclusion: Microencapsulated probiotic and synbiotic dietary supplements demonstrated notable cardio-protective influence in vivo and in molecular docking studies. These supplements may serve as promising candidates for the prevention of myocardial infarction. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a probiotic combination on clinical and oral microbiological parameters in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 72 HNC patients who had received radiotherapy within the past year. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either daily probiotic sachets or placebo for 30 days. Salivary parameters—including unstimulated and stimulated flow rates and pH—were evaluated alongside oral microbiota profiles, including total bacterial load and selected periodontopathogens. Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention using sialometry, pH analysis, bacterial culture, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Sixty-one patients completed the study (31 in the probiotic group, 30 in the placebo group). Stimulated salivary flow increased significantly in the probiotic group (p = 0.0016), while unstimulated flow improved in both groups (p < 0.05). Salivary pH decreased significantly in the probiotic group (p = 0.0209); however, no intergroup differences were observed at the end of the intervention (p = 0.9839). qPCR showed significant reductions in total bacterial load (p = 0.0209) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (p = 0.0080). Culture confirmed the reduction of F. nucleatum (p = 0.0026), with a trend towards significance for total cultivable bacterial count (p = 0.0502). Conclusions: Daily supplementation with a probiotic combination may serve as a practical and well-tolerated adjunctive measure in clinical settings to improve salivary function and reduce key oral pathogens, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, in patients undergoing or recovering from radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. These findings support its potential integration into routine supportive care protocols to mitigate xerostomia and oral dysbiosis in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: As bacteriophage-based strategies to control bacterial pathogens continue to gain momentum, phage therapy is increasingly being explored across various fields. In the poultry industry, efforts to minimize the public health impact of Salmonella have spurred growing interest in phage applications, particularly as prophylactic and disinfecting agents. Although the disinfecting potential of bacteriophages has been recognized, in-depth studies examining their efficacy under varying environmental conditions remain limited. This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of bacteriophages as disinfecting agents against biofilm-forming Salmonella Infantis under different environments. Methods: A comprehensive screening of biofilm-producing strains was conducted using Congo Red Agar and 96-well plate assays. Two strains with distinct biofilm-forming capacities were selected for further analysis under different environmental conditions: aerobic and microaerobic atmospheres at both 25 °C and 37 °C. The resulting biofilms were then treated with four phage preparations: three individual phages and one phage cocktail. Biofilm reduction was assessed by measuring optical density and CFU/well. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize both untreated and phage-treated biofilms. Results: The results demonstrated that all S. Infantis strains were capable of forming biofilms (21/21). All three phage candidates exhibited biofilm-disrupting activity and were able to lyse biofilm-embedded Salmonella cells. Notably, the lytic efficacy of the phages varied depending on environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of thorough phage characterization prior to application. Conclusions: These findings underscore that the effectiveness of bacteriophages as surface disinfectants can be significantly compromised if inappropriate phages are used, especially in the presence of biofilms. Full article

Background/Objectives: The liver, the body’s primary detoxifying organ, is often affected by various inflammatory diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many of which can be exacerbated by secondary infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia, and sepsis—particularly in patients with advanced liver dysfunction. The global rise in these conditions underscores the need for effective interventions. Natural products have attracted attention for their potential to support liver health, particularly through synergistic combinations of plant extracts. Epavin, a dietary supplement from Erbenobili S.r.l., formulated with plant extracts like Taraxacum officinale (L.), Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., and Cynara scolymus (L.), known for their liver-supporting properties, has been proposed as adjuvant for liver functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate of Epavin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against heavy metal-induced toxicity. In addition, the antibacterial effect of Epavin against a panel of bacterial strains responsible for infections associated with liver injuries has been evaluated. Methods: The protection against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ was evaluated in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Its anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by measuring the reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using the Griess assay. Additionally, the cytoprotecting of Epavin against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated in HepG2 cells using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) and DCFH-DA assays. The antibacterial activity of Epavin was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and BS, Staphylococcus aureus 25923, 29213, 43300, and BS) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli 25922, and BS, Klebsiella pneumoniae 13883, 70063, and BS) bacterial strains using the microdilution method in broth, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Epavin effectively reduced oxidative stress in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells and decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, Epavin demonstrated a protective effect against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Finally, it exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 mg/mL. Conclusions: The interesting results obtained suggest that Epavin may serve as a valuable natural adjuvant for liver health by enhancing detoxification processes, reducing inflammation, and exerting antibacterial effects that could be beneficial in the context of liver-associated infections. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly acknowledged as a critical global challenge, posing serious risks to human and animal health and potentially disrupting poultry production systems. Commensal bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli may serve as important reservoirs and vectors of resistance genes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the AMR profiles of bacterial strains isolated from industrial chicken farms in the Dél-Alföld region of Hungary, providing region-specific insights into resistance dynamics. Methods: A total of 145 isolates, including Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and E. coli isolates, were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against 15 antimicrobial agents, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Advanced multivariate statistics, machine learning algorithms, and network-based approaches were employed to analyze resistance patterns and co-resistance associations. Results Multidrug resistance (MDR) was identified in 43.9% of Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 28.8% of Enterococcus spp. isolates, and 75.6% of E. coli isolates. High levels of resistance to florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and potentiated sulfonamides were observed, whereas susceptibility to critical antimicrobials such as imipenem and vancomycin remained largely preserved. Discussion: Our findings underscore the necessity of implementing region-specific AMR monitoring programs and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration within the “One Health” framework with proper animal hygiene and biosecurity measures to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and protect both animal and human health. Full article