Search Results (1,416)

Obesity is increasingly recognized in domestic cats and is associated with metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The gut microbiota is considered an important regulator of host metabolism, yet its role in feline obesity remains unclear. In this study, a multi-omics approach was used to investigate gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles in cats with different body conditions and to evaluate the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the feline gut microbiota and overall metabolism. In Experiment 1, twenty-four cats were classified as obese, normal, or lean, and their gut microbiota and serum metabolites were analyzed. In Experiment 2, fecal microbiota from obese or lean donors were transplanted into recipient cats. Although overall microbial diversity and community structure did not differ significantly among groups, Coriobacteriaceae and Collinsella were enriched in obese cats, whereas Enterobacteriaceae-related taxa were more abundant in normal-weight cats. Serum metabolomics revealed alterations mainly related to amino acid and antioxidant metabolism, including O-acetylcarnitine, glutathione, and tryptophan metabolism. FMT shifted the recipient gut microbial communities toward their respective donor profiles (obese or lean) but did not significantly affect body weight or routine serum biochemical parameters during the experimental period. These findings suggest that gut microbiota remodeling may influence metabolic processes prior to detectable phenotypic changes in cats. Full article

Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are common zoonotic bacteria in pigs, which typically act as asymptomatic carriers. However, the effects of Campylobacter colonisation on the porcine intestinal microbiota and metabolome remain poorly understood. This study investigated microbiome and metabolome alterations associated with co-colonisation by C. jejuni and C. coli in the different intestinal segments of pigs. Thirty-two weaned piglets were assigned to a control group and a group inoculated with C. coli ST5777/CT828 and C. jejuni ST122/CT206. Four weeks post inoculation, jejunal and caecal contents were analysed for Campylobacter counts, metabolite profiles and microbial composition. All animals remained clinically healthy. Both Campylobacter species colonised the jejunum and caecum, with higher C. coli counts in the caecum. Campylobacter-colonised pigs showed significantly altered metabolite profiles, including reduced cysteine and urea and increased glycine in the jejunum, as well as elevated 3-hydroxybutyrate levels in the caecum. In contrast, short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the caecum were unaffected by infection. Microbiota analysis revealed a significant reduction in caecal alpha diversity, whereas jejunal diversity remained unchanged. Infected pigs exhibited increased relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae and a decreased abundance of Pseudomonadota, including Enterobacteriaceae. In conclusion, Campylobacter co-colonisation induces distinct microbiome and metabolome alterations in pigs despite the absence of clinical disease. These findings highlight complex host-microbiota–pathogen interactions that may be relevant for future Campylobacter control strategies in pig production. Full article

The field experiment was conducted in 2016–2018 at the Department of Agronomy of the Poznań University of Life Sciences on the fields of the Research and Education Centre in Gorzyń, Złotniki branch. It was a single-factor experiment with six sowing dates of an ultra-early maize variety: A1—12 April, A2—26 April, A3—10 May, A4—24 May, A5—7 June, and A6—21 June. Seeds of the maize variety ‘Pyroxenia’ were used in the experiment. This variety is characterized by extremely early maturity (FAO 130), rapid initial development and elongation growth. Delaying the maize sowing date from A1 to A2 resulted in a 16.5% reduction in starch content in the silage dry matter, and a 14.6% increase in the ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) fiber fraction. The difference in milk production per hectare between maize sown on date A1 and date A6 was 14,189.51 kg/ha, representing 97.1%. Delaying the maize sowing date led to an increase in the abundance of Clostridium spp. in silages, which are responsible for increased losses of dry matter, including starch. No butyric acid was detected in the silages as a final product of butyric fermentation. The low abundance of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae in the silages indicated that they were well prepared. Silages prepared from maize sown at later dates were characterized by a higher abundance of undesirable mold fungi, which are responsible for dry matter losses, including starch. The coefficient of determination showed that 38.54% of the variation in silage starch content was explained by variation in mold abundance in the silage. According to the Flieg–Zimmer scale, all silages received a very good rating, regardless of maize sowing date. Full article

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is an emerging crop valued for its nutritional and sensory properties and has been reported to exert health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective activities, as well as potential benefits for gut health and metabolic regulation. Building on these features, the present study aimed to unlock the potential of sea fennel to produce novel pickles. Two independent batches were prepared using young leaves and stems of sea fennel fermented in brine. After fermentation, salt concentration was standardized in all prototypes, and two types of vinegar (apple and wine) were added at four acetic acid levels (0.05%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 0.7%). All prototypes were subsequently subjected to mild pasteurization. During fermentation, physicochemical and microbiological parameters were monitored, while after pasteurization additional physicochemical, microbiological, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and sensory analyses were performed during storage. In both batches and across all prototypes, fermentation resulted in a significant pH decrease, dominance of lactic acid bacteria, inhibition of Enterobacteriaceae, and a gradual increase in yeasts. Following vinegar addition and pasteurization, pH, titratable acidity, and salt content remained stable over six months of storage in most prototypes, particularly those with 0.2% acetic acid. Pasteurization effectively inactivated lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae in all prototypes, whereas yeasts and mesophilic bacteria persisted in low-acidity samples (0.05%). Therefore, the 0.05% acidity samples were later excluded due to mid-stage microbial spoilage. Batch-dependent differences were observed in color and sensory attributes, with batch 2 showing higher overall stability mainly in acidic flavor and aroma, particularly in prototypes with 0.2% acidity. VOCs analysis revealed profiles primarily driven by batch variation, with secondary modulation by vinegar type: sesquiterpenes remained stable, while γ-terpinene, limonene, and p-cymene were the dominant compounds, with greater stability observed in batch 2. Overall, the combined use of lactic acid fermentation, vinegar pickling, and mild pasteurization represents a promising strategy for preserving sea fennel and supports its potential as a vegetable crop. Full article

The effect of cold smoking on the physicochemical, microbiological, and aromatic properties of Formaella-type cheese has not been previously investigated. In this study, experimental Formaella-type hard cheeses (≤38% moisture) were produced using a multistep high-temperature cooking process and subjected to weak (20 min) and intense (60 min) cold smoking, alongside an unsmoked control. Cheeses were analyzed before and after smoking and during refrigerated storage (up to 90 days). Smoking significantly influenced pH, water activity, and colour parameters, with intensively smoked cheeses exhibiting lower pH, reduced lightness (L*), and increased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Microbiological analyses revealed low viable counts across all samples, attributed to severe cooking steps and vacuum storage. Smoking, particularly at high intensity, significantly reduced total mesophilic counts and enterococci, while Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci, yeasts, and moulds were not detected after manufacture. The dominant microbiota consisted mainly of lactic acid bacteria, identified by MALDI-TOF MS, including Enterococcus durans, Ent. faecium, Leuconostoc lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus curvatus. Headspace-SPME-GC-MS analysis identified 75 volatile compounds, with free fatty acids, ketones, aldehydes, and lactones as the predominant groups. Smoking introduced characteristic phenolic and furan derivatives associated with smoky aroma. Overall, smoking intensity modulated microbial dynamics and aroma development without compromising microbiological quality. Full article

The actinobacterial strain DEC002 was isolated recently from volcanic soils of Deception Island. Its taxonomic identity was resolved through a polyphasic strategy integrating morphology, physiological profiling, multilocus phylogeny, and genome-wide comparisons to resolve its identity. Concatenated core gene trees together with average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values place DEC002 within Actinacidiphila fildesensis with robust support. This is the first molecular confirmation of the species beyond King George Island and secures a second verified locality within the South Shetland Archipelago. Growth at low temperature with tolerance to moderate salinity indicates a psychrotolerant lifestyle. Cell-free supernatants inhibited representatives of foodborne Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrio, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Genome analysis revealed enrichment in multiple biosynthetic gene clusters for nonribosomal peptides, polyketides, terpenes, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), supporting the biosynthetic potential of the strain. Functional annotations emphasize replication and repair modules, mobile element-associated proteins, helix–turn–helix regulators, and versatile transport systems, features coherent with cold stress and oligotrophic soils. Antibiotic susceptibility assays indicate a broad resistance phenotype under the experimental conditions tested, together with extracellular antimicrobial activity. These data refine the biogeography of A. fildesensis and indicate DEC002 as a credible Antarctic source of specialized metabolites with antimicrobial promise. Full article

Growing environmental and food security concerns have increased interest in circular strategies to valorize agri-food by-products. Sunflower-seed press cake (SSPC), a protein-rich residue from oil extraction, is largely underutilized despite its high nutritional and functional value. This study aimed to develop a fermented plant-based food prototype (PBFP) from SSPC using Lactococcus lactis B12 and Penicillium camemberti, evaluating microbiological safety, chemical characteristics, and sensory acceptability. A blend containing 40% SSPC and 60% water was autoclaved, inoculated, and ripened for 4 weeks under controlled temperatures. Microbial counts, pH evolution, free amino acids, biogenic amines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) content, and sensory attributes were evaluated using cultural techniques, HPLC, HS-SPME/GC-MS, LC–ESI–MS/MS (QTRAP 4000), and sensory evaluation. L. lactis efficiently acidified the matrix (pH ≈ 4.5–4.9), ensuring microbial food safety, with high LAB counts (~10⁹ CFU/g) and absence of pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.) and hygienic markers < 2 log CFU/g (B. cereus, E. coli, and Enterobacteriaceae). Free amino acids decreased during fermentation, and no histamine or tyramine was detected. VOC analysis revealed diacetyl, acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, and 1-octen-3-ol, contributing to mild dairy-like notes. CPA was detected at 0.48 ng/g, well below levels reported in cheeses. Sensory evaluation showed no significant differences in overall intensity between inoculated and control blends, although qualitative descriptors indicated subtle changes in aroma and texture. These results demonstrate the feasibility of safely producing a fermented plant-based prototype from SSPC. Future studies should explore longer ripening times, additional microbial consortia, and strategies to enhance texture and aroma complexity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is an endangered raptor species of ecological and conservation relevance. Despite its status, data regarding its microbiota and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remain scarce, especially in Eastern Europe. This single-facility study aims to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from captive Saker Falcons in Western Romania. Methods: Freshly voided fecal droppings were collected non-invasively from 40 clinically healthy Saker Falcons. Bacterial identification was performed using selective media and the VITEK^® 2 system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted on a representative subset of 12 isolates. Selected resistance-associated genes were screened by conventional PCR. Results: Escherichia coli was the most prevalent 60% (n = 24/40), followed by Hafnia alvei 10% (n = 4/40) and Pseudomonas spp. 10% (n = 4/40). AST revealed phenotypic resistance among Enterobacteriaceae primarily to ampicillin 20% (n = 2/10), tetracycline 20% (n = 2/10), fluoroquinolones and sulfonamides 10% (n = 1/10), while susceptibility to imipenem 90% (n = 9/10) and gentamicin 90% (n = 9/10) remained high. The targeted resistance-associated genes were detected in selected phenotypically resistant isolates. PCR screening detected blaZ and ampC in 62.5% (n = 5/8) of tested isolates, blaOXA-61 in 37.5% (n = 3/8), blaOXA-51 in 25% (n = 2/8), tetK in 37.5% (n = 3/8), and gyrA in 12.5% (n = 1/8). The isolate used as the negative control, pansusceptible in AST, was confirmed negative for all targeted genes. Conclusions: This single-facility study provides baseline data on AMR traits in Gram-negative bacteria associated with Saker Falcons in Western Romania. Given the limited scale and isolate-based design of the study, the findings should be interpreted cautiously, but they support further investigation of wildlife-associated AMR within a One Health context. Full article

Bladder cancer (BCa) arises from the interaction between environmental exposures and the host’s immunity and microbiome. Once considered sterile, the urinary tract is now known to harbor a resident urinary microbiome (UM) that dynamically interacts with the immune system and is influenced by systemic immunomodulatory effects of the gut microbiome (GM) brought on by the emerging gut–bladder axis. Accumulating evidence links alterations in UM and GM leading to BCa development, progression, and recurrence. Loss of protective taxa (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus) and enrichment of pro-inflammatory or genotoxic bacteria (e.g., Fusobacterium, Acinetobacter, Prevotella and Enterobacteriaceae) are associated with immune evasion and systemic inflammation. Microbial metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), play a key role in shaping tumor immunity and show diagnostic and prognostic potential, with specific microbial signatures correlating with recurrence risk, survival, and treatment response. Therapeutically, growing evidence suggests that microbiome composition influences immunotherapy response, highlighting opportunities for microbiome-based interventions. This review aims to summarize the rationale to implement microbial modulation strategies (e.g., dietary modulation, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and emerging synbiotic or postbiotic approaches) while addressing their current limitations and future requirements in order to develop microbiome-guided therapies, diagnostics and prognostic tools for BCa. Full article

Foodborne diseases represent a major public health concern, particularly those associated with dairy products contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen capable of producing heat-stable enterotoxins. This study evaluated the potential of native lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from artisanal kefir grains as natural biocontrol agents in fermented dairy foods. Kefir grains obtained from three artisanal producers were microbiologically characterized, revealing LAB as the dominant group and the absence of Enterobacteriaceae. Strains belonging mainly to the genera Lactobacillus sensu lato, Leuconostoc, and Pediococcus were isolated and exhibited differentiated metabolic profiles. Safety assessment showed no hemolytic activity and an overall susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics, although genus-dependent intrinsic resistance patterns were observed. Several strains displayed enzymatic activities related to carbohydrate digestion and high tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, with survival rates exceeding 90% during both gastric and intestinal phases. Neutralized cell-free supernatant (CFS) demonstrated differential inhibitory activity, with significant antagonism of S. aureus and E. coli, comparable to those of commercial reference strains. In a yogurt model system stored at 4 °C, selected Lactobacillus and Pediococcus strains induced a progressive and significant reduction in S. aureus populations, achieving complete elimination to undetectable levels in shorter times than commercial probiotic strains. Overall, these results demonstrate that native LAB from artisanal kefir grains exhibit an adequate safety and functional profile, together with strong antagonistic activity, supporting their potential application as natural protective cultures to improve the food hygiene of fermented dairy products. Full article

(1) Background: University food service establishments are complex environments, where high turnover and handling practices create conditions for microbial persistence. Food-contact surfaces (FCSs) and handlers’ hands (FHs) function as dynamic reservoirs, facilitating the circulation of contaminants within these institutional settings. This study aimed to characterise the microbiological contamination of FCSs and FHs in university food service establishments in Northern Portugal and to evaluate their role as interconnected environmental reservoirs within the indoor built environment. (2) Methods: A total of 590 samples were analysed from two universities in Northern Portugal (L1, L2), comprising 380 FCS and 210 FH samples. Aerobic colony counts (ACCs), Enterobacteriaceae, and Moulds and yeasts (MYs) were analysed according to ISO methods. FH samples were additionally screened for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. (3) Results: Overall, 35.5% of FCSs were classified as non-compliant, according to microbial criteria based on guideline values from the National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo-Jorge (INSA), with non-compliance primarily driven by elevated ACCs and MYs. Based on a Generalised Linear Model (GLM), establishment types (canteens vs. cafes) were associated with Enterobacteriaceae levels (p = 0.016), whereas ACCs and MYs were not significantly associated with district, establishment type, or functional surface category (p > 0.05). Differences between left and right hands showed small effect sizes, and location was a highly significant determinant of hand hygiene acceptability. (4) Conclusions: FCSs and FHs act as relevant contamination reservoirs in these settings. The results indicate that Enterobacteriaceae levels on FCSs differed between establishment types, while ACCs and MYs showed no significant variation across the evaluated environmental factors. Marked differences in hand hygiene acceptability between campuses support the implementation of targeted interventions, including the optimisation of cleaning and disinfection protocols, the structured training of food handlers, and the routine microbiological monitoring of surfaces and hands to improve institutional food safety. Full article

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are severe psychiatric conditions characterized by disturbances in cognition, emotion, and behavior, with increasing evidence suggesting an involvement of the gut microbiome in their pathophysiology. This PRISMA-informed structured review synthesizes 114 studies using a taxa-centered framework that maps microbial changes across SSD stages and phenotypes and serves as a structural basis for identifying cross-study patterns. Across heterogeneous cohorts, convergent alterations include depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa (including Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Coprococcus) and enrichment of potentially pro-inflammatory and fermentative taxa (such as Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Collinsella, and Desulfovibrio). These taxonomic patterns suggest potential functional alterations, including reduced SCFA availability. Reduced abundance of butyrate-producing taxa has been associated with impaired intestinal barrier function and increased microbial translocation (e.g., lipopolysaccharide), which may contribute to the activation of immune pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4 signaling and elevated inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Additional alterations reported across studies include changes in lactate metabolism, bile acid profiles, aromatic amino acid metabolism, and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway. These pathways may interact with neurobiological processes relevant to SSD, including glutamate-GABA balance, NMDA receptor function, microglial activation, and synaptic regulation, although much of the current evidence remains associative. Multi-kingdom studies and fecal microbiota transplantation models provide further support for the functional relevance of these observations, though causal relationships remain to be fully established. Overall, SSD-associated dysbiosis appears to reflect ecosystem-level metabolic alterations rather than isolated taxonomic abnormalities, supporting a Microbiota–Gut–Immune–Glia conceptual framework and highlighting the gut ecosystem as a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Chickpea flour represents a valuable plant-based ingredient due to its high protein and fiber content; however, its application is limited by antinutritional factors and off-flavor compounds. Fermentation with LAB and yeasts, applied individually or in consortia, resulted in significant microbiological, nutritional, and aromatic changes. The fastest acidification (pH 3.9) and the most effective control of Enterobacteriaceae (<4 log CFU/g after 48 h) were observed in samples containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP23, both as a monoculture and in combination with Debaryomyces hansenii Y15A. Peptide content significantly increased in all fermented samples compared to the control, with a synergistic effect in the co-culture Yarrowia lipolytica Y3 + Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L (around 230%). A pronounced reduction in raffinose-family oligosaccharides was observed, especially in the consortia Y. lipolytica Y3 + Lcb. paracasei L and D. hansenii Y15A + Lacp. plantarum LP23 (0.11–0.16 mmol/100 g). Samples with lower total volatile levels showed higher olfactory acceptability due to a marked reduction in aldehydes (up to 70–95% vs. control), and a balanced accumulation of alcohols, esters, ketones, and organic acids. Overall, LAB–yeast consortia effectively enhanced the nutritional quality, safety, and sensory properties of chickpea flour, supporting its use as a functional ingredient in plant-based foods. Full article

Foodborne pathogens of Enterobacteriaceae are becoming an increasing global concern, with multidrug-resistant strains posing significant risks to food safety and public health, especially in high-risk products like dairy. This research focused on isolating, biologically characterizing, and genomically profiling new bacteriophages that target key Enterobacteriaceae members as potential biocontrol agents. Eight phages were isolated from wastewater using four bacterial hosts and analyzed through transmission electron microscopy, one-step growth analysis, adsorption kinetics, host range evaluation, whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, phylogenetic analysis, proteomic profiling, and virion assembly pathway characterization. All eight isolates exhibited icosahedral heads with contractile tails typical of Myoviridae morphology, demonstrated broad-spectrum lytic activity against 21 bacterial strains (infectivity: 47.6–95.2%), showed high adsorption efficiencies (84.75–99.98%), and had burst sizes ranging from 11 to 166 particles per cell. Genome sizes varied from 103 to 170 kb with coding densities between 92–96%. Importantly, none contained antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, or lysogeny-associated elements, confirming their strictly lytic lifestyles and favorable biosafety profiles. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses indicated mosaic genomic structures influenced by horizontal gene transfer rather than host phylogeny. These findings provide a robust biological and genomic basis for evaluating these phages as potentially safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics in controlling foodborne Enterobacteriaceae, pending further in situ validation. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating Black Soldier Fly Meal (BSFLM) into the diet of two-year-old carp on growth and health status. Four concentrations of BSFLM were tested, T1-0% (control), T2-10%, T3-20%, and T4-30%, in common carp with an initial body weight of 112.06 ± 3.86 g over a 12-week feeding period. The results showed that final weight and weight gain were 17.3% (349.15 g) and 23% (233.6 g) higher in the T4 group compared to the control (298.63 g and 189.79 g, respectively). Flesh composition showed no significant changes. Hematological variations were insignificant. Oxidative stress assessment revealed increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) alongside reduced lipid peroxidation. The counts of anaerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae in intestine increased linearly in BSFLM groups. Histological examination showed normal intestinal and hepatopancreatic morphology in the 10% and 20% BSFLM groups (T2 and T3). In contrast, the 30% inclusion level (T4) was associated with hepatocellular vacuolization and alterations in villus architecture. In two-year-old carp, dietary BSFLM induced dose-dependent responses, whereby higher inclusion levels supported weight gain but adversely affected the morphological integrity of the intestine and hepatopancreas. Full article