Search Results (70)

As a high-value edible mushroom, Morchella sextelata faces several cultivation challenges, including unstable yields, continuous cropping constraints, and soil-borne diseases. The rhizosphere soil microbial community plays a crucial role in morel growth, yet its dynamic changes across different developmental stages remain poorly understood. In this study, M. sextelata cultivated in the Huangshan City was selected as the study system. Rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community structure were analyzed across six stages: the primordium stage, needle tip stage, mulberry stage, young mushroom stage, fruiting stage, and blank soil before planting. High-throughput sequencing, combined with soil physicochemical analyses, was used to characterize the dynamic rhizosphere bacterial community changes and their associations with soil factors. The results showed that rhizosphere soil remained weakly acidic throughout the growth period. The soil C/N ratio decreased significantly, indicating dynamic changes in carbon and nitrogen use efficiency. Bacterial diversity gradually declined during development, while a relatively stable community structure was established. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, with relative abundances varying among growth stages. At the genus level, Candidatus Koribacter, Massilia, Mucilaginibacter, Janthinobacterium, and Sphingomonas predominated. Notably, Mucilaginibacter was progressively enriched during growth and showed a positive correlation with total carbon, whereas Massilia was significantly negatively correlated with the C/N ratio. This study clarifies the stage-dependent dynamics of the rhizosphere bacterial community in M. sextelata and provides a theoretical basis for improving cultivation stability through soil microbiome regulation. Full article

In this study, the effects of pediocin (PP) on intestinal barrier function, renal injury, and immune regulation were evaluated in Salmonella pullorum-infected chickens. Forty-five 7-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were randomly assigned to three groups: control (CON), S. pullorum infection (SP), and S. pullorum infection + PP treatment (SPA). The results showed that S. pullorum infection significantly elevated (p < 0.05) the renal (CREA, UREA), hepatic (ALT, AST), immunological (IgG, IgM), and inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, SAA, CRP) parameters, as well as the expression of trefoil factor 3, Toll-like receptor 2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In contrast, the jejunal villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio, and the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and Zonula occludens-1), mucin-2, and transforming growth factor-β1 were significantly decreased in both the SP and SPA groups. In the SP group, the parameter alterations observed at 6 DPI compared to the CON group persisted until 12 DPI. In contrast, in the SPA group, these parameters returned to levels comparable to those of the CON group after 6 days of PP treatment. Moreover, S. pullorum infection markedly reduced the α-diversity of the gut microbiota, and this reduction could be partially restored following PP treatment. At the phylum level, S. pullorum infection significantly reduced the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. PP treatment increased the abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while also restoring the abundances of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia to some extent. At the genus level, PP treatment significantly increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus. Additionally, Faecalibacterium and Butyricicoccus were significantly more abundant in the SPA group. Thus, PP could alleviate S. pullorum infection induced intestinal barrier damage, reduce immune stress responses, and exert a protective effect by modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota of chickens. Full article

Composting is a useful way to reduce and recycle agricultural and forestry waste; however, low-temperature environments can inhibit the microbial processes involved in composting. Spent mushroom substrate has a high lignocellulose content, making it particularly difficult to decompose. There is a need to explore methods for effectively promoting microbial activity and enhancing composting efficiency under low-temperature conditions. This study explored the use of C/N ratio adjustments and a microbial inoculum (PLC-8; comprising Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Cryptomonadales) to improve spent mushroom substrate composting in a low-temperature environment. The temperature, lignocellulose content, pH, and gas emissions were measured during composting, and the microbial community structure was determined to explore associations between biotic and abiotic factors. Compost piles with PLC-8 entered the high-temperature period in 25 days, which was 15 days earlier than the control pile. When the C/N ratio was adjusted to 30:1 and PLC-8 was applied, the cellulose and hemicellulose degradation rates after 60 days were 88.04% and 71.95%, whereas the control group only exhibited degradation rates of 25.39% and 35.64%. Moreover, PLC-8 significantly increased CH₄ and CO₂ emissions and reduced nitrous oxide emissions. Microbial community analysis showed that Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla in the piles with PLC-8, and these phyla were responsible for lignocellulose decomposition and carbon metabolism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests a role for oral microbiota in mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder (BD), complementing established links between gut dysbiosis and psychiatric symptoms. This study investigates the composition of oral microbial taxa and the expression of inflammation-related pri-miRNAs (146a and 155) in individuals with BD, aiming to explore their potential as biomarkers in the oral–gut–brain axis. Methods: A matched case–control design was implemented, recruiting 25 BD patients and 46 controls matched by age and sex. Salivary samples were collected, and microbial profiling was conducted via real-time qPCR targeting major bacterial phyla and genera. Pri-miRNA 146a and 155 expression was evaluated through RT-qPCR using validated primers. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using Fisher’s exact test and non-parametric tests for continuous variables. Results: Microbial analysis revealed significant reductions (p < 0.01) in α-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria in BD patients versus controls. A shift toward a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was observed in the BD cohort, suggesting differences in the oral biotic status between the two groups. However, pri-miRNA 146a and 155 expression levels did not differ significantly between the groups and exhibited high inter-individual variability. Conclusions: The findings indicate that oral microbiota composition differs in BD patients, potentially influencing systemic homeostasis through interactions with gut microbial communities and SCFA pathways. These findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating given the modest sample size. While pri-miRNAs 146a and 155 did not distinguish BD status, the observed microbial taxa alterations should be regarded as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Larger, longitudinal studies are required to clarify their potential role in BD pathogenesis and risk assessment. Full article

Background: The gut microbiome affects human health, and patients with cancer are no exception. In those patients, intensive chemotherapy impairs gut barrier integrity, causing dysbiosis, bacterial translocation, and higher infection risk. Objectives: This prospective study, conducted at Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt, profiles the microbiome of 29 pediatric patients with AML, and examines how induction chemotherapy and antibiotics affect their microbiome. Methods: Gut microbiome changes were evaluated before treatment (T1), then 7 (T2) and 21–28 days (T3) from induction start. Microbial DNA, extracted from rectal swabs or stool samples, was subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, followed by bioinformatics and statistical analyses. Results: Treatment significantly decreased the richness and Shannon diversity of the gut microbiome and caused dysbiosis that was only partially restored at T3. Whereas Firmicutes remained the most abundant phylum throughout, Actinobacteria significantly decreased in abundance after treatment. Proteobacteria had their lowest abundance at T3, while Verrucomicrobacteria were relatively abundant at T1 but undetectable by T3. The abundance of Enterococcus and Klebsiella was associated with stool culture results, and the Proteobacteria-to-Firmicutes ratio was associated with treatment. Conclusions: Gut microbial diversity declined in patients during induction chemotherapy, with a strong association of microbial composition with stool culture results but not with bacteremia. Full article

Desert plants host specialized microbiomes that contribute to their survival under extreme conditions; yet, niche and specific microbial dynamics remain poorly understood. In this study, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the bacterial communities associated with Leptadenia pyrotechnica, which is a desert-adapted shrub. Five representative sample types were analyzed: rhizospheric soil from a non-arid adjacent location (control; S1); rhizospheric soil from the arid site (S4); and stem endosphere from the arid site (S5, S6, and S7). For each sample type, three biological replicates were collected from different healthy plants to ensure independence. Sequencing yielded high-quality datasets (89,000–134,000 reads/sample) with ASV retention ratios of 68–80%, confirming their sufficient depth for diversity profiling. Alpha diversity indices revealed a markedly greater richness in rhizospheric samples (e.g., S1 Shannon: 3.04; 530 ASVs) than in endosphere samples (Shannon < 1.0; ASVs ≤ 33), consistent with known gradients in desert plant microbiomes. Rarefaction curves confirmed the completeness of sampling. Beta diversity analyses, including PCoA and hierarchical clustering, showed clear segregation between rhizospheric and endophytic communities, indicating strong compartment-specific structuring. The rhizosphere was dominated by Actinobacteria (48%), Proteobacteria (32%), and Firmicutes (10%), whereas the stem endosphere was enriched in Proteobacteria (45%) and Actinobacteria (40%). Taxonomic profiling revealed that Bacillota and Actinomycetota dominated rhizospheric soils, including Bacillus licheniformis, while stem tissues were enriched in Cyanobacteriota and Alphaproteobacteria, suggesting host-driven filtering. Genera such as Cupriavidus, Massilia, and Noviherbaspirillum were exclusive to the rhizosphere, while Paracholeplasma appeared uniquely in stem sample S6. Archaea and rare phyla were nearly absent. The current findings indicate that L. pyrotechnica harbors distinct microbial assemblages in rhizospheric and endophytic niches, reflecting microhabitat-driven selection. These microbial communities may contribute to host resilience by harboring taxa with potential stress-tolerance traits, offering insights for microbiome-informed strategies in arid land restoration. Full article

Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms are only partially understood. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays an important role in metabolic regulation and can be significantly altered by bariatric and metabolic procedures. This prospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the dynamic changes in the gut microbiota composition and diversity in obese patients undergoing two types of bariatric surgery: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fecal samples were collected at three time points—before surgery (T0), and at 3 (T3) and 6 months (T6) postoperatively—and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 regions with Illumina technology. Significant shifts in microbial diversity and structure were observed over time, indicating a trend toward microbiota normalization post-surgery. Notable changes included a reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. These alterations occurred in parallel with improvements in body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters. Our findings suggest that bariatric surgery induces favorable and sustained modifications in the gut microbiota, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects in obesity management. Full article

Soil erosion-prone areas require effective microbial treatments to improve soil bacterial communities and functional traits. Understanding the driving effects of different microbial interventions on soil ecology is essential for restoration efforts. Single and combined microbial treatments were applied to soil. Bacterial community structure was analyzed via 16S IRNA high-throughput sequencing, and functional groups were predicted using FAPROTAX. Soil microbial carbon, nitrogen, metabolic entropy, and enzymatic activity were assessed. Microbial Carbon and Metabolic Activity: The Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Bacillus mucilaginosus (BM) (AMF.BM) treatment exhibited the highest microbial carbon content and the lowest metabolic entropy. The microbial carbon-to-nitrogen ratio ranged from 1.27 to 3.69 across all treatments. Bacterial Community Composition: The dominant bacterial phyla included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Diversity and Richness: The AMF and Trichoderma harzianum (TH) (AMF.TH) treatment significantly reduced diversity, richness, and phylogenetic diversity indices, while the AMF.BM treatment showed a significantly higher richness index (p < 0.05). Relative Abundance of Firmicutes: Compared to the control, the AMF, TH.BM, and TH treatments decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, whereas the AMF.TH treatment increased their relative abundance. Environmental Correlations: Redundancy and correlation analyses revealed significant correlations between soil organic matter, magnesium content, and sucrase activity and several major bacterial genera. Functional Prediction: The AMF.BM treatment enhanced the relative abundance and evenness of bacterial ecological functions, primarily driving nitrification, aerobic ammonia oxidation, and ureolysis. Microbial treatments differentially influence soil bacterial communities and functions. The AMF.BM combination shows the greatest potential for ecological restoration in erosion-prone soils. Full article

The gut microbiota, dominated by bacteria from the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria phyla, plays an essential role in fermenting indigestible carbohydrates, regulating metabolism, synthesizing vitamins, and maintaining immune functions and intestinal barrier integrity. Dysbiosis is associated with obesity development. Shifts in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, particularly an increase in Firmicutes, may promote enhanced energy storage, appetite dysregulation, and increased inflammatory processes linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the relationship between the development and treatment of obesity and overweight and the gut microbiota. Current evidence suggests that probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic parameters, including body weight and BMI. The most promising effects are observed with probiotic supplementation, particularly when combined with prebiotics, although efficacy depends on strain type, dose, and duration. Despite encouraging preclinical findings, FMT has shown limited and inconsistent results in human studies. Diet and physical activity are key modulators of the gut microbiota. Fiber, plant proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids support beneficial bacteria, while diets low in fiber and high in saturated fats promote dysbiosis. Aerobic exercise increases microbial diversity and supports growth of favorable bacterial strains. While microbiota changes do not always lead to immediate weight loss, modulating gut microbiota represents an important aspect of obesity prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a wide-ranging impact on individuals’ quality of life and development, and there is a critical need for greater awareness, early intervention, and comprehensive support strategies to effectively address the unique needs of those affected by ASD. Recent studies highlight the gut microbiome’s potential role in modulating ASD symptoms via the gut–brain axis, but specific microbial biomarkers remain unclear. This study aims to investigate differences in gut microbiota composition between ASD patients and neurotypical controls in a novel approach, specifically assessing ratios of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), Actinobacteria/Proteobacteria (A/P), and Prevotella/Bacteroides (P/B) as potential biomarkers. Methods: We analyzed gut microbiome samples from 302 Bulgarian children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD (aged 2–19 years). Microbial ratios (F/B, A/P, and P/B) were calculated and compared against previously reported reference meta-analytic means from European neurotypical populations. The statistical significance of deviations was assessed using parametric (t-tests), non-parametric (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests), and proportion-based (binomial tests) methods. Effect sizes were quantified using Cohen’s d. Significant differences between ASD cases and neurotypical reference values were observed across several age groups. Results: Notably, children with ASD demonstrated significantly lower F/B and A/P ratios, with the youngest cohort (0–4 years) exhibiting the greatest differences. Deviations in the P/B ratio varied across age groups, with a significant elevation in the oldest group (≥10 years). Collectively, ASD cases consistently exhibited microbiota profiles indicative of dysbiosis. Conclusions: Our findings support gut microbiome dysbiosis as a potential biomarker for ASD, highlighting significantly altered bacterial ratios compared to neurotypical controls. These microbiome shifts could reflect early-life disruptions influencing neurodevelopment. Future studies should adopt longitudinal and mechanistic approaches to elucidate causal relationships and evaluate therapeutic microbiome modulation strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The combination of different fungal extracts could be beneficial to cancer patients due to their role in gut microbiota modulation and anti-inflammatory activity. The study aimed to evaluate whether fungal extract supplementation reduces postsurgical complications in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing curative surgery. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive the nutraceutical Micodigest 2.0 or a placebo until surgery. Surgical complications were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification. We also assessed the effect of the nutraceutical on gut microbiota composition, inflammatory response, nutritional status, and quality of life. A subanalysis based on surgery type (robotic vs. non-robotic) was performed. Results: We included 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with 27 randomized to the intervention group and 19 to the placebo group, receiving treatment for three (2–4) weeks. Non-robotic surgery was performed in 35 (76.1%) patients. We found non-significant differences in postoperative complications (Micodigest 2.0: 25.9%, placebo: 26.3%; p = 0.9). In non-robotic surgery, we identified a non-significant reduction in postoperative complications (Micodigest 2.0: 25.0%, placebo: 36.4%; p = 0.7), as well as a significant increase in lymphocyte levels and a reduction in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.02). Micodigest 2.0 supplementation was also associated with significant changes in gut microbiota composition, as indicated by a decreased relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes (p = 0.004) and Actinobacteria (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Micodigest 2.0 supplementation was associated with non-significant reductions in postoperative complications and significant modifications in gut microbiota composition. Limitations: The trial did not reach the calculated sample size. Full article

The human gastrointestinal tract is estimated to be populated by 38 trillion bacteria from almost 1000 different species. The dominant phyla are Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. However, the diversity and amount of gut microbiota depends on various factors. The importance of gut microbiota is increasingly noticed due to the influence of bacteria on energy homeostasis, the immune system, general health, and metabolism. Bariatric surgery is the mainstay treatment for patients with obesity. Two of the most common mechanisms are reducing gastric volume and decreasing ghrelin secretion. This literature review aims to depict the diverse impact of different bariatric procedures on gut microbiota. The original research papers were collected from the PubMed, Cochrane, and Elsevier databases. This literature review is focused on human studies. However, several references include animal models, specifically rats and germ-free mice. The findings suggest that bariatric surgery causes changes in the diversity of gut microbiota. However, the specificity of the changes depends on the type of bariatric surgery. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is elevated in the groups of patients with obesity compared to lean individuals. Bariatric surgery lowers the ratios impact on metabolism and energy absorption. Gut microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids, of which butyrate is responsible for strengthening the gut barrier, and acetate is correlated with fat deposition and lipogenesis. Moreover, changes in short-chain fatty acids influence insulin resistance and inflammation. In conclusion, bariatric surgery impacts gut microbiota, resulting in metabolic changes in patients, and the need for further study regarding long-term microbiota alterations post-operation is notable. Full article

Selenium is an essential trace element for human health, but it mainly exists in an inorganic form that cannot be directly absorbed by the body. Brewer’s yeast efficiently converts inorganic selenium into bioavailable organic selenium, making selenium-enriched yeast highly significant for human health research. Selenomethionine (SeM) is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of selenium-enriched yeast. Brewer’s yeast was selected as the experimental subject, and the digestion of this yeast (Brewer’s yeast) was simulated using an in vitro biomimetic gastrointestinal reactor to evaluate the effects of selenium-enriched yeast with various SeM levels on the gut flora of a healthy population. The experimental design comprised normal yeast (control group, OR), yeast containing moderate SeM levels (selenium-enriched group, SE), yeast containing high SeM levels (high-selenium group, MU), and a commercially available group comprising selenium-enriched yeast tablets (MA). The MU group exhibited a significantly higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids than the OR and MA groups during 48 h of fermentation, with significant differences observed (p < 0.05). Sequencing results revealed that the MU group showed significantly increased relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, while exhibiting a decreased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, which may simultaneously affect multiple metabolic pathways in vivo. These findings support the theory that selenium-enriched yeast with a high SeM has a more positive effect on human health compared with traditional yeast and offer new ideas for the development and application of selenium-enriched yeast. Full article

Early weaning in intensive pig production induces stress, compromising gastrointestinal health. Poor fat digestion results from the piglets’ underdeveloped digestive system. Dietary emulsifiers can enhance fat utilization, and glyceryl polyethylene glycol ricinoleate (GPGR) has been shown to improve pig performance. This study evaluated GPGR’s effects on intestinal health in weaned piglets in a commercial production farm. A total of 380 just weaned (21 days old) piglets were divided in two groups of 190 animals each (in four replicates) that received either a basal diet (control) or a basal diet + 350 g/ton GPGR pharmaceutical formulation as top dress. Blood samples were collected at pre-established days, and intestinal sampling occurred 15 days post-weaning. Plasma cortisol, citrulline, intestinal morphology, mucus quality, enzymatic activity, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and cecal microbiota were analyzed. GPGR did not alter plasma cortisol but increased citrullinemia (P: 0.024), suggesting greater enterocyte functional mass. GPGR piglets showed improved intestinal morphology (greater villus height, villus height:crypt depth ratio, and intestinal absorption area, p < 0.05) and higher enzymatic maltase activity (p ≤ 0.014). VFAs, bacterial adherence to mucus, and goblet cell counts were unaffected. Dietary GPGR increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria (P: 0.014 and P: 0.045, respectively) while reducing Proteobacteria (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary GPGR promotes intestinal health in weaned piglets by improving epithelial structure, digestive function, and microbiota balance, representing a promising strategy to support piglets in overcoming the early nursery phase. Full article

The lone application of ammonium fertilizer is one of the most commonly used measures to supplement soil nutrients. At the same time, it also causes soil acidification and leads to many environmental problems, such as soil degradation and eutrophication. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) stalk (RGS) returning has been widely researched for its benefits related to soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yields. However, few have researched the effects of the incorporation of RGS mixed with ammonium fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and the bacterial community composition. We incubated soil with the control (N0); ammonium sulfate (AS); and ammonium sulfate combined with 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% (rate of the dry soil weight) garlic stalk at 25 °C and 60% water-filled pore spaces (WFPS) for 67 days. We measured the soil properties before and on the last day of the experiment. The results showed that adding RGS increased the contents of soil potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and total nitrogen (TN), but it significantly decreased soil nitrate (NO₃⁻). In addition, adding RGS increased the relative abundance of r-strategists and the soil r/K ratio. The α diversity of soil bacteria reached the highest value with 3% treatment. Compared to AS, RGS increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria but decreased that of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. The function genes of Replication_and_Repair and Cell_Motility were enhanced after adding AS, while the function genes of Metabolism_of_Other_Amino_Acids, Enzyme_Families, and Metabolism were enhanced with increased RGS rates. Although SOC increased, NO₃⁻ significantly decreased with the increase in the returning levels, which could be due to the strong decreases in nitrifying bacteria with increases in RGS rates from 3% to 5%. Therefore, adding RGS at 3% is suitable for soil bacterial biodiversity and nutrient balance. Full article