Search Results (115)

Bacteria play a vital role in enhancing host resistance to salt–alkali stress. However, the composition and structure of bacterial communities associated with halophytes under natural high salt–alkali conditions remain poorly understood. Here, a transect comprising six sampling points (0, 9, 18, 27, 36, and 45 m) was established across a natural population of Salicornia europaea L. in Guhya Salt Lake salt–alkali soils. At each sampling site, bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, root, and leaf samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The pH and soil electrical conductivity (EC) significantly increased along the sampling sites establishing a distinct salt–alkali gradient. This gradient provides an ideal model for studying the ecological adaptation mechanisms of halophytes and their related microorganisms. The results showed that alpha diversity (Shannon index) of bacterial communities significantly decreased across sampling sites in bulk soil, rhizosphere soil and root, but not in leaf. Beta diversity varied significantly across sampling points in all sample types examined. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) identified specific microbial biomarkers (such as Halomonas spp.) for each sampling point and sample type, many of which are known salt–alkali-tolerant lineages. Random forest and correlation analysis indicated that soil chemical properties had a clear impact on these identified biomarkers. Overall, salt–alkali gradient was associated with habitat-specific microbial communities across plant compartments and certain bacterial taxa were found to be enriched in specific niches. These taxa include known salt–alkali-tolerant lineages, and may putatively contribute to host adaptation to extreme environments, which provides deeper insights into plant–microbe interactions in natural ecosystems and offers potential microbial resources for improving crop salt–alkali tolerance. Full article

Nanoemulsions are promising nanotechnology-based delivery systems that may improve the stability, bioavailability, and cellular uptake of therapeutic agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to exhibit high antibacterial and anticancer activities via several mechanisms, such as the generation of oxidative stress and disruption of cellular membrane integrity. Breast cancer (MCF−7) and ovarian cancer (SK-OV−3) represent two highly aggressive malignancies that pose major global health challenges. Brown algae oil is a natural marine-derived product with a number of bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, sterols, and antioxidants, responsible for its numerous biological activities. Oil extracted from the brown alga Turbinaria turbinata, using hexane as an organic solvent, was formulated with silver nitrate (AgNO₃) using a surfactant-stabilized spontaneous emulsification method to prepare a silver-loaded T. turbinata oil nanoemulsion (Ag-TTO-NE). The biological performance of the system was evaluated against human cancer cell lines, including MCF−7 (breast cancer) and SK-OV−3 (ovarian cancer), in addition to pathogenic bacterial strains, and for antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that the silver-loaded oil nanoemulsion (Ag-TTO-NE) exhibited anticancer activities against MCF−7 (breast cancer) and SK-OV−3, with IC50 values of 105.86 and 72.45 µg/mL and a Selectivity Index of 2.34 and 3.41, respectively. The silver-loaded oil nanoemulsion (Ag-TTO-NE) possessed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC90274) and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 6539). These results indicate that T. turbinata-based silver nanoemulsions deserve further exploration as multifunctional marine-derived nanoformulations. In silico ADMET analysis projected moderate to high oral absorption for most of the discovered compounds and suggested favorable pharmacokinetic properties of the individual ingredients. ADMET analysis suggested that the major compounds discovered by GC–MS have good medication-like characteristics. These computational predictions are supplemental information and are not to be taken as the pharmacokinetic behavior of the nanoemulsion itself. Overall, the present results are based on in vitro biological assays together with exploratory computational studies and constitute preliminary evidence for the subsequent exploration of this marine-derived nanoformulation. Full article

Cadmium contamination of soils poses a global threat to food security and ecosystem stability. Soil bacteria play a key role in mitigating Cd-induced stress, and their adaptive capabilities can be modulated by the application of organic amendments such as compost, fermented bark, or preparations containing humic acid. This article presents the results of studies on soil bacterial communities using culture-dependent and next-generation sequencing approaches. Based on the obtained data, colony development indices and ecophysiological diversity indices were determined for organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria. Alpha and beta diversity of bacteria were also assessed, common and unique genera occurring in the studied soils were identified, and the predicted metabolic functions of microorganisms were determined. It was found that cadmium reduced the abundance of organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria by 54.5% and 12.9%, respectively, compared to the control, resulting in a shift in the bacterial community structure from r-strategists toward K-strategists. Humic acid increased the abundance of organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria by 42.8% and 57.3%. Compost most effectively mitigated cadmium effects by stabilizing the colony development index and bacterial ecophysiological diversity. Cadmium strongly altered the soil bacterial microbiome, reducing the abundance of Actinomycetota while increasing that of Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota. The application of organic amendments influenced the bacterial response to Cd²⁺-induced stress. Fermented bark was associated with an increased abundance of Sphingomonas, whereas compost was associated with an increased abundance of Cellulosimicrobium. Although none of the organic amendments affected the overall diversity index under these conditions, compost improved the evenness and ecological stability of the bacterial community. The dominance of aerobic chemoheterotrophs involved in the carbon cycle and the degradation of organic compounds was demonstrated. Compost most effectively supported biogeochemical processes. Full article

Stressful situations can negatively affect the intestinal microbiota and contribute to gastrointestinal disorders. This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic (SYN) on fecal characteristics and ammonia concentrations, selected fecal bacterial groups, and dysbiosis index (DI) of healthy adult Beagles undergoing an abrupt dietary change. Sixteen adult dogs were divided into two groups: a placebo (PLA, no supplementation, n = 8) and a SYN supplementation group (n = 8). Dogs from both groups were fed a highly digestible diet for 20 days. On day 21, all dogs underwent an abrupt transition to a less digestible diet, which they continued to receive for an additional 20 days. Fecal samples were collected on days 20, 22, and 40 to analyze fecal dry matter, score, ammonia, pH, microbiota, and DI. The SYN supplementation did not affect fecal characteristics or DI of dogs (p > 0.05). After dietary change, an increase in fecal Bifidobacterium and universal bacteria was observed only in the PLA group (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary transition increased DI and fecal Escherichia coli regardless of the SYN supplementation (p < 0.05). Dogs fed the highly digestible diet presented greater fecal Peptacetobacter hiranonis and lower Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides (p < 0.05). Dogs supplemented with SYN presented lower fecal Clostridium perfringens than the PLA group when fed the less digestible diet (p < 0.05). These results suggest that abrupt dietary change may promote alterations associated with intestinal dysbiosis in dogs. Moreover, SYN supplementation was associated with lower fecal C. perfringens abundance in dogs fed the less digestible diet. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) containing bacterial endotoxins triggers inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory epithelium. In this study, we investigated chitosan nanoparticle-loaded Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GCN) as a potential functional food-derived ingredient against PM- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular damage in human lung epithelial cells. Methods: This study employed an integrative approach combining GCN analysis with bioinformatics methods using a PM- and LPS-induced pulmonary cellular inflammation model. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptomic datasets and Cytoscape-based network analysis were utilized to identify key hub genes and signaling pathways associated with PM- and LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, which were subsequently validated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Nano-encapsulation significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and storage stability of the extract compared with non-encapsulated Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC). GCN markedly attenuated PM- and LPS-induced cytotoxicity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a therapeutic index approximately 4.5-fold higher than that of GRC under PM and LPS co-exposure. Bioinformatics analysis identified inflammation-related genes and pathways associated with PM- and LPS-induced pulmonary responses, primarily enriched in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related inflammatory pathways, Toll-like receptor signaling, and cytokine signaling. Consistent with these findings, GCN suppressed the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA and inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in human type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Conclusions: Collectively, nano-encapsulation enhanced the stability and bioactivity of Cordyceps militaris-based extracts, suggesting that GCN may have potential as a functional food-derived candidate ingredient to protect airway epithelial cells against inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM and LPS. As this study was conducted using an in vitro A549 epithelial cell model, further validation in physiologically relevant systems is needed to confirm its translational applicability. Full article

Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with extraintestinal comorbidities, and lung diseases are widespread manifestations. Respiratory bacterial insult is a common illness that results in acute lung injury (ALI) in critical patients. IBD concurrence with respiratory infection may further exacerbate lung injury. Tryptophan (Try), an essential amino acid, is processed by gut microbiota and produces aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. These ligands can activate the AhR pathway that exerts anti-inflammatory properties and provides protection against mucosal barrier injury. This study investigated the effects of dietary Try on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated ALI in mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Methods: Mice with colitis were allocated to four groups: (1) ND-Sal: normal diet + DSS + intratracheal saline injection; (2) ND-LPS: normal diet + DSS + intratracheal LPS injection; (3) TD-Sal: Try diet + DSS + intratracheal saline injection; (4) TD-LPS: Try diet + DSS + intratracheal LPS injection. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the intratracheal injection. Results: Results showed that colitis resulted in a high disease activity index. Following induction of ALI in colitis mice, neutrophil populations and inflammatory cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased. Gene expression levels associated with toll-like receptor (TLR)4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling were upregulated, and tight junction proteins decreased in the lungs. Dietary Try supplementation decreased circulating LPS levels, suppressed pulmonary TLR4/NF-κB signaling, upregulated AhR/interleukin-22 expression, attenuated oxidative stress and improved the capillary–epithelial barrier integrity in DSS-treated mice. Conclusions: These findings imply that Try may have potential therapeutic significance in bacterial-induced ALI in a colitis condition. Full article

In this study, physiological and microbial responses under heat stress conditions were evaluated by analyzing blood biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microbiome (bacterial community composition) in Holstein dairy cows during the dry period and early lactation under summer conditions in Korea. Fourteen cows were observed during the hot summer month (from the first to the third week of August), with the temperature-humidity index (THI) recorded in the barns during the dry and early lactation periods being 80.80 and 81.66, respectively. Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected to evaluate physiological responses and changes in blood parameters, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial composition. Blood analysis revealed significant variations between the two stages. Early lactating cows exhibited lower glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and cholesterol levels but higher ketone and aspartate aminotransferase levels, indicating increased energy demands and protein metabolism. A complete blood count showed reduced red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels during the early lactation period, whereas white blood cell counts increased. The levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90, also differed significantly. Rumen fermentation analysis revealed lower ammonia nitrogen concentrations but significantly higher propionate and total volatile fatty acid concentrations during the early lactation period, indicating adaptive changes in rumen function. Rumen microbial analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial diversity and composition. Early lactation cows exhibited relatively high abundances of Bacteroidota and Prevotella, whereas the dry period was dominated by Clostridia and Eubacteriales. Network analysis highlighted shifts in microbial interactions, with specific keystone species identified at each stage. These findings suggest distinct physiological and rumen microbial adaptations in response to HS, with early lactation characterized by heightened metabolic demands and significant shifts in rumen bacterial communities. Such insights could inform tailored management strategies to mitigate the impact of HS on dairy cows during their critical production stages. Full article

The phytopathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pcc) infects a wide range of crop plants and causes substantial economic losses. The authors of this study previously demonstrated that the selenium–arabinogalactan nanocomposite (Se/AG NC) is capable of mitigating the negative effects of infection of soybean seeds with Pcc during germination and can influence physiological and biochemical factors in the seedlings. This study investigated changes in the membrane fatty acid (FA) profile of soybean seedlings grown under different treatments and in control using chromatography–mass spectrometry (CMS). The soybean seed treatments included the following: (1) infection by Pcc alone; (2) nanopriming with Se/AG NC alone; and (3) infection by Pcc followed by nanopriming with Se/AG NC. The infection was performed by soaking seeds in a bacterial suspension. Nanopriming was performed by placing the seeds in an aqueous solution of Se/AG NC (6.25 µg/mL) with a Se concentration of 0.000625%. Then, the seeds were germinated over 5 days in the darkness at 25 °C. The FA profile of soybean seeds was characterized by 13 FAs dominated by linoleic (LA), linolenic (LNA), oleic (OA), palmitic (PA) and stearic (SA) acids. Se/AG NC nanopriming had no influence on the FA profile of soybean seeds. A unique FA profile of soybean seedlings was demonstrated. It consisted of 18 FAs containing 12 to 20 carbon atoms. The following FAs were dominant in the control samples: PA (28%), LA (32.8%), LNA (18.6%), and SA (7.5%). Pcc infection of the seeds amplified the content of unsaturated FAs. Nanopriming of the seeds with Se/AG NC had an obvious influence on the seedling FA profile. Treatment of soybean seeds infected with Pcc using Se/AG NC caused weakening of the detrimental effects of the pathogen, while giving the possibility to maintain soybean seedlings’ FA profile at the control level. Transcript levels of the GmFAD8-2 gene encoding the membrane-bound omega-3 FA desaturase (FAD) were elevated for soybean seedlings after both Pcc and Se/AG NC seed treatment processes. The FA double-bond index (DBI) grew under the influence of seed infection and dropped under other treatments. Nanopriming of the seeds with Se/AG NC effectively reduced stress in Pcc-infected plants, as evidenced by analysis of the abscisic acid (ABA) content. Variations in the membrane FA composition under nanopriming with Se/AG NC may be one of the forms of its phytoprotective effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotics are routinely used in crustacean larviculture to mitigate bacterial infections, yet their widespread application compromises larval ontogeny. Probiotics and microalgae offer sustainable alternatives, but their combined molecular effects in crustacean larvae remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and transcriptomic impacts of a probiotics–microalgae consortium versus antibiotics in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) zoea, with the goal of elucidating mechanisms underlying improved larval development and identifying potential antibiotic alternatives. Methods: Scylla paramamosain larvae were reared under five treatments: clear water control (CN), microalgae alone (MA), probiotics alone (PB), a probiotics–microalgae consortium (PB-MA), and the antibiotic (AB) florfenicol. Samples were collected at 6 h and 24 h post-treatment during the first (Z1) and third (Z3) zoeal stages. Growth performance was assessed via survival and larval stage index, and multi-time point transcriptomic sequencing was performed to analyze dynamic gene expression profiles. Results: The PB-MA consortium significantly enhanced stage-specific survival from Z3 to Z5 and accelerated developmental progression compared to control and antibiotic groups. Transcriptomic analysis revealed from 492 to 2854 differentially expressed genes across treatments. PB-MA treatment was associated with the sustained upregulation of immune-related pathways (lysosome and Toll/Imd signaling), oxidative stress responses (peroxisome and glutathione metabolism), and energy metabolism (TCA cycle and carbon metabolism), whereas antibiotics predominantly suppressed these pathways. Key candidate genes, including NPC1, NAGA, ACOX1, HAO1, MUT, and PK, were prominently induced in PB-MA-treated larvae. Conclusions: The probiotics–microalgae consortium enhances basal immunity, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic adaptability in mud crab larvae at the molecular level. These findings provide transcriptomic evidence supporting the replacement of antibiotics with synergistic microbial consortia in sustainable crustacean larviculture. Full article

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide suffer from non-communicable oral diseases, with head and neck cancer patients experiencing exacerbated oral mucositis primarily from radiotherapy. This condition manifests as painful, debilitating mucosal lesions, necessitating effective antimicrobial interventions. This study developed and characterized stable mouthwash formulations containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Baccharis trimera (carqueja) extract for the management of oral mucositis, evaluating their physicochemical stability, antimicrobial efficacy, and biosafety. AgNPs formation was confirmed by color change to brown and a surface plasmon resonance band at 407 nm (UV-Vis), with dynamic light scattering revealing a monomodal hydrodynamic diameter of ~25 nm and stable dispersion; scanning electron microscopy showed spherical particles of 25–35 nm. Four formulations (22–85 ppm AgNPs) in a commercial vehicle exhibited excellent stability over 60 days at 5 °C and 25 °C, maintaining near-neutral pH (~7), low surface tension (<5 mN/m), and unchanged spectral profiles, with no phase separation under centrifugation or thermal stress (up to 70 °C). Antimicrobial assays via broth microdilution demonstrated broad-spectrum activity for the 85 ppm formulation: MICs of 125 µg/mL (S. epidermidis, E. faecalis), 62.5 µg/mL (E. coli, P. aeruginosa), and 250 µg/mL (S. aureus), with MBC of 125 µg/mL (bactericidal) against P. aeruginosa; no activity against C. albicans (MIC > 500 µg/mL). Against human oral microbiota (n = 4 volunteers), it reduced bacterial growth by 14–156% relative to controls (e.g., −5% to 156% inhibition). Cytogenotoxicity tests (A. cepa) confirmed non-toxicity (mitotic index 79–93% of control, low cellular alteration index). These findings establish the carqueja-mediated instant green AgNPs mouthwash as a stable, potent antimicrobial agent, poised to mitigate mucositis-related infections and enhance the quality of life of cancer patients. Full article

Drought stress severely restricts agricultural productivity. Effective drought mitigation requires both improved rhizosphere water retention and enhanced nutrient availability. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) was expected to enhance water retention, while residue after evaporation (RAE) of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid fermentation was expected to supply labile carbon and promote nutrient mobilization. We hypothesized that their combined application would synergistically optimize the rhizosphere environment and enhance maize seedlings’ resistance to drought. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth of maize under simulated drought conditions, containing four treatments: control (C), RAE alone (R), PGA alone (P), and their combination (M). Results demonstrated that the M treatment synergistically promoted maize seedling growth, increasing the seedling growth index by 125% compared to the control. Co-application also synergistically enhanced the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances (proline, soluble proteins, and soluble sugars) and ascorbic acid content, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Furthermore, the M treatment markedly increased soil ammonium nitrogen and total organic carbon, thereby improving soil moisture and optimizing the rhizosphere conditions. Mantel analysis revealed that the M treatment restructured soil bacterial communities and enzyme activities by enhancing nutrient and organic carbon availability, which subsequently improved overall soil properties. These findings suggest that co-application of PGA and RAE improves maize seedling drought resilience and soil nutrient supply, offering a promising and economically viable strategy for sustainable agriculture in drought-prone regions by valorizing industrial by-products. Full article

Oyster aquaculture offers promising opportunities for diversifying marine production in the Romanian Black Sea, where favorable environmental conditions and recent regulatory developments support shellfish farming. This study aimed to generate baseline data for the cultivation of the Pacific oyster, Magallana gigas, through an in situ experimental trial conducted off Mamaia Bay, Romania. A 50 m experimental long-line system was deployed at 13.5 m depth, and triploid oysters were cultured for one year at two depth horizons (3 m and 6 m). The growth performance, meat yield, Condition Index, microbiological quality, environmental parameters, and epibiotic communities were monitored monthly. Cultivation depth significantly influenced oyster growth, with individuals reared at 6 m consistently achieving a greater wet weight and shell length than those at 3 m. Growth rates peaked during spring, and meat yield values indicated good commercial quality. Environmental monitoring showed strong seasonal variability, with high summer temperatures and reduced dissolved oxygen associated with increased mortality. Microbiological analyses revealed higher bacterial loads during warm months. The Condition Index classified the oysters as generally “fine” to occasionally “special”. Overall, the results demonstrate that Black Sea conditions can support successful cultivation of M. gigas, although seasonal environmental stress and epibiosis require appropriate farm management. Full article

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a gut-based idiopathic disease characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammatory progression and intricate pathophysiology. It is now known that the key etiologies of IBD include immune dysregulation, imbalances in the gut microbiota, and metabolic disruptions. Probiotics are now the potential treatment for IBD, due to their ability to regulate the host immune system and microbiota of the gut. Methods: The current study analytically tested the preventive benefit of Bacillus licheniformis BL-01 on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and also expounded on its molecular pathogenesis. Results: Our results demonstrate that supplementation with BL-01 effectively mitigates DSS-induced weight loss, an elevated disease activity index (DAI), and colonic tissue injury in mice. Concomitantly, BL-01 rectifies dysregulated inflammatory cytokine profiles, attenuates oxidative stress, and restores the expression of colonic tight junction proteins as well as the number of goblet cells. Furthermore, BL-01 modulates the gut microbiota diversity by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as Duncaniella and decreasing the abundance of pathogenic genera such as Helicobacter. Notably, BL-01 restores DSS-induced microbial metabolic dysregulation, modulates key metabolic pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis, and regulates associated metabolites to ameliorate UC. Finally, Bacillus licheniformis BL-01 mitigates oxidative stress, reverses gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorders, and has a protective effect on UC. Conclusions: The findings give new information on the development of probiotic-based therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of IBD. Full article

Background: Subclinical psychological symptoms—such as low mood, perceived stress, and poor sleep—affect a large portion of the population and can impair quality of life despite remaining below clinical thresholds. The gut–brain axis has emerged as a promising target for interventions that support emotional and psychological resilience. Probiotics and postbiotics are gaining attention for their potential to modulate mood and stress via microbiome-related mechanisms, but human evidence remains limited, particularly in non-clinical populations. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of a two-strain combination of live microorganisms alongside a two-strain combination of heat-treated inactivated microorganisms on outcomes associated with anxiety, mood, perceived stress, and quality of life in healthy adults experiencing mild stress. Methods: This study was conducted in two parts. In Part I, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 participants were randomized to receive either a blend of live microorganisms (Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8361) or an identical placebo once daily for 12 weeks. In Part II, a pilot feasibility study, a subset of eight placebo non-responders from Part I received the heat-inactivated preparation of the same bacterial strains in a 6-week trial extension phase. For Parts I and II, the primary outcome was the change in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Secondary outcomes included measures of mood (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), stress (state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), quality of life (36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36)), gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)), salivary cortisol and microbiome modulation. Results: In Part I, there were no significant effects of the live blend on the HAM-A, indicating that the primary endpoint was not met. In addition, no significant effects were seen on the STAI or PSS scores when compared to the placebo. However, participants consuming the live blend trended toward a reduction in total PHQ-9 scores compared to placebo (p = 0.089), whilst preliminary exploratory analyses suggested an improvement in anhedonia (p = 0.045). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the vitality domain of the SF-36 compared to placebo (p = 0.017). On microbiome analysis, it was noted that consumption of the live blend was linked to the preservation of butyrate-producing bacteria, particularly members of the Pseudoflavonifractor genus and the Clostridium SGB6179 species. Furthermore, the abundance of B. longum species was found to be inversely associated with the total PSS Scores. In Part II, supplementation with the inactivated preparation resulted in significant within-group improvements for the vitality (p = 0.006) and social functioning (p = 0.010) domains of the SF-36 and improvements in PSS scores compared to baseline (p = 0.050). Conclusions: Supplementation with either the dual-strain live or inactivated formulations was associated with significant improvements in the vitality domain of the SF-36, whilst participants receiving the inactivated formulation demonstrated lower perceived stress and improved social functioning compared to baseline. Overall, the findings from this pilot study suggest that these two biotic consortia are well-tolerated and may be associated with improvements in measures of vitality in individuals with subclinical psychological symptoms. The subtle observations detected for stress and anhedonia suggest that further well-powered trials are needed to better characterize these findings, potentially in populations with greater baseline symptomatology. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) poses a major burden on healthcare systems, with critically ill AECOPD patients having increased morbidity and mortality. Since adverse outcomes are due both to respiratory failure and the systemic inflammatory response, prognostic markers accounting for these patterns are needed. Our aim was to investigate the predictive power of derived hematological indices for intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with non-infectious versus infectious AECOPD. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, monocentric cohort study on 88 AECOPD patients admitted to the ICU between 2018 and 2023. Descriptive statistics were performed for the entire cohort, and for predefined subgroups (non-infectious, infectious and bacterial AECOPD). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to test the predictive power of the studied indices. Cut-off values were identified using the Youden index. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to test the association with ICU mortality. Results: Overall ICU mortality was 44%. For the whole cohort, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil-to-platelets ratio (NPR) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) showed moderate predictive power for ICU mortality (areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.71–0.73). Non-infectious and infectious subgroups were comparable in terms of size, demographics, comorbidities and baseline COPD characteristics (p > 0.05). Mortality was significantly higher in infectious AECOPD (64.6% versus 20%, p < 0.001). For non-infectious AECOPD, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and SIRI had very good predictive power (AUCs between 0.82 and 0.855), while NPR and systemic inflammation index (SII) showed moderate AUC values (between 0.7 and 0.79). In infectious AECOPD, only NPR retained fair predictive power (AUC 0.691), which improved in bacterial AECOPD (AUC 0.781). Conclusions: Derived hematological indices have different predictive values for ICU mortality. MLR and SIRI exhibited very good predictive power in non-infectious AECOPD, while NPR was the best discriminator in bacterial AECOPD. These stress the importance of individualized prognostication in AECOPD. Full article