Search Results (11,466)

Salmonella in gut habitats have traditionally been thought to conserve energy for growth via fermentation. However, recent reports indicate that ingested Salmonella can stimulate host-derived nitrate accumulation in the mucosal microenvironment, thereby enabling growth through nitrate respiration. Sodium tungstate is an effective treatment that inhibits the growth of certain nitrate-respiring bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Paracoccus and Proteus, when cultured under gut simulating conditions or within the gut of experimentally treated mice. This inhibitory effect is hypothesized to occur by inactivation of molybdenum-containing enzymes required for nitrate metabolism. Information is lacking on whether tungstate can inhibit the growth of Salmonella, particularly in the presence of culturable gut microbiota. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of sodium tungstate on Salmonella during pure culture or when cultured with freshly collected bovine rumen microbiota and to assess its impact on fermentation as well as nitrate and nitrite metabolism within the rumen microbial cultures. Our results indicate that 50 mM sodium tungstate treatment, whether alone or in combination with 5 mM nitrate, markedly increased the growth of Salmonella serovars Newport, Dublin and Typhimurium during pure culture. Moreover, during in vitro incubation, increased growth of experimentally inoculated S. Newport as well as wildtype E. coli and lactic acid bacteria was observed with ruminal microbiota treated with 100 mM tungstate when compared to non-tungstate-treated controls. Effects of tungstate on nitrate and nitrite metabolism were as expected during pure and mixed culture. When cultured with reduced tungsten rather than tungstate, the latter being bound to four oxygen atoms, an inhibitory effect on the growth of S. Newport was observed and effects on nitrate and nitrite metabolism were consistent with those observed with tungstate. These results suggest that, under conditions used in the present experiments, tungstate may have served as a source of oxygen for respiration above that achieved with nitrate alone. While this hypothesis has yet to be proven, it is supported by an adverse effect of tungstate, whether alone or in combination with 5 mM nitrate, on methane and volatile fatty acid production by the ruminal microbiota when compared to untreated or nitrate-only-treated microbiota. Full article

Essential oil-based feed additives have been proposed as a practical strategy to mitigate enteric methane emissions in ruminants, but their effects are not always consistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with an essential oil blend on in vitro methane production, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in Lithuanian Blackface lambs. We hypothesized that supplementation would induce measurable changes in in vitro methane production and selected rumen fermentation variables, while growth performance and technological meat quality would remain comparable between treatments. Sixty Lithuanian Blackface lambs were allocated to control (C) and treatment (T) groups (30 lambs per group). The C group received a basal diet, and the T group received the same diet supplemented with an essential oil blend, Agolin Ruminant, at a dose rate of 0.1 g/animal/day, consisting of linalool, eugenol, geranyl acetate, and geraniol. An in vitro rumen fermentation assay was performed using rumen fluid pooled within both dietary groups from multiple lambs and incubated as a single batch with four replicate fermentation flasks per treatment (n = 4 fermenters per group) to quantify methane production and in vitro nutrient digestibility. In vivo apparent nutrient digestibility was evaluated in a dedicated sub-trial (n = 6 animals per group). Growth performance in the main trial was analyzed using the pen as the experimental unit (n = 3 pens per group), and slaughter-based measurements—including slaughter and carcass traits, rumen volatile fatty acids and protozoal counts, and Longissimus dorsi meat quality and intramuscular fatty acids—were determined in 10 lambs per treatment (n = 10 animals per group). In vitro methane production did not differ between groups (p = 0.366); in vitro crude fiber digestibility showed a tendency to increase with supplementation (p = 0.066). Fermentation end-products were largely unchanged, although propionate tended to be higher (p = 0.063), and the acetate:propionate ratio was lower (p = 0.043) in the supplemented group; protozoal counts were not different between groups. In vivo apparent nutrient digestibility was comparable between treatments. Growth performance was lower in the supplemented group, resulting in an overall mean ADG 19.0% lower. Slaughter and carcass traits were comparable between treatments. Meat proximate composition, cholesterol concentration, pH, color, water losses, and instrumental texture/shear parameters were not affected by supplementation. Intramuscular lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0), and pentadecanoic (C15:0) fatty acids were lower (p < 0.05), while C14:1 n-7 tended to decrease (p = 0.050); however, total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids and nutritional ratios were unchanged. Overall, under the study conditions and dose used, the essential oil blend did not significantly reduce in vitro methane production and elicited only limited rumen fermentation responses; ADG was 19.0% lower in the supplemented group, whereas carcass traits and technological meat quality were unaffected, and only specific intramuscular fatty acids were altered. Full article

Background/Objectives: Zeaxanthin and lutein, which are essential dietary xanthophylls existing abundantly in free and esterified forms, require efficient intestinal absorption due to their insufficient synthesis in humans. However, limited knowledge on intestinal uptake and transport of xanthophyll esters is available. Methods: This study investigated the cellular uptake and transport mechanism of free and esterified xanthophylls using human Caco-2 cell monolayer, with lutein, zeaxanthin and their dipalmitates as representatives. Results: The results showed that free xanthophylls were uptaken without cellular re-esterification. Esterified xanthophylls were predominantly uptaken in free forms, as evidenced by Caco-2 cells incubated with zeaxanthin and lutein dipalmitates containing 80.8% and 89.4% of zeaxanthin and lutein, along with minor amounts of monoesters and diesters, respectively. Subsequent basolateral detection of both free xanthophylls and monoesters also confirmed intact ester uptake. Additionally, time- and concentration-dependent uptake patterns were observed, with all xanthophylls showing moderate permeability. Mechanistically, SR-BI and NPC1L1 were involved in the uptake of both free and esterified xanthophylls. At the expression level, free and esterified xanthophylls differentially affected ABCG5, with significant upregulation observed only in response to free xanthophylls. Tight junction integrity remained unaffected, excluding paracellular transport. Uptake of free and esterified xanthophyll micelles also involved clathrin- and caveolae-dependent endocytosis, whereas macropinocytosis was excluded. Conclusions: These findings provide insight into the uptake behavior of free and esterified xanthophylls and the transporter- and endocytosis-related processes involved. Full article

The effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE; 10.8% saponins) on in vitro caecal disappearance (IVCD) was tested by incubating pre-digested feed with 0, 150, or 300 mg YSE/kg using caecal inocula from male and female pigs (Experiment 1). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and fermentation products were assessed in vivo in 40 crossbred finishing pigs fed with 0 or 300 mg YSE/kg for 42 days (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, YSE did not affect IVCD or gas production, but reduced caecal ammonia-N across sexes (p < 0.05). Caecal pH decreased progressively with increasing YSE in female-derived inocula only (p = 0.015), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were suppressed in females at the highest dose (p = 0.013), while male-derived inocula remained unaffected. Entire males exhibited higher IVCD (p < 0.001) and lower ammonia-N (p = 0.034) and VFA production (p < 0.10) than females. In Experiment 2, YSE did not influence faecal ammonia-N, or VFA profile (p > 0.10), but reduced the ATTD of crude protein (p < 0.001) and organic matter (p < 0.001) relative to the control diet. YSE selectively modulated in vitro caecal fermentation in pigs, but these effects were not confirmed in vivo. Full article

This study examined the effects of in ovo silver nanoparticle (AgNP) administration on broiler chicken hatchability, growth performance, physiological and metabolic status, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses. A total of 300 fertilized Cobb500 eggs were assigned to five treatments (5 replicates/treatment, 12 eggs/replicate): non-injected control; vehicle control (0.2 mL sterile 0.9% NaCl/egg); and AgNPs at 10, 15, or 20 ppm injected into their amniotic sac on day (d) 18 of incubation. After hatching, 48 chicks/treatment were assigned to 6 replicate cages (8 birds/replicate) for 35 d. In ovo AgNP administration improved hatchability and reduced embryonic mortality (p < 0.05). Post-hatch, birds originating from AgNP-injected eggs had an improved body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, with lower feed intake (p < 0.05). AgNP administration elevated hemoglobin, packed cell volume, growth hormone, serum proteins, alanine aminotransferase activity, and creatinine levels (p < 0.05). AgNPs also improved the lipid profile and increased total antioxidant capacity, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, lysozyme activity, complement 3, and cytokine concentrations and reduced malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Effects were dose-dependent, with 15 ppm generally leading to better outcomes. These findings suggest that 15 ppm AgNP in ovo administration enhances embryonic viability, physiological resilience, and post-hatch performance in broiler chickens. Full article

Pasture plants can contribute to ruminant nutrition and may, depending on composition, influence rumen fermentation and methane production. This study evaluated the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and methane production potential of 32 terrestrial plant species commonly foraged by goats in Malta. Dried plant samples were analysed for proximate composition using near-infrared spectroscopy, total polyphenols using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay, and methane production using an in vitro rumen fermentation system incubated for 48 h, with rumen fluid pooled from three goats (analyses performed in triplicate). Crude protein ranged from 1.16 to 31.97% DM, neutral detergent fibre from 12.29 to 48.89%, and ash from 9.69 to 17.20% across species. Total polyphenolic content varied from 0.07 to 1.30% (w/w), while antioxidant activity (IC₅₀) ranged from 0.37 to 55.9 mg/mL. Methane production after 48 h ranged from 30.39 to 198.26 L CH₄ kg⁻¹, indicating variation in fermentation characteristics among species. These results indicate that Rumex bucephalophorus and Urtica pilulifera demonstrated relatively high protein or bioactive values and comparatively lower in vitro methane-related parameters under the conditions tested. Full article

Natural antioxidants are essential for protecting the body against oxidative stress and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. In this context, forty extracts derived from ten submerged cultivated mushroom species were analyzed for their mycochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxic effects against MCF7 breast cancer cells. Qualitative and quantitative screening revealed that, among the detected classes of bioactive compounds, the extracts were predominantly enriched in flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic constituents. Considerable variation was observed in the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid among different species and solvent extracts. The highest total phenolic contents were detected in ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of G. frondosa (110.0 ± 6.4, 227.6 ± 14.2, and 160.5 ± 5.3 mg GAE/g), while the water extract of F. velutipes also exhibited elevated phenolic levels (119.2 ± 6.5 mg GAE/g). Flavonoid concentrations ranged from 102.5 ± 10.5 to 359.9 ± 2.5 mg QE/g in biomass and culture liquid extracts obtained with organic solvents. Ascorbic acid content was generally highest in ethyl acetate culture liquid extracts, suggesting solvent-dependent enrichment of antioxidant metabolites. Free radical scavenging activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner, reaching inhibition values more than 90% at 20 mg/mL in all tested mushrooms. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that extract type, solvent, and incubation time strongly influenced the inhibition of MCF7 cell viability. Ethyl acetate extracts from H. erinaceus, P. ostreatus, T. versicolor, and T. pubescens exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effects, reducing cell viability by up to 70% at higher concentrations. The results demonstrate that mushroom extracts, particularly ethyl acetate extracts, possess significant antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. These findings highlight their potential as promising natural sources of medicinal bioactive compounds for antioxidant and anticancer applications. Full article

Fungal endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms that establish strong relationships inside plant tissues, providing potential advantages, especially in grasses, by enhancing tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. This review investigates the molecular mechanisms through which fungal endophytes mediate stress tolerance, targeting host–pathogen interactions. By modulating pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and effector proteins, fungal endophytes may contribute to priming the plant’s immune system, enhancing its resistance to pathogen invasion. Moreover, endophyte colonization regulates core processes such as osmotic regulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis that enable plants to tolerate environmental stresses like drought, heat, and salinity. The review highlights the impact of endophytes on immune priming, systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and the regulation of non-coding RNAs that regulate host gene networks associated with stress tolerance. Furthermore, the integration of advanced multi-omics techniques genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and fluxomics has revealed emerging insights into the genetic and metabolic pathways driving these symbiotic associations. However, grass-specific molecular datasets remain limited, and the consistency of endophyte-mediated tolerance across host species and environmental conditions is not yet fully resolved. Fungal endophytes increase grass stress resilience through coordinated pathogen recognition, RNA regulation, and metabolic reprogramming while AI-assisted multi-omics approaches are emerging as tools for identifying candidate regulatory networks, although empirical validation in grass–endophyte systems remains limited. Together, these advances highlight the potential for climate-smart and sustainable crop improvement. Future research integrating functional genomics, field validation, and biosafety assessment will be essential for translating endophyte-based strategies into reliable agricultural applications. Full article

Background: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is increasingly popular due to aesthetic and functional advantages. Recent advances allow direct 3D printing of aligners, raising questions about their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility under intraoral conditions. Objectives: To review and synthesize current evidence on the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of 3D-printed and thermoformable orthodontic aligners, and to identify factors affecting cellular responses. Eligibility criteria: Original research published from 2021 to 2026 evaluating the safety of orthodontic aligners; conference abstracts, editorials, and review papers were excluded. Sources of evidence: Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library; search terms “aligner” AND “biocompatibility”; last search conducted on 31 January 2026. Charting methods: Data on authors, publication year, material type, experimental model, cytotoxicity assessment (extraction solvent, incubation period, cell line, and cell exposure), and main results were extracted independently by two reviewers. Results: Fourteen in vitro studies were included, seven on thermoformable aligners and seven on directly 3D-printed aligners; no clinical trials were identified. Material composition, post-processing, and oral environmental factors influenced cytotoxicity. Some materials exhibited acceptable biocompatibility, whereas others showed varying cytotoxic effects, indicating inconsistencies across studies. Conclusions: Directly 3D-printed and thermoformable aligners show potential for safe intraoral use, but evidence is limited to in vitro studies. Further standardized in vitro and in vivo research is needed to reliably assess cytotoxicity and ensure patient safety before widespread clinical implementation. Full article

Tiankeng ecosystems are characterized by strong microenvironmental gradients that influence plant adaptation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to altitudinal variation remain poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were conducted to investigate the environmental adaptation mechanisms of three representative plant species (Hydrangea strigosa Rehder, Pilea martini, and Pilea sinofasciata) distributed along the vertical gradient of the Hanzhong Tiankeng in Shaanxi Province, China. Differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed to explore transcriptional responses under different altitude conditions. The results showed that flower coloration in Hydrangea strigosa Rehder was associated with the activation of sugar metabolism and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, suggesting potential indirect roles in modulating cellular metabolism and physiological conditions linked to flower coloration, while poor growth at the tiankeng bottom was associated with enhanced cellular respiration under low-light conditions, suggesting a potential link between energy metabolism and growth performance. In contrast, Pilea martini and Pilea sinofasciata exhibited better growth in the pit-bottom environment. Pilea martini promoted growth through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, whereas Pilea sinofasciata responded to environmental stress through hormone signaling, triterpenoid biosynthesis, and light signaling pathways. These findings reveal species-specific molecular strategies for plant adaptation to altitude-related environmental gradients in tiankeng ecosystems and provide insights into plant survival mechanisms in karst habitats. Full article

Ginseng Alternaria leaf and stem blight, caused by Alternaria panax, imposes substantial yield and economic losses to the ginseng cultivation industry. Current diagnostic methods for ginseng diseases primarily rely on pathogen isolation from infected tissues, a procedure that is laborious, time-consuming, and inherently low in sensitivity. This study has therefore developed a rapid, specific and sensitive SYBR Green-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for detecting A. panax in plants, seeds, and soil. The developed qPCR assay exhibited high sensitivity and repeatability, with a detection limit of 0.074 fg/μL of target amplicon DNA (0.619 ng/μL of genomic DNA) and a coefficient of variation below 2%. In artificially inoculated tissues (leaves, stems and seeds), Ct values decreased progressively with increasing incubation time, reflecting pathogen proliferation. Analysis of field-collected leaves and stems showed a strong overall correlation between Ct values and visual disease grades. Surveying of ginseng-growing areas revealed that A. panax was detected in asymptomatic leaves and stems at rates of 12.12% and 14.29%, respectively, and in 14.46% of soil samples and 23.73% of seed samples. This qPCR assay presented here provides a robust tool for forecasting early disease, tracking the primary inoculum of the pathogen and its transmission chains, and screening of both ginseng seed lots and candidate soils for ginseng Alternaria leaf and stem blight prior to planting. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease widely distributed, is an intracellular parasite that invades host cells of different tissues using specialized endocytic activity. Recent studies suggest that tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), thin cell-surface projections, may participate in the parasite–host cell interaction. Here we report results that suggest the involvement of host-cell TNTs in the adhesion of T. gondii tachyzoites to epithelial LLC-MK² cells. Microscopy analysis showed that incubating cells in a medium containing 0.45 M sucrose induces reversible assembly of TNTs without affecting cell viability. The presence of extended TNTs correlated with increased parasite adhesion and reduced parasite entry, thus suggesting a structural or signaling role in mediating adhesion. TNTs assembled following sucrose incubation contain both actin and tubulin components as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. These results highlight a possible functional relevance of TNTs in T. gondii host cell interaction, especially in parasite adhesion, opening new perspectives for understanding T. gondii-host cell interaction. Full article

This study examines the roles of startup hubs within the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and their implications for cultural innovation and tourism in European cities. Despite the growing importance of CCIs in urban development and destination branding, few studies have explored the organisational, social and communicative dynamics of cultural startup hubs. To address this gap, a comparative mixed-methods approach is applied to analyse 91 incubated startups in three European hubs: 104factory (Paris, France), Makerversity (London, UK) and A Lab (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). This study integrates structural variables (sustainability and institutionalisation), social variables (gender representation in leadership) and communication variables (activity and engagement on Instagram). The results reveal distinct organisational models, from highly institutionalised structures to more flexible, community-oriented approaches, with notable differences in terms of sustainability and gender distribution. In terms of communication, greater engagement is associated with content focused on community, identity and collective creativity, rather than promotional strategies. These findings highlight the role of startup hubs as hybrid intermediaries that not only support cultural entrepreneurship, but also contribute to the symbolic positioning and tourist appeal of the cities in which they are located. This study offers theoretical and practical insights for the development of more inclusive, sustainable and effectively communicative cultural ecosystems. Full article

Heart inflammation and oxidative stress are pivotal pathological drivers in the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to investigate the beneficial effects induced by extracts derived from edible plants, such as Olea europaea, and sugar cane on heart health. In particular, we investigated the effects of a novel combination constituting Olea europaea, Scutellaria baicalensis, and policosanol extracts on heart, in in vitro and ex vivo models. Olea europaea, S. baicalensis, policosanol extracts and their combination prevented H₂O₂-induced reduction in H9c2 cell (immortalized myoblasts, isolated from rat heart tissue) viability. Moreover, pre-incubation with the combination significantly reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS levels in the same cells. Our present findings also showed that Olea europaea, S. baicalensis and policosanol extracts, as well as their combination, increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced catalase gene expression at all concentrations tested, in mouse heart specimens. In addition, we also observed that Olea europaea, S. baicalensis and policosanol extracts, as well as their combination, significantly inhibited LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor-kB, and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression, in the same experimental model. Interestingly, the combination was more effective at decreasing the mRNA levels of all pro-inflammatory markers investigated. Finally, the combination was also able to suppress LPS-induced B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I gene expression ex vivo. In conclusion, these findings suggest that this plant-based combination could offer potential benefits for cardiovascular health and support overall heart function in humans. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation combined with different CP levels on rumen fermentation characteristics and CH₄ production using an in vitro gas production technique. A 3 × 4 factorial arrangement was used, consisting of three CP levels (12, 14, and 16%) and four levels of Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of substrate dry matter), with incubation run included as a random effect in the statistical model. Rumen fluid from Thai native beef cattle was incubated under anaerobic conditions. Gas production kinetics, ruminal pH, ammonia–nitrogen (NH₃–N), protozoal populations, digestibility, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and CH₄ production were determined. Significant interactions between CP level and Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation were observed for gas production kinetics. Ruminal pH was influenced by CP level at 24 h, while NH₃–N increased with higher CP levels but decreased with increasing supplementation. Protozoal populations were reduced by Nypa fruticans fruit pellets. Methane production was affected by CP level, Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation, and their interaction. A clearer reduction was observed at 24 h, particularly at higher supplementation levels. At 24 h of incubation, total VFA, propionate, and butyrate concentrations increased with supplementation, whereas no clear effects were observed at 12 h. In vitro dry matter digestibility was affected at 24 h (p < 0.05), but no effect was observed at 48 h, while organic matter digestibility remained unchanged. In conclusion, Nypa fruticans fruit pellets, in combination with CP level, modified rumen fermentation patterns and were associated with lower CH₄ production under in vitro conditions, without negatively affecting digestibility. These findings suggest potential for further in vivo evaluation. Full article