Search Results (692)

Kappa-carrageenan (κ-CRG) forms thermo-reversible physical hydrogels via a coil–helix transition and helix bundling, but its sulfate-driven electrostatic repulsion limits mechanical robustness and control over aqueous disintegration. Here, we show that plant-derived polyphenols reprogram κ-CRG gel through sulfate-directed binding in a structure-dependent manner. Tannic acid (TA) selectively engages κ-CRG sulfate groups, yielding transparent gels and a >5-fold increase in storage modulus, whereas the same TA triggers turbidity and precipitation in sulfate-free agarose, supporting sulfate-mediated specificity. Using monomeric pyrogallol as a galloyl analogue, we demonstrate that monovalent interactions partially reinforce κ-CRG but lack cooperative stabilization. Intervention timing further separates mechanism. Pyrogallol produces pathway-dependent mechanics and gelation temperature, while TA is stage-insensitive, consistent with multivalent network annealing. In simulated gastric/intestinal fluids, pyrogallol/κ-CRG gels retain morphology longer, whereas TA/κ-CRG ones disintegrate rapidly yet exhibit strong adhesion to rough substrates and human skin. These findings provide a fully food-grade route to tune κ-CRG mechanics, thermal behavior, adhesion and programmed disintegration. Full article

The gut microbiome plays a central role in human health, and probiotics are widely used to support microbial balance, though their efficacy depends on multiple factors. This study assessed the potential of commercial probiotics Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, Weizmannia coagulans and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus by evaluating in vitro gastrointestinal kinetics, pharmaceutical stability, and antioxidant effects in chamomile tea. Growth across a broad pH range was modeled kinetically, while survival and inactivation were quantified in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility was determined using disk diffusion, and antioxidant activity of fortified chamomile tea was assessed via DPPH radical scavenging. Results revealed distinct strain-dependent responses. S. cerevisiae var. boulardii and W. coagulans showed the highest gastrointestinal tolerance. The increase in fluid volume reduced survival during the gastric phase but improved survival in the intestinal phase, reflecting different stress responses. Antimicrobial susceptibility also varied, with S. cerevisiae var. boulardii exhibiting the highest resistance. Probiotic fortification enhanced chamomile tea’s antioxidant capacity, particularly for S. cerevisiae var. boulardii and L. rhamnosus. These findings provide quantitative insight into strain- and volume-dependent gastrointestinal performance, guiding the optimization of capsule formulations and the development of clean-label products combining probiotic and antioxidant benefits. Full article

Background: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of intestinal failure often associated with high output jejunostomy, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and long-term dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN). In patients with type I SBS, restorative surgery may reduce PN dependence and enable conversion to type II or III SBS through restoration of intestinal continuity. Methods: We report our single-center experience. Between 2018 and 2025, nine adult patients with chronic type I SBS and high-output jejunostomy underwent restorative surgery within a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program. All patients were PN-dependent preoperatively, and two had intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Surgical strategies were individualized according to residual anatomy and focused on restoration of intestinal continuity, without bowel lengthening procedures. Clinical outcomes were descriptively analyzed. Results: Intestinal continuity was successfully restored in all patients, resulting in conversion from type I to type II or III SBS. A clinically relevant improvement in intestinal function was observed in all cases, although follow-up duration was heterogeneous (range 3–60 months), with some patients still in early postoperative follow-up. Complete enteral autonomy was achieved in 3/9 patients (33%), while 6/9 patients (67%) experienced a reduction in PN requirements, including partial or nocturnal supplementation. Five of nine patients developed postoperative complications: one required reoperation and one endoscopic treatment for anastomotic bleeding. No 90-day postoperative mortality was recorded. Conclusions: In adult patients with type I SBS, restorative surgery enables anatomical and functional conversion to type II or III SBS. When performed within specialized multidisciplinary programs and guided by careful management of hostile abdomen, this approach may result in functional improvement and reduced PN dependence, although outcomes remain heterogeneous. Full article

The intestinal mucosal barrier is a layered structure comprising fundamental components that play important roles in regulating paracellular permeability. Disruption of intestinal barrier homeostasis predisposes to infections, mucosal damage, and metabolic and allergic diseases. To provide protection against potential damage to the intestinal mucosa, agents such as prebiotics and probiotics are recommended due to their ability to secrete components and metabolites (e.g., bacteriocins, organic acids, enzymes) that can exert beneficial biological effects. The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the effects of a postbiotic derived from Pediococcus acidilactici on healthy rat intestinal tissue. A total of 78 Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. Following compositional analysis of the postbiotic, the animals were administered the postbiotic orally via gavage for different durations (7, 14, 21, 28 days) and at different doses (250 mg/Kg, 500 mg/Kg, 1000 mg/Kg). Characterization of the produced postbiotic revealed a diverse spectrum of biologically active compounds, including organic acids, phenolics, and volatile compounds. Histopathological examination of intestinal sections (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum) showed no pathological lesions in any of the experimental groups. Conversely, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the postbiotic increased the expression of CLDN3, OCLN, ZO1, AQP4, and AQP8, proteins involved in intestinal permeability and fluid transport, in a dose-dependent manner. These results highlight the potential of Pediococcus acidilactici as a supportive agent in a range of intestinal pathologies, including major intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Full article

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, digestive and oxidative/innate immune biomarkers, and gut microbiota. After 24 h exposure, measured waterborne glyphosate confirmed the intended gradient (0.09 ± 0.02, 1.26 ± 0.09, and 4.49 ± 1.12 mg/L for low-, medium-, and high-dose treatments, respectively), and overt stress phenotypes with mortality occurred only at the high dose (36.67%), enabling separation of high-dose survivors (HS) and high-dose dead (HD) for downstream analyses. Tissue measurements showed low/background levels in controls, with compartment-specific distribution: the respiratory tree exhibited higher burdens at the medium dose, whereas coelomic fluid showed the highest burdens in HS at the 24 h endpoint. Functionally, most intestinal digestive enzymes were unchanged, but trypsin activity was consistently suppressed across exposed groups (p < 0.05). In coelomic fluid, oxidative stress responses were evident, with elevated MDA (L and M), reduced CAT (L, M, and HS), and reduced GSH-PX in HS (all p < 0.05), while SOD, GR, and lysozyme showed no significant changes. Gene sequencing of 16S rRNA (n = 3 per group) revealed significant shifts in community diversity/evenness (Shannon p = 0.0497; Simpson p = 0.0484) and beta diversity (PCo1 = 30.08%, PCo2 = 26.30%; PERMANOVA F = 1.816, p = 0.008), with LEfSe indicating discriminative taxa associated with exposure/outcomes. Collectively, these multi-level endpoints define an acute glyphosate stress signature in A. japonicus, linking internal dose distribution to oxidative disruption, impaired intestinal proteolysis, and microbiome restructuring. Full article

This study aimed to develop a pH-responsive microencapsulation system using complex coacervation with chitosan (CS) and hydrolyzed karaya gum (HKG) as natural wall materials to encapsulate ginger essential oil (GEO) as a core material. Key parameters influencing coacervate formation and encapsulation efficiency were studied and optimized. The results indicated that the maximum complexation yield (77.3%) was achieved at a pH of 4.6 with a CS:HKG mass ratio of 1:2. Under these optimal conditions, microcapsules were fabricated at various wall-to-core ratios, with the 3:1 ratio demonstrating the highest encapsulation efficiency (65.73%) and process yield (75.7%). Physicochemical characterization revealed that the microcapsules possessed low hygroscopicity and a pH-dependent solubility profile. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that freeze-dried microcapsules had a more porous, amorphous structure compared to the denser, irregular particles produced by oven-drying. Crucially, in vitro release studies demonstrated a pronounced pH-responsive behavior: GEO release was significantly faster and more extensive in simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0) than in neutral or simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). These findings highlight the successful fabrication of a stable CS-HKG micro-delivery system that effectively protects GEO and facilitates its controlled, targeted release in acidic environments, indicating strong potential for applications in gastric targeted functional food and pharmaceutical products. Full article

Background: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of chronic intestinal failure and is frequently associated with long-term dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN) and intravenous fluids. Teduglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue, promotes intestinal adaptation and has been demonstrated to reduce parenteral support requirements. However, real-world data from the Greek population are scarce. Methods: We conducted a non-interventional, multicenter, retrospective cohort study across 5 centers in Greece, including adult patients with SBS receiving teduglutide therapy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, parenteral nutrition and intravenous fluid requirements, body mass index (BMI), laboratory parameters, and adverse events were recorded at baseline and during follow-up at weeks 4, 12, 26, and 52. Results: Eight adult patients with SBS were included (75% female), with a median age of 53 years (range 19–71). Over 52 weeks of treatment, mean parenteral nutrition requirements decreased by approximately 45% compared with baseline (from 1430 to 788 kcal/day), while mean intravenous hydration requirements decreased by approximately 80% (from 5170 to 1000 mL/week). Complete independence from parenteral nutrition was achieved in 2 of 8 patients (25%). Nutritional status improved, with a 10.6% increase in mean BMI at Week 52. Teduglutide was generally well tolerated; mild adverse events occurred in 3 of 8 patients, were predominantly gastrointestinal, and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. Conclusions: This study provides data from the Greek population and supports the effectiveness and favorable safety profile of teduglutide in adult patients with SBS and chronic intestinal failure. Further prospective studies are warranted to better define predictors of response and optimize long-term management strategies. Full article

Slaughter performance is a critical economic trait that varies across breeds, yet the rumen metabolic mechanisms driving these phenotypic differences remain unclear. The study involved 30 healthy 12-month-old beef cattle, with 10 animals from each of the three breeds: Chinese Simmental (ST), Taihang Yun (TY), and Charolais (CL). The cattle were randomly assigned into three groups using a completely randomized design, and the average initial body weight was 549.78 ± 59.45 kg. A 130-day feeding trial (10-day pre-feeding period, 120-day main trial period) was conducted. By comparing the slaughter performance, relative organ weight, and rumen fluid metabolomic profiles, the study investigated breed-specific differences in meat quality and potential underlying metabolic patterns. The results showed that CL exhibited a superior carcass yield, with a significantly higher dressing percentage (62.38%, p = 0.013) and net meat percentage (56.54%, p = 0.028) than ST and TY, and a significantly lower backfat thickness (p = 0.006); ST had the highest proportion of premium cuts, relative to carcass weight (72.97%, p = 0.014), with prominent economic value, while TY had significantly higher weights of visceral organs, such as liver, kidney, small intestine and omasum, than CL (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that CL and ST had elevated levels of purine metabolism, nucleotide synthesis and cofactor biosynthesis compared to TY. In conclusion, CL and ST possess advantages in carcass yield supported by upregulated anabolic metabolism in the rumen, whereas TY prioritizes visceral organ development. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological and metabolic divergences regulating the slaughter performance and regional adaptability across cattle breeds. Full article

Biopolymer-based encapsulation represents an effective strategy to enhance probiotic stability and targeted gastrointestinal delivery. In this study, gel capsules composed of sodium alginate (SA) and wheat starch (ST) were developed via extrusion to encapsulate Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) and Bacillus clausii (B. clausii), aiming to improve probiotic viability and controlled release. Capsule morphology, color, swelling behavior, encapsulation efficiency, and probiotic survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were systematically evaluated as a function of polymer ratio and probiotic loading. Capsule diameters ranged from 236.6 to 279.17 μm and were primarily governed by the SA-ST ratio, with higher ST content yielding smaller, more compact structures. Encapsulation efficiency varied between 71.2% and 96.7%, reaching maximal values in formulations with balanced SA:ST ratios (1:1) and higher probiotic loads. All formulations maintained high cell viability (>96%) following encapsulation. In vitro digestion studies demonstrated that SA-ST capsules significantly enhanced probiotic survival in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with the highest cumulative survival observed in ST-rich matrices containing 20% probiotic load. Swelling analyses revealed that ST incorporation promoted controlled hydration and matrix relaxation without compromising structural integrity, supporting sustained release behavior. Overall, the SA-ST biopolymer system provides a simple, scalable, and cost-effective platform for co-encapsulation of L. rhamnosus and B. clausii, offering synergistic protection, high encapsulation efficiency, and improved gastrointestinal stability, with promising applications in functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) develops when the remaining intestine is unable to sustain adequate nutrient and electrolyte absorption following extensive bowel resection. The condition is characterized by malabsorption and significant fluid losses which lead to dehydration and progressive weight loss, thus promoting patient dependence on parenteral fluids or nutrition. After an initial acute phase marked by accelerated intestinal transit and gastric hypersecretion, long-term clinical outcomes are largely determined by the capacity of the remaining bowel for intestinal adaptation—a sustained process of structural, functional, and molecular remodeling that enhances absorptive efficiency and restores fluid and nutrient homeostasis. This review summarizes the key histological and cellular features of the adaptive response, including crypt and villus remodeling, mucosal hyperplasia, and smooth muscle hypertrophy, and integrates emerging concepts in crypt biology that define the dynamic cross-talk between intestinal stem cells and the mesenchymal niche, together with their upstream regulatory pathways. Full article

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the assembly sequences of wall materials on the structure and properties of Antarctic krill peptide (AKP)-loaded ovalbumin (OVA)–chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs). Two AKP-loaded NPs (CS/OVA-AKP and OVA/CS-AKP) were prepared by changing the sequences of OVA and CS. The results confirmed that CS/OVA-AKP had a smaller particle size (291 nm vs. 320 nm), lower polydispersity index (0.233 vs. 0.282), higher absolute zeta potential (34.4 mV vs. 32.1 mV), and higher encapsulation efficiency (81.6% vs. 75.4%) than OVA/CS-AKP. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that AKP was encapsulated in an amorphous state within the NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions were the primary driving forces for nanoparticle formation, with CS/OVA-AKP demonstrating a stronger OVA fluorescence quenching effect. Compared with OVA/CS-AKP, CS/OVA-AKP exhibited better redispersibility, and CS/OVA-AKP showed greater stability under various environmental factors (thermal treatment, salt concentration, pH, and storage time). During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, CS/OVA-AKP effectively protected AKP from gastric degradation and showed a higher AKP release rate in simulated intestinal fluid (61.1%) than OVA/CS-AKP (53.0%). The release followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, with OVA/CS-AKP exhibiting non-Fickian diffusion (n = 0.7500), and CS/OVA-AKP approached Case II transport (n = 0.9889), indicating erosion-controlled release behavior. CS/OVA-AKP also demonstrated higher hypoglycemic activity, with inhibition rates of 41.1%, 37.5%, and 36.1% for α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-IV, respectively. These findings underscore the important influence of wall-material assembly sequences on the structure and properties of AKP-loaded NPs, offering valuable insights for the development of bioactive peptide delivery systems. Full article

Severe equine asthma (SEA) is a chronic inflammation of airways affecting ~14–20% of adult horses in the Northern Hemisphere. SEA is characterized by a mixed phenotype of T helper cell responses with marked neutrophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of affected horses. Human studies have demonstrated the impact of gut microbiota in many diseases, including asthma susceptibility and severity. However, the potential role of the gut–lung axis in the development and persistence of SEA remains to be determined. This study aimed to identify key bacterial, archaeal, and fungal microbiota alterations in the feces of horses with severe neutrophilic asthma (n = 4) compared to healthy horses (n = 8). Archaea alpha diversity was lower in the feces of SEA-affected horses, but with high abundance of archaea genus Candidatus Nitrosocosmicus, which impacts hydrogen metabolism in horses with SEA. Other key bacterial and fungi species differences lower in SEA included Blautia and Alternaria, respectively. Blautia is associated with positive metabolic health due to its fibrolytic capabilities. Overall, our findings indicate that horses experiencing severe neutrophilic asthma have an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota that may exacerbate systemic inflammatory responses through the gut–lung axis. Full article

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) are increasingly recognized as mediators of intercellular communication in plants, where they play roles in defense, signaling, and cell wall remodeling. In addition, PDNVs are gaining increasing attention for their biomedical potential, both as natural delivery systems and as bioactive entities, with promising applications in inflammatory disorders and cancer. In this study, we isolated carob nanovesicles (CbNVs) from the apoplastic fluid of carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua L.) using vacuum infiltration centrifugation followed by tangential flow filtration and size-exclusion chromatography. Morphological and biophysical analyses revealed spherical vesicles, while proteomic profiling identified 197 proteins, including suggested PDNV markers such as annexin, HSP70, GAPDH, elongation factors, malate dehydrogenase, and TET-8. These proteins were enriched in metabolic processes, stress responses, and cell wall modification pathways. Protein–protein interaction analysis further linked HSP70 to pectinesterases, reinforcing their role in cell wall remodeling and stress adaptation. Functionally, CbNVs were non-cytotoxic to human macrophages, keratinocytes, and intestinal cells. Notably, CbNVs significantly reduced LPS-induced NF-κB expression in macrophages and promoted wound closure in keratinocytes, with superior efficacy compared to the carob bioactive compound D-pinitol. These findings suggest that CbNVs harbor a synergistic cargo of bioactive molecules with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, highlighting their potential as natural nanotherapeutics. Full article

Foodborne microplastics (MPs) are suspected carriers of co-ingested food contaminants, yet their digestive fate remains poorly characterized. This study simulates the role of environmentally aged polylactic acid (PLA) MPs—a common food-contact material—in transporting the antibiotic tetracycline (TC) through the human gastrointestinal tract. K₂S₂O₈-induced aging significantly increased PLA surface porosity, oxygen-containing groups, and hydrophilicity, elevating TC adsorption capacity from 0.54 to 0.95 mg/g. While adsorption kinetics were consistent with pseudo-second-order behavior, mechanistic analysis indicates that aging promotes interactions dominated by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces, rather than purely physical deposition. Critically, in vitro digestion models revealed that simulated intestinal fluid significantly enhances TC release (up to 62.7% of adsorbed load) compared to gastric conditions. Sequential gastrointestinal simulation yielded a bioaccessibility of 32.6%, indicating substantial digestive mobilization of MP-bound antibiotics. These findings underscore the potential of aged PLA MPs to act as digestive-stage “Trojan horses” for foodborne antibiotics. Our integrated approach—combining controlled aging, adsorption thermodynamics, and physiologically relevant digestion models—provides a mechanistic screening framework for assessing the bioaccessibility and exposure potential of microplastic-vectored contaminants in food safety contexts. Full article

A 78-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (treated with methotrexate) developed disturbed consciousness, emesis, and intestinal perforation. Initial labs revealed hyperammonemia (189 μg/dL) and hypertonic dehydration. Despite ammonia normalization, her neurological status improved only slightly, necessitating additional tests. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no pleocytosis but positive oligoclonal bands and markedly elevated myelin basic protein (>500 pg/mL). Serum autoimmune markers were negative, including anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4), anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies. MRI revealed T2/DWI-hyperintense lesions in the left parietal lobe and cerebellum. Crucially, extensive T2/DWI-hyperintense lesions with diffusion restriction spanned the white matter from the medulla oblongata to the lumbar spinal cord. Axial spinal DWI demonstrated diffuse hyperintensity throughout the entire white matter, accompanied by gray matter atrophy. Subsequent metabolic screening revealed low folate and hypocupremia (34 μg/dL) as well as urinary orotic acid and low serum citrulline, suggesting late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. Given the clinical context, this was interpreted as a metabolic breakdown rather than an established genetic diagnosis. This case is characterized by a long, diffusion-restricted lesion from the brainstem to the spinal cord that does not correspond to vascular territories. She experienced sudden death. We hypothesize that an underlying metabolic disorder, nutritional deficiencies and drug-induced neurotoxicity contributed to lesion formation. Full article