Search Results (164)

Menstruation, a biological phenomenon experienced by more than half of the global population, remains stigmatized and poorly addressed in the context of research and public discourse. One overlooked issue is that of “period pollution,” the waste generated by millions of feminine hygiene pads (menstrual pads) that end up in landfills or the environment. Simultaneously, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), a non-native invasive plant which disrupts native species, leads to the disruption of ecological systems. This experimental study assesses the Japanese knotweed plant for its potential to serve as the absorbent core in a sustainable menstrual pad, helping to address both environmental challenges in tandem. As control groups, commercial pads (Natracare and Saathi) were tested for their performance as absorbent materials, as defined by the absorbency ratio (AR) test. All preliminary studies were done using normal saline solutions dyed with red food coloring. Saathi pads demonstrated significantly higher levels of AR compared to Natracare and knotweed pads due to the presence of superabsorbent polymers, making it an unreliable benchmark. Because Japanese knotweed is composed of cellulosic fibers that absorb water through hydrogen bonding to hydroxyl groups and capillary imbibition within porous fiber networks, lignin removal via alkaline processing was employed to enhance absorbency prior to experimental testing. The inner lumen of the knotweed was selected and delignified using a sodium hydroxide bath, later being shaped into an absorbent core akin to the measurements of the commercial pads and inserted into Natracare shells for proof-of-concept testing. Although knotweed-based pads exhibited lower AR values than Natracare, the testing places the knotweed prototype at approximately 40% of the fluid capacity, indicating a strong starting point for a natural fiber. To further evaluate the processing feasibility of Japanese knotweed beyond laboratory-scale pad prototyping, Japanese knotweed biomass was subjected to conventional Kraft pulping, which helps to remove lignin and increase absorbency. The Kraft pulping produced a moderately delignified brown pulp with a Kappa number of 20. Due to limiting factors, the absorbency of the pulp was not tested. However, the pulp’s fiber dimensions were comparable to hardwood pulps that are commonly used in absorbent applications, suggesting feasibility for future development into bleached fluff pulp and sustainable menstrual hygiene products. Full article

Background: The emergence of coccidial drug resistance has intensified the search for sustainable, residue-free solutions to control poultry coccidiosis. This challenge has positioned plant essential oils as promising candidates among the priority research areas. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of essential oils in improving immune function and intestinal health in white-feathered broilers challenged with a high-dose coccidial vaccine. Methods: A total of 480 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to five treatments: uninfected (CON), infected (EC), infected + 500 g/t narasin (AT), and infected + 200 or 400 g/t essential oil blend (EOB200 or EOB400). There were 6 replicates per treatment and 16 broilers per replicate. All infected treatments received a 30-fold coccidial vaccine on d 14. The CON group was administered an equal volume of sterile normal saline on d 14 of the experiment. One bird per replicate was sampled on d 22, and the remainder were raised until d 42. Results: Results showed that the challenge increased the fecal oocyst counts on d 21 and 28 and elevated intestinal lesion scores and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels on d 21, while it decreased IL-10 levels on d 21 and reduced the villus height-to-crypt depth (V:C) ratio in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared with the EC group, the AT, EOB200, and EOB400 groups reduced oocyst excretion and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.05). The EOB200 group also showed the highest serum transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) concentration, along with the lowest immunoglobulin G (IgG) level (p < 0.05). Moreover, within the infected groups, the EOB200 group exhibited the highest duodenal villus height and V:C ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicated that the EOB200 and EOB400 groups alleviated intestinal damage caused by the coccidial vaccine with an efficacy comparable to that of antibiotics, and the EOB200 group exhibited a superior effect. The results confirm that the essential oil blend holds great application potential as an alternative to antibiotics. Full article

Soil salinity is a major constraint on global agricultural productivity. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cell-free extract from Trichoderma hamatum (designated BEYF) in enhancing salt stress tolerance in lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Lettuce plants under normal and salt-stressed conditions exposed to 200 mM NaCl were treated with either water or YF (the working solution of BEYF) at concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 mg/L. Compared to the control, YF application significantly improved plant growth under salt stress, as indicated by increased plant height, biomass, leaf area, and other agronomic traits. Physiologically, YF mitigated oxidative membrane damage, as indicated by reduced electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while promoting the accumulation of the osmoprotectant proline. Histochemical staining further confirmed that YF effectively suppressed hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation and preserved cell viability under salt stress. At the molecular level, YF significantly up-regulated the expression of key stress-responsive genes, including those involved in abscisic acid biosynthesis (NCED1, NCED2), signaling (WRKY58), and proline synthesis (P5CSs). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that BEYF enhances lettuce salt tolerance through integrated physiological, cellular, and transcriptional adaptations, supporting its potential as a sustainable biostimulant for improving crop cultivation in saline soils. Full article

Introduction: The metabolic complications and poor biocompatibility of conventional glucose-based (GLU) peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) have driven the need for improved alternatives. To address this, we developed and evaluated a novel PDF utilizing succinylated gelatin (GEL) as osmotic agent and citrate as buffer, designed to provide effective solute clearance while offering enhanced biocompatibility. Methods: Physicochemical parameters (pH and osmolality) of the novel GEL-PDF were measured. Its performance was assessed in rats with chronic kidney disease. A total of 20 rats were randomized into short-term experiments to evaluate 4 h creatinine clearance and ultrafiltration (UF). A 12-week long-term experiment (n = 35) compared the GEL-PDF against normal saline (NS), GLU, and icodextrin-based (ICO) PDFs, monitoring survival, biochemical parameters, peritoneal membrane histology, and kidney histology. Results: The GEL-PDF demonstrated a neutral pH (7.30) and lower osmolality (317 mOsm/L) compared to GLU-PDF. In the short-term experiment, GEL-PDF achieved effective creatinine clearance by 4 h and provided higher 4 h UF than NS and GLU, comparable to ICO. However, during prolonged dwells (6–16 h), its UF was inferior to ICO. In the long-term experiment, GEL-PDF preserved peritoneal membrane structure, showing the least thickness and collagen deposition. Furthermore, the GEL-PDF demonstrated superior preservation of serum albumin compared to the GLU-PDF. It also exhibited a more favorable lipid profile, as evidenced by significantly lower total cholesterol levels than the ICO group at 12 weeks (p = 0.035), with no adverse effects on electrolytes, liver function, or glucose metabolism. Conclusions: The novel GEL and citrate-based PDF provide effective short-dwell UF and solute removal while exhibiting superior biocompatibility, as evidenced by significant protection against peritoneal membrane injury and favorable metabolic profiles. Although its long-duration UF was lower than that of ICO, it substantially outperformed GLU-PDF. These properties position the GEL-PDF as a promising candidate for short- to medium-dwell exchanges, particularly for daytime use, where it could fill an important clinical gap by providing enhanced UF without the high GLU exposure associated with conventional PDF. Full article

Chloride, the leading extracellular anion, plays a crucial role in acid-base balance, fluid homeostasis, and neuromuscular function. Despite historical underrecognition, emerging evidence demonstrates significant associations between chloremia disturbances and critical care outcomes. This paper aims to narratively review the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management strategies of chloremia disturbances in critically ill patients. Chloremia disturbances are common in ICU patients, with both hypochloremia (<96 mEq/L) and hyperchloremia (>106 mEq/L) independently associated with increased mortality, prolonged ICU length of stay, and organ dysfunction. In sepsis, chloride levels exhibit a prognostic value, with threshold effects around 105 mEq/L. Hyperchloremia particularly increases acute kidney injury risk, while hypochloremia correlates with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The choice of resuscitation fluids significantly influences clinical outcomes, with balanced crystalloids potentially reducing adverse events if compared to normal saline solutions. Recent large-scale trials demonstrate lower rates of major adverse kidney events with chloride-restrictive strategies. Optimal management requires careful patient monitoring along with acid-base assessment. Treatment approaches must identify underlying causes to avoid complications. Prevention strategies include protocol-based fluid therapy, medication selection consideration, and early intervention in high-risk patients. Emerging technologies, including continuous monitoring systems and machine learning algorithms, offer promising advances for predicting and managing chloride disturbances. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as a quick and often reversible decline in renal performance, as shown by elevated creatinine or reduced urine volume. AKI is a common illness, particularly among hospitalized cases, and can be observed in up to 7% of hospital admissions and 30% of ICU admissions. This study was designed to explore the nephroprotective potential of eco-synthesized quercetin–selenium nanoparticles (QUR-SeNPs) against experimentally glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis leading to AKI. Forty healthy adult male albino rats were employed in the experiment. Animals were randomly distributed equally into five groups: Control: orally administered with normal saline solution. GLY: orally administered with normal saline (0.9% NaCl) for 15 consecutive days, at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of intramuscular (im.) injection of 50% glycerol (GLY) (10 mg/kg/day). GLY and quercetin (GLY&QUR): orally administered with quercetin daily for 15 days (50 mg/kg/day), at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of im. injection of 50% glycerol (10 mg/kg/day). GLY&Na₂SeO₃: orally administered with sodium selenite daily for 15 days (0.5 mg/kg/day), at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of im. injection of 50% glycerol (10 mg/kg/day). GLY&QUR-SeNPs: orally administered with selenium nanoparticles synthesized using quercetin daily for 15 days (0.5 mg/kg/day), at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of im. injection of 50% glycerol (10 mg/kg/day). Oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers, in addition to histopathological, gene expression, and immunohistochemical analysis, were assessed for all groups. The results demonstrated that QUR-SeNPs effectively ameliorated renal functional, biochemical, and molecular disturbances through their synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential, surpassing the effects of either quercetin or selenium alone. Biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using QUR-SeNPs demonstrated remarkable nephroprotective activity by normalizing renal biomarkers, restoring antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, and preventing apoptotic damage. The nanoparticle formulation exhibited superior efficacy to either QUR or Se alone, highlighting the synergistic interplay between selenium and quercetin through enhanced bioavailability, redox stability, and molecular targeting. Full article

Background: Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affect millions worldwide and rank among the most frequent causes of orofacial pain unrelated to dental disease. Beyond discomfort, they can restrict mandibular motion and impair chewing efficiency. Arthrocentesis has been adopted as a favored surgical approach after conservative therapy fails since joint lavage can reduce inflammation and restore mobility with minimal invasiveness. A variety of irrigants are available for this procedure, including normal saline, Ringer’s lactate, and ozonated water, each offering potential therapeutic advantages. However, the comparative effectiveness of these solutions in terms of pain reduction and functional recovery has not been clearly established, warranting systematic evaluation. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA recommendations, a literature search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect between 10 October and 14 November 2024. The search focused on studies published in English within the past ten years that examined arthrocentesis for temporomandibular joint disorders using normal saline, Ringer’s lactate, or ozonated water as the irrigant. Results: Seven clinical trials involving 220 patients were included, of which three provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Qualitative synthesis indicated that all irrigants reduced pain (VAS) and improved maximum mouth opening (MMO), with ozonated water showing the greatest mean improvements (VAS reduction 6.2 points; MMO gain 12.9 mm). Ringer’s lactate and saline also demonstrated clinically relevant effects. Quantitative analysis revealed no baseline group differences (VAS p = 0.800; MMO p = 0.935). Short-term (≤1 month) random effects models showed non-significant changes for VAS (Fisher’s z = 1.32; 95% CI −2.64 to 0.00) and MMO (z = 0.04; 95% CI −0.14 to 0.21). At 3–6 months, ozonated water produced a statistically significant reduction in pain (z = −0.34; 95% CI −0.53 to −0.15), whereas MMO remained unchanged (z = 0.05; 95% CI −0.13 to 0.22). Conclusions: Arthrocentesis with any irrigant improves TMD symptoms. Ozonated water demonstrated the strongest long-term analgesic effect, but MMO improvements did not reach significance. Larger, standardized randomized trials are required to validate these findings. Full article

The salt lake and saline–alkali soil regions of high plateaus are characterized by widespread Alkali–silica reactive (ASR) aggregates, which severely threaten the durability of constructed infrastructure, including railways, highways, and buildings. The research systematically investigates the uniaxial compressive mechanical behavior and stress–strain constitutive relationship of high-performance concrete (HPC) with ASR mitigation measures (performance grades C40, C45, C50, and C60) after ten years of immersion in a standard alkali solution. A corresponding three-dimensional random aggregate mesoscopic concrete model was developed, and mesomechanical numerical simulations were performed to explore the failure process, failure patterns, and underlying mesoscopic damage mechanisms of the specimens. Results show that While the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of HPC show an expected increase with the concrete strength grade following long-term alkali exposure, both properties demonstrate a clear decline as the equivalent alkali content rises. Comparing and analyzing the C50 specimens of different admixtures, it was found that the air-entraining agent provided the most effective ASR suppression and obtained the highest uniaxial compressive strength compared with the rust inhibitor. By normalizing the stress–strain curves, the long-term constitutive behavior of HPC under alkali corrosion was summarized. Furthermore, mesoscopic model visualizations indicate that cracks initially appear in the mortar and gradually propagate inward during loading, leading to compressive failure characterized by diagonal cracks. Tracking the mesoscopic damage patterns within the specimens demonstrates that microcracks originate in the mortar and progressively extend through aggregates, revealing the underlying micro-damage mechanism. By studying the SEM-EDS images, it is found that HPC with a specific mix ratio designed in this paper can effectively inhibit the ASR effect, and it still has good corrosion resistance in long-term alkali immersion. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungal and bacterial infections are major contributors to oral diseases in older adults. Although chlorhexidine (CHX) is widely recognized for its antimicrobial efficacy, its prolonged use is constrained by adverse effects. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) possesses antimicrobial properties; however, its high viscosity reduces acceptability. This study aimed to develop a flavor-enhanced coconut oil-based mouthwash (FCoMW) and evaluate its clinical safety, antimicrobial efficacy, and user satisfaction. Methods: A 14-day randomized controlled trial was conducted in older adults at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand (April–July, 2024). Participants were randomly allocated by simple randomization to FCoMW, CHX, and normal saline solution (NSS). The evaluator was blinded. Assessments included burning sensation, oral mucosal alterations, changes in oral Candida and bacterial counts, and user satisfaction. Results: Among 51 participants (NSS: 17; CHX: 16; FCoMW: 18), FCoMW significantly reduced oral Candida counts by Day 14 (p < 0.0001), with efficacy comparable to CHX. CHX achieved greater bacterial reduction (p < 0.05). No adverse effects occurred with FCoMW. User satisfaction was high for scent, freshness, and overall acceptability. Conclusions: FCoMW is safe, well-accepted, and efficacious against oral Candida, offering a natural alternative to chlorhexidine for long-term use in older adults. Full article

Objective: Allergic rhinitis (AR) continues to adversely affect the life quality of a substantial patient population, highlighting the necessity for enhanced treatment modalities. Our research utilized licorice extract (LE) in nasal irrigation for managing this condition, with its therapeutic efficacy gauged against traditional saline nasal irrigation (SNI) through clinical trials. Additionally, the study incorporated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, measuring not just subjective symptom relief but also the objective shifts in lung meridian electrical conductance (MEC), to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the treatment’s effectiveness. Methods: Based on our previous laboratory and animal studies, we developed an LE solution and applied it through nasal irrigation to treat AR. In a one-month controlled trial, 60 patients with AR received either licorice nasal irrigation (LNI) or SNI daily. We assessed treatment efficacy by subjective questionnaire scores (Total Nasal Symptom Score [TNSS] and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22]) and objective lung MEC analysis. Result: In the trial, 30 participants were randomly allocated to each group, and 28 individuals in the LNI group and 24 in the SNI group finished the study without any side effects. The LNI group had better improvements in sneezing, nasal itchiness, and rhinorrhea, along with a greater overall TNSS reduction. On the SNOT-22, the LNI group scored better across most nasal and extra-nasal symptoms, sleep, and physiological and psychosocial well-being. Participants were sorted into low, normal, and high lung MEC subgroups. After treatment, those in the LNI group normalized their lung MEC levels in both the low and high subgroups, which was not observed in the SNI group. Conclusions: LNI markedly improves symptoms in patients with AR, enhancing their quality of life. This treatment method, integrating Western and TCM practices, also normalizes abnormal lung MEC values following therapy. It offers a method of objectively validating the effectiveness of treatments based on TCM theories. Full article

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most frequent diseases requiring hospitalization in gastroenterology or intensive care unit departments. Its incidence and hospitalization rates have steadily increased over the last few years, contributing to high costs of medical care. This disease is associated with relevant mortality and morbidity rates. Fluid therapy in the first 48–72 h has an important role in the clinical course and complications; however, it has been raising numerous controversies recently. We present a review article summarizing the current knowledge about fluid therapy in AP. The demonstrated results are based on the most recent clinical studies published in the last five years. Data confirms that the therapy should be individualized along with the amount of fluids adapted to body mass, concomitant diseases, critical signs, and laboratory markers. A relevant issue in the context of fluid therapy of AP is fluid resuscitation that should be implemented in some patients upon hospital admission to maintain organ perfusion and substrate delivery. Ringer’s lactate should be preferred in the vast majority of AP cases over normal saline solution. Its use is associated with lowered risk of intensive care unit admission and local complications development, reduced hospital stay, and decreased mortality. Colloids, mainly hydroxyethyl starch, should not be recommended. Moderate-rate fluid infusion seems to be an advantage over high-rate infusion. Relying on presented results, fluid therapy has a key therapeutic role in AP management. Full article

Background: Initial fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis is critical for modulating the systemic inflammatory response. The choice between Lactated Ringer and normal saline remains debated, given their potentially divergent impacts on disease progression and clinically relevant outcomes. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness of one solution versus the other in patients with AP. Methods: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted through an exhaustive search in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Springer, Scielo, and Cochrane. The review protocol adhered to the recommendations established by PRISMA. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Jadad scale, while statistical analyses were performed with RevMan 5.4^® and Jamovi 2.3.28^® software. Results: Five trials with 299 patients showed that, in patients with AP, Lactated Ringer significantly reduced ICU admission (RR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18–0.85; p = 0.02) and the progression of pancreatitis (RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40–0.98; p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in mortality or hospital stay (SMD: −0.89; 95% CI: −2.26 to 0.48; p = 0.23). No clear effects were observed on SIRS at 24, 48, and 72 h. CRP at 48 h was significantly lower with lactate (SMD: −3.91; 95% CI: −4.66 to −3.17; p < 0.00001), but not at 72 h. Conclusions: The administration of Lactated Ringer in acute pancreatitis shows clinical and anti-inflammatory benefits, but the evidence is mostly of low quality. Full article

Soil salinity severely impairs crop productivity by inducing osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, and oxidative damage. This study investigated the mechanisms by which foliar-applied wood vinegar (WV), a biomass pyrolysis byproduct rich in organic acids and minerals, alleviates salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Three WV dilutions (100×, 300×, 500×) were tested to evaluate their effects on growth, antioxidant systems, chlorophyll metabolism, and ion homeostasis. The results demonstrated that 300×-diluted WV (WV3) most effectively mitigated salt stress, increasing shoot biomass by 81% and root length by 75% compared to salt-stressed controls. WV3 restored antioxidant enzyme activities to non-stressed levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, and normalized chlorophyll overaccumulation induced by salinity. Elemental profiling revealed that WV3 enhanced shoot K⁺ and Ca²⁺ uptake while reducing Na⁺ accumulation, thereby improving ion homeostasis. Additionally, WV3 promoted Fe translocation to shoots, supporting chlorophyll synthesis. However, 100× WV (WV1) exhibited phytotoxicity due to excessive organic acids, while 500× (WV5) showed limited efficacy. These findings highlight a 300-fold diluted solution of WV as an optimal dilution for enhancing wheat salt tolerance through coordinated ROS scavenging, photosynthetic protection, and ion regulation. This study provides a scientific basis for integrating WV into sustainable strategies to combat salinity in wheat cultivation. Full article

Marking techniques are employed to guarantee the identification and traceability of biomedical materials. This study investigated the impact of laser and mechanical marking processes on the tribological performance of ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel (SS), specifically examining corrosion resistance, the coefficient of friction, and wear volume in ball-cratering wear tests. The laser marking was performed using a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Cytotoxicity tests assessed the biocompatibility of the biomaterial. Non-marked surfaces were also evaluated for comparison. A phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) served as both the lubricant and corrosion medium. The surface finishing was analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with a field-emission gun (SEM-FEG), combined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The oxide film was examined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Wear tests lasted 10 min, with PBS drops applied every 10 s at 75 rpm; solid balls of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) and polypropylene (PP), each 1 inch in diameter, were used as counter-bodies. Corrosion resistance was assessed using electrochemical methods. Results showed variations in roughness and microstructure due to laser marking. The tribological behaviour was influenced by the type of marking process, and the wear amount depended on the normal force and ball nature. None of the samples was considered cytotoxic, although laser-marked surfaces exhibited the lowest cellular viability among the tested surfaces and the lowest corrosion resistance. Full article

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) promotes growth performance and intestinal development in yellow-feathered broilers, but whether the virome and metabolites contribute to its growth-promoting effect remains unclear. This study removed the microbiota from FMT filtrate using a 0.45 μm filter membrane, retaining the virome and metabolites to perform fecal virome transplantation (FVT), aiming to investigate its regulatory role in broiler growth. Healthy yellow-feathered broilers with high body weights (top 10% of the population) were used as FVT donors. Ninety-six 8-day-old healthy male yellow-feathered broilers (95.67 ± 3.31 g) served as FVT recipients. Recipient chickens were randomly assigned to a control group and an FVT group. The control group was gavaged with 0.5 mL of normal saline daily, while the FVT group was gavaged with 0.5 mL of FVT solution daily. Growth performance, immune and antioxidant capacity, intestinal development and related gene expression, and microbial diversity were measured. The results showed that FVT improved the feed utilization rate of broilers (the feed conversion ratio decreased by 3%; p < 0.05), significantly increased jejunal length (21%), villus height (69%), and crypt depth (84%) (p < 0.05), and regulated the jejunal barrier: insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (2.5 times) and Mucin 2 (MUC2) (63 times) were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). FVT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillales. However, negative effects were also observed: Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in broilers were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), indicating immune system overactivation. Duodenal barrier-related genes Mucin 2 (MUC2), Occludin (OCLN), Claudin (CLDN1), and metabolism-related genes solute carrier family 5 member 1 (SLC5A1) and solute carrier family 7 member 9 (SLC7A9) were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). The results of this trial demonstrate that, besides the microbiota, the gut virome and metabolites are also functional components contributing to the growth-promoting effect of FMT. The differential responses in the duodenum and jejunum reveal spatial heterogeneity and dual effects of FVT on the intestine. The negative effects limit the application of FMT/FVT. Identifying the primary functional components of FMT/FVT to develop safe and targeted microbial preparations is one potential solution. Full article