Search Results (5)

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery induces profound gut microbiota alterations that may impact metabolic outcomes. This study investigated site-specific effects of a multicomponent bovine colostrum-honey-serviceberry (CHJ) complex on post-RYGB microbiome changes in obese rats. Twenty-nine Wistar rats underwent RYGB surgery with CHJ supplementation, followed by mucosal-associated microbiota analysis from five gastrointestinal segments using 16S rRNA sequencing and serum metabolite profiling. RYGB caused regional-specific changes: decreased alpha diversity, systematic Proteobacteria increases (31.2 ± 5.1% in duodenum), and reductions in SCFA-producing bacteria (Romboutsia, Roseburia). CHJ supplementation exhibited dual effects on the microbiome: restoration of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) in distal segments while concurrently promoting Enterobacteriaceae growth in proximal regions. CHJ also maintained alpha diversity levels of the mucosa-associated microbiota comparable to those observed in the control group. Disconnects emerged between predicted microbial functions and systemic metabolites: thiamine pathway activation accompanied 78.5% serum vitamin B1 reduction, indicating severe absorption deficits. Three distinct patterns emerged: pro-inflammatory (proximal), decolonization (widespread Helicobacteraceae loss), and restorative (selective CHJ-mediated recovery). Results demonstrate that post-RYGB dysbiosis exhibits profound regional heterogeneity requiring segment-specific interventions and highlight complex interactions between nutritional supplementation and surgically altered gut ecology in determining metabolic outcomes. Full article

The environmental impact of invasive species necessitates creating a strategy for managing their spread by utilising them as a source of potentially high-value raw materials. Amelanchier × spicata (Lam.) K. Koch (dwarf serviceberry) is a shrub species in the Rosaceae Juss. family. The evaluation of different populations of plants that accumulate great amounts of biologically active compounds is requisite for the quality determination of plant materials and medicinal and nutritional products. The assessment of natural resources from a phytogeographic point of view is relevant. Phytochemical analysis of A. spicata leaf samples was carried out using spectrophotometric methods, HPLC-PDA, and HPLC-MS techniques, while antioxidant activity was determined using ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays. A significant diversification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was determined in the A. spicata leaf samples collected in different habitats. Due to their characteristic chemical heterogeneity, natural habitats lead to the diversity of indicators characterising the quality of plant raw materials. Chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, as well as quercitrin, rutin, and hyperoside, were found to be predominant among the phenolic compounds. Thus, these compounds can be considered phytochemical markers, characteristic of the A. spicata leaf material from northern Europe. Full article

Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. (Juneberry, Saskatoon berry or Serviceberry) fruit historically played an important role as fresh or dried food and as a medicinal staple in the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Tribal Nations. Natural Juneberry stands were lost during the creation of Sakakawea Reservoir on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Reintroduction of the Juneberry is important to the tribal communities. Therefore, the impact of water and fertilizer supplementation was explored in two mature Juneberry cultivar (Honeywood, Martin, and Smokey) plantings and a seedling windbreak planting. Yield was examined in three consecutive years with three treatments: (1) natural conditions (control; no additional water or fertilizer); (2) irrigation during flowering and fruit ripening period (irrigated); and (3) fertilization plus irrigation during flowering and fruit ripening period (fertilized). Yield varied from 5 to 258 g/0.03 m⁻³ across locations, treatments, and years. There was no difference in yield across locations and treatments in year one. Yield was greater in the second year than first year, but not different across locations or treatments. The fertilized treatment showed increased yield in the third year in contrast to irrigated treatment across locations. New plantings can be established more economically using seedling material and the yield increased if watered and fertilized during fruit development. Full article

The snowy Mespilus, or serviceberry (Amelanchier ovalis Medik., Rosaceae) represents a neglected and underutilized small fruit tree species with high nutritional value. In this work, we present the results of a long-term study facilitating the sustainable exploitation of A. ovalis as a new germplasm resource from the Greek flora. Ten wild-growing population samples of A. ovalis have been collected from natural habitats in northern Greece. Asexual propagation trials on these materials delivered successful propagation (83.3% rooting) on a selected genotype via leafy cuttings of young, primary, non-lignified soft wood with the application of the rooting hormone. The ex situ cultivation potential of the selected genotype has been evaluated under distinct fertilization regimes in a pilot field trial. Three-year results of this ongoing trial have shown that A. ovalis does not require external nutrient enhancement to be established during its early stages since plant growth rates between conventional fertilization and control plants were similar for the first two years and higher compared to organic fertilization. Conventional fertilization delivered higher fresh fruit production in the third year, with higher fruit number and fruit size compared to organic fertilization and control plants. The phytochemical potential of the cultivated genotype was assessed via the total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of separate extracts from leaves, twigs, flowers, and young fruits, which revealed that individual plant organs have strong antioxidant activity despite their moderate total phenolic content. The multifaceted approach applied herein has provided novel data that may set the framework for further applied research toward the sustainable agronomic exploitation of Greek A. ovalis as a diversified superfood crop. Full article

The Saccharomycetaceae yeast family recently became recognized for expanding of the repertoire of different dsRNA-based viruses, highlighting the need for understanding of their cross-dependence. We isolated the Saccharomyces paradoxus AML-15-66 killer strain from spontaneous fermentation of serviceberries and identified helper and satellite viruses of the family Totiviridae, which are responsible for the killing phenotype. The corresponding full dsRNA genomes of viruses have been cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of SpV-LA-66 identified it to be most similar to S. paradoxus LA-28 type viruses, while SpV-M66 was mostly similar to the SpV-M21 virus. Sequence and functional analysis revealed significant differences between the K66 and the K28 toxins. The structural organization of the K66 protein resembled those of the K1/K2 type toxins. The AML-15-66 strain possesses the most expressed killing property towards the K28 toxin-producing strain. A genetic screen performed on S. cerevisiae YKO library strains revealed 125 gene products important for the functioning of the S. paradoxus K66 toxin, with 85% of the discovered modulators shared with S. cerevisiae K2 or K1 toxins. Investigation of the K66 protein binding to cells and different polysaccharides implies the β-1,6 glucans to be the primary receptors of S. paradoxus K66 toxin. For the first time, we demonstrated the coherent habitation of different types of helper and satellite viruses in a wild-type S. paradoxus strain. Full article