Search Results (4,587)

Diet plays a central role in shaping the composition and metabolic activity of the oral microbiota, thereby influencing both oral and systemic health. Disturbances in this delicate host–microbe balance, triggered by dietary factors, smoking, poor oral hygiene, or antibiotic use, can lead to microbial dysbiosis and increase the risk of oral diseases such as periodontitis, as well as chronic systemic disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers. Among dietary contaminants, exposure to toxic heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As) represents an underrecognized modifier of the oral microbial ecosystem. Even at low concentrations, these elements can disrupt microbial diversity, promote inflammation, and impair metabolic homeostasis. Saliva has recently emerged as a promising, non-invasive biofluid for monitoring nutritional status and early metabolic alterations induced by diet and environmental exposures. Salivary biomarkers, including metabolites, trace elements, and microbial signatures, offer potential for assessing the combined effects of diet, microbiota, and toxicant exposure. This review synthesizes current evidence on how diet influences the oral microbiota and modulates susceptibility to heavy metal toxicity. It also examines the potential of salivary biomarkers as integrative indicators of nutritional status and metabolic health, highlights methodological challenges limiting their validation, and outlines future research directions for developing saliva-based tools in personalized nutrition and precision health. Full article

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect and lyse bacterial cells. Since their discovery 110 years ago, they have held a unique place in microbiology, medicine, and agriculture as both scientific tools and potential therapeutic agents. The concept of employing phages to combat bacterial infections, known as phage therapy, predates the antibiotic era and has undergone cycles of enthusiasm, neglect, and revival. Initially explored in the early 20th century, phage therapy offered a targeted biological approach to bacterial disease control. However, the widespread adoption of antibiotics led to a significant reduction in phage research, which only regained momentum in recent decades owing to the global rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increasing demand for environmentally sustainable disease management strategies. This review traces the complete timeline of this history, highlighting key milestones in phage discovery, molecular microbiology, the antibiotic era, and the resulting critical events that spurred the modern phage renaissance in plant disease management. Finally, the significance of cutting-edge integration of synthetic biology, advanced phage delivery systems, and artificial intelligence (AI), which could drive the development of next-generation biopesticides, is also discussed. Full article

Bovine mastitis remains a globally prevalent disease, with the limitations of antibiotic-based treatments—such as the rise in antimicrobial resistance and the presence of drug residues—highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Inflammation is intricately linked to various cytokines and immunomodulatory proteins, among which cyclophilin A (CypA) serves as a pivotal inflammatory mediator, significantly contributing to the initiation and amplification of inflammatory responses under such conditions. The acquisition of high-purity recombinant protein is a fundamental prerequisite for in vitro functional studies of bovine CypA. This study aimed to construct a eukaryotic expression vector for bovine CypA and verify its expression in CHO-K1 cells. Utilizing the bovine CypA gene sequence available in GenBank, the coding region was artificially synthesized and optimized for codon usage, subsequently being inserted into the pPB[Exp] backbone vector via BsrGI and BstEII double digestion. The resulting polycistronic expression vector contained a CAG promoter driving the CypA transcription, an EF1α promoter driving the EGFP reporter gene, a PGK promoter controlling the puromycin resistance gene, and a C-terminal His-tag. Restriction enzyme digestion and bidirectional Sanger sequencing confirmed that the inserted fragment sequence was completely consistent with the optimized design. Robust EGFP fluorescence was observed 24 h post-transfection and remained stable after puromycin selection. qPCR analysis showed that the Ct value of CypA in the experimental group was 16.20 ± 0.04, while no amplification signal was detected in the control group. Additionally, Western blot analysis identified a CypA-specific band at approximately 18 kDa, confirming the correct expression of the exogenous CypA protein in CHO-K1 cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate the successful construction and validation of a bovine CypA eukaryotic expression vector. The established CHO-K1 expression system exhibited stable and efficient expression, thereby providing a robust foundation for future research on the production and application of recombinant CypA protein. Full article

Coccidiosis, caused by an obligate intracellular parasite of the genus Eimeria, is the most economically parasitic disease in poultry. Long-term reliance on synthetic anticoccidials and ionophores has accelerated the emergence of drug resistance and intensified the need for effective, residue-free alternatives. This narrative review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies published between 1998 and 2025, summarizing advances in non-antibiotic control strategies encompassing five domains: (i) phytochemicals and botanicals, (ii) functional nutrition and mineral modulators, (iii) microbial and gut modulators, (iv) host-directed immunological and biotechnological approaches, and (v) precision and omics-guided biotherapeutic platforms. These approaches consistently reduce lesion severity, oocyst shedding, oxidative stress, and mortality while improving growth parameters in a variety of Eimeria models. However, translation to field settings remains constrained by variable bioactive composition, limited standardization, inadequate pharmacokinetic data, and the scarcity of large-scale, multi-farm validation studies. This review provides a concise summary of current evidence and delineates critical knowledge gaps to guide the development, optimization, and deployment of next-generation anticoccidial strategies. Together, natural products and emerging biotechnologies provide a promising foundation for sustainable, high-welfare, antibiotic-independent coccidiosis control. Full article

The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in drinking water systems, posing potential public health risks at the point of use. In this study, a residential secondary water supply system (SWSS) in eastern China was investigated over one year to characterize microbial communities, ARB and ARG occurrence, and their associations with water quality in bulk water and biofilms. Culture-based methods, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and high-throughput 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing were applied. Although conventional treatment removed 94.8% of total bacteria, significant microbial regrowth occurred during secondary distribution, with the highest heterotrophic plate counts observed in rooftop storage tanks (up to 4718 CFU/mL). ARG concentrations increased along the distribution line, and the class 1 integron intI1 was enriched in downstream locations, indicating enhanced horizontal gene transfer potential. Sulfonamide resistance genes dominated the resistome, accounting for more than 60% of total ARG abundance in water samples. Seasonally, ARG levels were higher in autumn and winter, coinciding with elevated disinfectant residuals and lower temperatures. Chlorine was negatively associated with total bacterial abundance, while positive correlations were observed with the relative abundance of several ARGs when normalized to bacterial biomass, suggesting selective pressure under oxidative stress. Turbidity and bacterial abundance were positively correlated with ARB, particularly sulfonamide-resistant bacteria. Biofilms exhibited more stable microbial communities and provided microhabitats that facilitated microbial persistence. Notably, fungal abundance showed strong positive correlations with multiple ARGs, implying that microbial interactions may indirectly contribute to ARG persistence in SWSSs. These findings highlight the role of secondary distribution conditions, disinfectant pressure, and microbial interactions in shaping resistance risks in residential water supply systems, and provide insights for improving microbial risk management at the point of consumption. Full article

Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is an aggressive, heterogeneous yet treatable disease. Primary bone lymphoma is a lymphoma involving a single or multiple osseous sites with or without regional nodal involvement. It is exceedingly rare, representing <1% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases per year. Most cases of primary bone lymphoma are diffuse large B cell lymphoma. They infrequently involve the craniofacial bones and mandible; its rarity can lead to delays in diagnosis. Case Series Presentation: Two 64-year-old male patients initially presented to local dentists with concerns of tooth pain and numbness. Both underwent extensive dental procedures including extraction and debridement, with an initial diagnosis of osteomyelitis. They were placed on long-term antibiotics. After months without improvement, further testing was pursued, including imaging and repeat biopsies. The patients were finally diagnosed with primary bone diffuse large B cell lymphoma. From the initial treatment of osteomyelitis, a median time of 8.5 months passed before diagnosis of lymphoma. Treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy was initiated and both patients achieved remission. Conclusions: As in the two cases presented here, the initial point of entry into the medical system may be a visit to the local dentist. When patients present with periodontal complaints, it is imperative to maintain a broad differential, including lymphoma. This is especially crucial when the patient’s clinical course does not respond to initial treatment. This results in delays of diagnosis and initiation of therapy for a treatable cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic use (ABU) in cats and dogs is a potential public health issue due to its direct contribution to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In Switzerland, data on animal antibiotic treatments has been collected since 2020 via the Information System for ABU in Veterinary Medicine. This study focuses on the first implementation of a national benchmarking tool for ABU in cats and dogs in veterinary practices. Methods: The benchmarking tool is based on a practice-level indicator derived from the number of therapy days (pATI). Practices are compared separately for small animal practices and mixed practices, and for each animal species. The pATI is calculated based on the number of therapy days and is normalized by the number of consultations per species and per year. Practices were classified into four ABU categories based on their pATI: very high, high, acceptable, and no ABU. Thresholds for these categories are set according to Swiss legislation, using the 75th and 95th percentiles of the pATI values of all comparable practices. Results: By 2025, benchmarks were implemented in 686 veterinary facilities; a total of 667 (97.2%) received a pATI classification for ABU in dogs and 670 (97.7%) for ABU in cats. The median pATI was higher for cats than for dogs across all practice types. Similarly, the 75th and 95th percentile thresholds were also almost always twice as high for cats as for dogs across all practice types. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first time a benchmarking tool for ABU has been implemented at a national level for cats and dogs. The benchmarking tool is expected to drive long-term changes in ABU practices. Full article

Biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus on medical devices and tissue surfaces are a major contributor to persistent infections due to their resistance to antibiotics. Hydrodynamic forces in physiological and device-associated environments significantly influence biofilm development, yet the dynamics of detachment and regrowth under flow remain poorly quantified. In this study, biofilm surface coverage was measured in microfluidic flow assays across combinations of shear rates and nutrient concentrations. A computational workflow was used to segment biofilm trajectories into three kinetic phases—growth, exodus, and regrowth—based on surface coverage dynamics. Each phase was modeled using parametric functions, and fitted parameters were interpolated across experimental conditions to reconstruct biofilm lifecycles throughout the flow–nutrient conditions. The analysis revealed that intermediate shear rates triggered early detachment events while suppressing subsequent regrowth, whereas lower and higher shear regimes favored biofilm persistence. The resulting model enables quantitative comparison of condition-specific biofilm behaviors and identifies key thresholds in mechanical and nutritional inputs that modulate biofilm stability. These findings establish a phase-resolved framework for studying S. aureus biofilms under hydrodynamic stress and support future development of targeted strategies to control biofilm progression in clinical and engineered systems. Full article

This study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial potential of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) tepal extracts obtained via different solvent systems. Here, a biochemical screening was performed using spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, while molecular docking simulations were carried out to evaluate the possible interactions between saffron tepal metabolites and bacterial target proteins. In parallel, antioxidant activity was assessed using radical scavenging assays, whereas antimicrobial potential (i.e., MIC, MBC, and MFC) was tested against selected bacterial strains. Results indicated that aqueous successive and crude extracts yielded the highest concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. In detail, HPLC-DAD analysis specifically identified significant levels of gallic acid, epicatechin, and various anthocyanins. These extracts demonstrated robust antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This latter evidence was corroborated by the docking analyses, which revealed that chlorogenic acid and petunidin-3-glucoside exhibited high binding affinities for 2NRK and 2NZF, whereas epicatechin and pelargonidin effectively targeted 8ACR. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of C. sativus tepals as natural bioactive agents, suggesting a promising role in overcoming antibiotic resistance and supporting their development for pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease and a major cause of ulcers and chronic inflammation in the colon and rectum. Recurring symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhoea, and patients with UC are at a higher risk of developing comorbidities such as colorectal cancer and poor mental health. In UC, the decreased diversity and changed metabolic profile of gut microbiota, along with a diminished mucus layer, leads to disruption of the underlying epithelial barrier, with an ensuing excessive and detrimental inflammatory response. Treatment options currently rely on drugs that reduce the inflammation, but less emphasis has been placed on improving the resilience of the epithelial barrier. Macrolide antibiotics exhibit epithelial barrier-enhancing capacities unrelated to their antibacterial properties. Methods: We investigated two novel barriolides, macrolides with reduced antibacterial effects in common bacterial strains. Gut epithelial cell barrier resistance in the Caco-2 cell line, with and without co-culture with mucus-producing HT-29 cells, was increased when treated with barriolides. Using ^AXGut-on-Chip technology with inflammatory cytokine-stimulated Caco-2/HT-29 co-cultures, the effectiveness of the barriolides was confirmed. Lastly, we reveal the barrier-enhancing and inflammation-reducing effects of the barriolides in a dextran-sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Results: We show the predictive power of the novel ^AXGut-on-Chip system and the effectiveness of the novel barriolides. Indications include reduced inflammatory response, increased epithelial barrier and decreased overall clinical score. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate the notion that barriolides could be used as a treatment option for UC. Full article

Background: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are a significant public concern because of their impact on healthcare systems. Spontaneous reporting of ADRs is crucial for monitoring drug safety and recognizing possible risk factors. The objective of this study was to characterize ADR reports from the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit of the G. Martino University Hospital, Messina, Italy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted, including all ADRs spontaneously reported from patients attending the clinic because of at least one previous ADR, from June 2022 to June 2024. Results: A total of 388 reports were collected, mainly from females (71.1%) and adult patients (84.3%). ADRs were mostly immediate, from antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs (61.5%), with a high prevalence of cutaneous and respiratory disorders. Delayed reactions were mostly from endocrine therapies, vaccines, and antiepileptics. Anaphylactic shock was present only in 13 ADR reports (3.35%). A higher risk of developing serious ADRs was found in elderly patients aged ≥65 years (p = 0.012). An original finding was that a positive history of allergies (p = 0.023) and past medical history of ADRs (p = 0.045) were negatively correlated to the occurrence of a serious ADR, probably because patients had been previously followed in an allergy setting and alerted about ADRs. Conclusions: This study underlines the role of ADR follow-up in allergy settings to identify preventable traits and related risk factors; appropriate ADR reporting and collaboration between allergists and pharmacovigilance centers can be a winning strategy for ADR prevention. Full article

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is a devastating disease that threatens global food security, causing annual yield losses of 10–30%. Consequently, novel control strategies beyond conventional fungicides are urgently needed. Tetramycin, a polyene macrolide antibiotic, is known for its broad-spectrum antifungal activity. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its efficacy against rice blast remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that tetramycin confers resistance through a dual mode of action. First, in vitro assays revealed that tetramycin directly inhibits M. oryzae mycelial growth. Second, and more critically, it functions as a potent immune elicitor in Oryza sativa. Transcriptome analysis coupled with physiological assays showed that tetramycin treatment triggers a rapid oxidative burst, characterized by significantly elevated activities of key defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This oxidative response is further orchestrated through the simultaneous activation of the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways, as evidenced by the distinct upregulation of their respective biosynthetic genes and hormone levels. Collectively, these findings indicate that tetramycin not only acts as a direct fungicide but also primes the rice innate immune system via a synergistic reactive oxygen species-JA-SA signaling network, offering a sustainable strategy for rice blast management. Full article

Modern agriculture faces the critical need to develop sustainable, safe, and effective strategies for enhancing productivity, protecting plants and animals, and ensuring food security. Challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and the adverse environmental and consumer health impacts of chemical agents are driving the search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, bacteriocins—naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides synthesized by diverse bacteria—represent a promising alternative to traditional chemical compounds. This article reviews the potential and current advances in bacteriocin applications across agricultural sectors, with particular focus on their targeted antagonistic activity, structural diversity, commercial bacteriocin-based products, and their utilization in livestock farming, crop production, poultry farming, and aquaculture. Key findings demonstrate that bacteriocins, particularly nisin and pediocin PA-1, exhibit potent activity against major agricultural pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli, with efficacy rates reaching 90% in mastitis treatment and significantly reducing pathogen loads in poultry and aquaculture systems. Commercial products such as Nisaplin, Wipe Out, and ALTA 2431 have been successfully implemented in veterinary medicine and food production. In aquaculture, bacteriocins effectively control Lactococcus garvieae, Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, contributing to sustainable disease management with minimal environmental impact. It can be suggested that bacteriocins may play an essential role in combating pathogens and offer viable alternatives to conventional antibiotics across primary food production systems, though optimization of production methods and regulatory frameworks remains essential for broader commercial adoption. Full article

The global shift toward antibiotic-free poultry production has created an urgent need for sustainable feed additives that promote gut health and productivity. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel double-layered microencapsulated phytosynbiotic (DMP) comprising Tiliacora triandra extract, probiotics, and cereal by-products using lyophilization. In Experiment 1, we investigated the effects of cell wall materials (corn, defatted rice bran, and wheat bran) and different particle sizes (0.6 and 1.0 mm) on the physicochemical characteristics and probiotic encapsulation efficiency. Results revealed that wheat bran, particularly at the smaller particle size of 0.6 mm, enhanced probiotic viability, probiotic stability under simulated gastrointestinal and thermal conditions, and nutrient retention. Compared with other materials, wheat bran also provided superior powder flowability, lower density, and favorable color attributes. In Experiment 2, we assessed the influence of probiotic strains (P. acidilactici, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TISTR 926, and Streptococcus thermophilus TISTR 894) on functional properties of the DMP. All strains exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and stability during gastrointestinal simulation, thermal exposure, and storage. However, P. acidilactici had superior fermentation kinetics and produced greater levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, especially acetic and butyric acids. Antibacterial activity was strain-dependent, with notable inhibitory effects against Gram-positive pathogens, primarily through bacteriostatic mechanisms. Overall, these findings confirm that the developed DMP formulations effectively stabilize probiotics and bioactive phytochemicals, offering a promising strategy for enhancing gut health and performance in antibiotic-free broiler production systems. Full article

Background/objective: Inappropriate antibiotic use in paediatric populations is a leading driver of antimicrobial resistance. In the Murcia Region, Spain, the Purapi program promotes the rational use of antibiotics among children under 3 years of age. This study aimed to analyse antibiotic use in this age group during the pandemic period (2020–2023) and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the effectiveness of a multifaceted program promoting appropriate antibiotic use. Methods: A retrospective, multicentre, population-based study was conducted in primary care using data from 2019 to 2024. Systemic antibiotic use (ATC J01 group) among children under three years was measured as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD). Differences across years and healthcare areas were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction. Results: Antibiotic consumption decreased by 49% in 2020 compared to 2019, coinciding with the implementation of national COVID-19 containment measures. From 2021 onward, a gradual increase was observed; however, by 2024, levels remained 9% below pre-pandemic values. Penicillins account for 75% of prescriptions, mainly amoxicillin and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. While variability across healthcare areas decreased during the pandemic, variability among primary care centres increased. Conclusions: The pandemic resulted in a temporary reduction in antibiotic use, followed by a partial rebound. Ongoing educational and stewardship interventions within the Purapi framework were instrumental in maintaining rational prescribing and may have contributed to maintaining reduced antibiotic consumption among children under three years of age during and after the pandemic. Strengthening and harmonising these initiatives is essential to ensure consistent paediatric antibiotic stewardship in primary care. Full article