Effects of fecal microbial transplantation on police performance and transportation stress in Kunming police dogs

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve gut dysbiosis in dogs; however, it has not completely been understood in police dogs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FMT on performance and gut microflora in Kunming police dogs. Twenty Wolf Cyan dogs were randomly assigned to receive physiological saline or fecal suspension at low, medium, or high doses through oral gavage for 14 days. Growth performance, police performance, serum biochemical profiling, and gut microflora were determined 2-week post-FMT. Dogs after FMT treatment were also subjected to an hour road transportation and then were evaluated for serum stress indicators. Overall, FMT enhanced the growth performance and alleviated diarrhea rate in Kunming dogs with the greatest effects occurring in the low dose FMT (KML) group. The improvement of FMT on police performance was also determined. These above alterations were accompanied by changed serum biochemical parameters as indicated by elevated total protein and albumin and reduced total cholesterol and glycerol. Furthermore, the serum stress indicators after road transportation in dog post-FMT significantly decreased. Increased bacterial diversity and modified bacterial composition were found in the feces of dogs receiving FMT. The fecal samples from FMT dogs were characterized by higher abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium and lower concentrations of Cetobacterium, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. The present study supports a potential benefit of FMT on police performance in Kunming dogs. KEY POINTS: • FMT improves the growth performance and reduces diarrhea rates in Kunming police dogs. • FMT alleviates the serum stress profiles after road transportation in Kunming police dogs. • FMT modifies the gut microbiota composition of Kunming police dogs.

Factors of faecal microbiota transplantation applied to cancer management

The homeostasis of the microbiota is essential for human health. In particular, the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of the immune system. Thus, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a technology that has rapidly developed in the last decade, has specifically been utilised for the treatment of intestinal inflammation and has recently been found to be able to treat tumours in combination with immunotherapy. FMT has become a breakthrough in enhancing the response rate to immunotherapy in cancer patients by altering the composition of the patient's gut microbiota. This review discusses the mechanisms of faecal microorganism effects on tumour development, drug treatment efficacy, and adverse effects and describes the recent clinical research trials on FMT. Moreover, the factors influencing the efficacy and safety of FMT are described. We summarise the possibilities of faecal transplantation in the treatment of tumours and its complications and propose directions to explore the development of FMT.

Biodiversity and antibiotic resistance profile provide new evidence for a different origin of enterococci in bovine raw milk and feces

Enterococci are widely distributed in dairy sector. They are commensals of the gastrointestinal tract of animals, thus, via fecal contamination, could reach raw milk and dairy products. The aims of this study were: 1) to investigate the enterococcal diversity in cow feces and milk samples and 2) to evaluate the antibiotic resistance (AR) of dairy-related enterococci and their ability to transfer resistance genes. E. faecalis (59.9%), E. faecium (18.6%) and E. lactis (12.4%) were prevalent in milk, while E. faecium (84.2%) and E. hirae (15.0%) were dominant in bovine feces. RAPD-PCR highlighted a high number of Enterococcus biotypes (45 from milk and 37 from feces) and none of the milk strains exhibited genetic profiles similar to those of feces biotypes. A high percentage of enterococci isolated from milk (71%) were identified as multidrug resistant and resistance against streptomycin and tetracycline were widespread among milk strains while enterococci from feces were commonly resistant to linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Only E. faecalis strains were able to transfer horizontally the tetM gene to Lb. delbrueckii subsp. lactis. Our results indicated that Enterococcus biotypes from milk and bovine feces belong to different community and the ability of these microorganisms to transfer AR genes is strain-dependent.

The effect of size and density on the mean retention time of particles in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Particle passage from the reticulorumen (RR) depends on particle density and size. A classic way of assessing these effects is the use of plastic markers of varying density and size that are recovered in the faeces. Here, we report results of an experiment where four fistulated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus, 96 ± 12 kg) were fed two different diets (browse, voluntary dry matter intake [DMI] 70 ± 10 g/kg0.75/d; or a pelleted diet, DMI 124 ± 52 g/kg0.75/d) and dosed via fistula with 8 different particle types combining densities of 1.03, 1.22 and 1.44 g/ml and sizes of 1, 10 and 20 mm. Generally, particles that passed the digestive tract intact (not ruminated) did so relatively early after marker dosing, and therefore had shorter mean retention times (MRT) than ruminated particles. On the higher intake, the overall mean retention time (MRT) of particles was shorter, but this was not an effect of shorter MRT for either intact or ruminated particles, but due to a higher proportion of intact particles at the higher intake. This supports the concept that ruminants do not adjust chewing behaviour depending on intake, but that a lower proportion of digesta is submitted to rumination due to pressure-driven escape from the forestomach at higher gut fills. Compared to cattle (Bos primigenius taurus), muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and moose (Alces alces) that had received the same markers, reindeer had a lower proportion of 1 mm particles that passed intact. Our results support the concept that the critical size threshold for particles leaving the ruminant forestomach is dependent on body size. While the results likely do not represent findings peculiar for reindeer, they indicate fundamental mechanisms operating in the forestomach of ruminants.

Fecal microbiota transplant on Escherichia-Shigella gut composition and its potential role in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The gut-brain-axis has a role in mental health disorders. In people with generalized anxiety disorder, GAD,1 normal flora Escherichia-Shigella, are significantly elevated. Fecal microbiota transplant, FMT,2 has been used to alter the gut composition in unhealthy individuals. There may be a role for FMT in the treatment of GAD to improve the gut-brain-axis.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature was conducted on articles published in PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Wed of Science from 2000 to 2022 that analyzed FMT as a modality to alter the gut microbiome in which Escherichia-Shigella levels were quantified and reported.

RESULTS

Of 1916 studies identified, 14 fit criteria and were included. Recipients undergoing FMT procedures had at least one enteric diagnosis and increased percentages of Escherichia-Shigella pre-FMT. Five studies on recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, three irritable bowel syndrome, two ulcerative colitis, one ulcerative colitis and recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, one acute intestinal and chronic graft-vs-host disease, one pouchitis, and one slow transit constipation. 10 articles (71.4 %) showed decreased levels of Escherichia-Shigella post-FMT compared to pre-FMT. Four studies claimed the results were significant (40 %).

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include potential bias in study selection, study methods of analysis, and generalization of results.

CONCLUSIONS

The gut-brain-axis has a role in GAD. Those with GAD have significantly higher Escherichia-Shigella compared to those without GAD. FMT has the potential to decrease Escherichia-Shigella in patients with GAD to positively alter the gut-brain-axis as a potential for future GAD treatment.

Assessing the nucleic acid decay of human wastewater markers and enteric viruses in estuarine waters in Sydney, Australia

This research investigated the in-situ decay rates of four human wastewater-associated markers (Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Lachnospiraceae Lachno3 (Lachno3), cross-assembling phage (crAssphage), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and three enteric viruses (human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), enterovirus (EV) and human norovirus GII (HNoV GII) in two estuarine water environments (Davidson Park (DP) and Hen and Chicken Bay (HCB) in temperate Sydney, NSW, Australia, employing qPCR and RT-qPCR assays. The study also aimed to compare decay rates observed in mesocosms with previously published laboratory microcosms, providing insights into the persistence of markers and viruses in estuarine environments. Results indicated varying decay rates between DP and HCB mesocosms, with HF183 exhibiting relatively faster decay rates compared to other markers and enteric viruses in sunlight and dark mesocosms. In DP mesocosms, HF183 decayed the fastest, contrasting with PMMoV, which exhibited the slowest. Sunlight induced higher decay rates for all markers and viruses in DP mesocosms. In HCB sunlight mesocosms, HF183 nucleic acid decayed most rapidly compared to other markers and enteric viruses. In dark mesocosms, crAssphage showed the fastest decay, while PMMoV decayed at the slowest rate in both sunlight and dark mesocosms. Comparisons with laboratory microcosms revealed faster decay of markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms than the mesocosms, except for crAssphage and HAdV 40/41 in dark, and PMMoV in sunlight mesocosms. The study concludes that decay rates of markers and enteric viruses vary between estuarine mesocosms, emphasizing the impact of sunlight exposure, which was potentially influenced by the elevated turbidity at HCB estuarine waters. The generated decay rates contribute valuable insights for establishing site-specific risk-based thresholds of human wastewater-associated markers.

The global epidemiology of Microsporidia infection in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of Microsporidia infection in different birds. An online search was conducted in international databases from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2022. A total of 34 articles (including 37 datasets) were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of Microsporidia infection in birds was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.6-18.1). The highest prevalence of Microsporidia was found in wild waterfowl which was 54.5% (28.1-78.6). In terms of detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 21.2% (95% CI: 12.1-34.4) and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.3-17.3) for using microscopic and molecular detection methods, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common pathogen (24/31; 77.42% of the studies) according to PCR-based methods, and genotype D was the highest reported genotype (nine studies). In conclusion, designing strategies for the control and prevention of Microsporidia infection in birds should be recommended.

Subtypes of Blastocystis in Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)

Blastocystis is a protist that is distributed in the gut tract of humans and animals. However, the reports about Blastocystis infection in Tibetan antelope are scarce. We collected 173 Tibetan antelope feces samples from Xinjiang, Qinghai and Xizang, and amplified the SSU rRNA gene of 600 bp region of Blastocystis in our research. Fifty-one samples in total were positive for Blastocystis, with all subtypes being ST31. The lowest prevalence of Blastocystis was observed in Xizang (2/20, 9.1%), followed by Qinghai (18/92, 16.4%), Xinjiang (31/61, 33.7%). The highest prevalence of Blastocystis in Tibetan antelope was detected during the summer was (19/30, 38.8%). This is the first research work regarding the Blastocystis subtypes ST31 in Tibetan antelope. Our research provides information for future researches on the distribution of this Blastocystis subtype and the control of Blastocystis infection.

Early-life stress and the gut microbiome: A comprehensive population-based investigation

Early-life stress (ELS) has been robustly associated with a range of poor mental and physical health outcomes. Recent studies implicate the gut microbiome in stress-related mental, cardio-metabolic and immune health problems, but research on humans is scarce and thus far often based on small, selected samples, often using retrospective reports of ELS. We examined associations between ELS and the human gut microbiome in a large, population-based study of children. ELS was measured prospectively from birth to 10 years of age in 2,004 children from the Generation R Study. We studied overall ELS, as well as unique effects of five different ELS domains, including life events, contextual risk, parental risk, interpersonal risk, and direct victimization. Stool microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing at age 10 years and data were analyzed at multiple levels (i.e. α- and β-diversity indices, individual genera and predicted functional pathways). In addition, we explored potential mediators of ELS-microbiome associations, including diet at age 8 and body mass index at 10 years. While no associations were observed between overall ELS (composite score of five domains) and the microbiome after multiple testing correction, contextual risk - a specific ELS domain related to socio-economic stress, including risk factors such as financial difficulties and low maternal education - was significantly associated with microbiome variability. This ELS domain was associated with lower α-diversity, with β-diversity, and with predicted functional pathways involved, amongst others, in tryptophan biosynthesis. These associations were in part mediated by overall diet quality, a pro-inflammatory diet, fiber intake, and body mass index (BMI). These results suggest that stress related to socio-economic adversity - but not overall early life stress - is associated with a less diverse microbiome in the general population, and that this association may in part be explained by poorer diet and higher BMI. Future research is needed to test causality and to establish whether modifiable factors such as diet could be used to mitigate the negative effects of socio-economic adversity on the microbiome and related health consequences.

BEVA primary care clinical guidelines: Equine parasite control

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of consensus on how best to balance our need to minimise the risk of parasite-associated disease in the individual horse, with the need to limit the use of anthelmintics in the population to preserve their efficacy through delaying further development of resistance.

OBJECTIVES

To develop evidence-based guidelines utilising a modified GRADE framework.

METHODS

A panel of veterinary scientists with relevant expertise and experience was convened. Relevant research questions were identified and developed with associated search terms being defined. Evidence in the veterinary literature was evaluated using the GRADE evidence-to-decision framework. Literature searches were performed utilising CAB abstracts and PubMed. Where there was insufficient evidence to answer the research question the panel developed practical guidance based on their collective knowledge and experience.

RESULTS

Search results are presented, and recommendation or practical guidance were made in response to 37 clinically relevant questions relating to the use of anthelmintics in horses.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

There was insufficient evidence to answer many of the questions with any degree of certainty and practical guidance frequently had to be based upon extrapolation of relevant information and the panel members' collective experience and opinions.

CONCLUSIONS

Equine parasite control practices and current recommendations have a weak evidence base. These guidelines highlight changes in equine parasite control that should be considered to reduce the threat of parasite-associated disease and delay the development of further anthelmintic resistance.

Investigation of Salmonella, hepatitis E virus (HEV) and viral indicators of fecal contamination in four Italian pig slaughterhouses, 2021-2022

In the pork production chain, the control at slaughterhouse aims to ensure safe food thanks to proper hygienic conditions during all steps of the slaughtering. Salmonella is one of the main foodborne pathogens in the EU causing a great number of human cases, and pigs also contribute to its spreading. Pig is the main reservoir of the zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) that can be present in liver, bile, feces and even rarely in blood and muscle. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of both Salmonella and HEV in several points of the slaughtering chain, including pig trucks. Other viruses hosted in the gut flora of pigs and shed in feces were also assayed (porcine adenovirus PAdV, rotavirus, norovirus, and mammalian orthoreovirus MRV). Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) present in both feces, liver and blood was also considered. Four Italian pig abattoirs were sampled in 12 critical points, 5 of which were the outer surface of carcasses before processing. HEV and rotavirus (RVA) were not detected. Norovirus was detected once. Salmonella was detected in two of the 4 abattoirs: in the two lairage pens, in the site of evisceration and on one carcass, indicating the presence of Salmonella if carcass is improper handled. The sampling sites positive for Salmonella were also positive for PAdV. MRV was detected in 10 swabs, from only two abattoirs, mainly in outer surface of carcasses. TTSuV was also detected in all abattoirs. Our study has revealed a diverse group of viruses, each serving as indicator of either fecal (NoV, RVA, PAdV, MRV) or blood contamination (TTSuV). TTSuV could be relevant as blood contamination indicators, crucial for viruses with a viremic stage, such as HEV. The simultaneous presence of PAdV with Salmonella is relevant, suggesting PAdV as a promising indicator for fecal contamination for both bacterial and viruses. In conclusion, even in the absence of HEV, the widespread presence of Salmonella at various points in the chain, underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and mitigation strategies which could be achieved by testing not only bacteria indicators as expected by current regulation, but also some viruses (PAdV, TTSuV, MRV) which could represent other sources of fecal contamination.

Gut microbiota and Tritrichomonas foetus infection: A study of prevalence and risk factors based on pet cats

Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a protozoal pathogen that infects cats and constitutes a significant cause of chronic colitis and diarrhea. Perturbations in the gut microbiota (GM) are affected by Trichomonas infection. Furthermore, dysregulation of the host GM enhances Trichomonas pathogenicity. However, it remains unclear whether the occurrence of diarrhea is associated with a dysregulation in GM following T. foetus infection in cats. Hence, the primary objective of this investigation was to explore the correlation between T. foetus infection and dysregulation in GM by analyzing fecal samples obtained from pet cats in Henan Province, central China. We randomly collected 898 fecal samples from pet cats living in 11 prefectural cities within Henan Province, and T. foetus was screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification based on the 18 S rRNA gene. Subsequently, six T. foetus-positive and six T. foetus-negative samples underwent analysis through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to evaluate the gut microbiota's composition. The overall prevalence of T. foetus infection among the collected samples was found to be 6.01% (54/898). Notably, a higher prevalence of infection was observed in young, undewormed, unimmunized, and diarrheic pet cats. T. foetus infection was found to significantly alter the composition of the pet cat fecal microbiota, leading to dysfunctions. Moreover, it resulted in a substantial increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Phascolarctobacterium spp., while decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) and the abundance of Actinobacteria, Clostridiaceae_Clostridium spp., Phascolarctobacterium spp., SMB53 spp., and Blautia spp. We constructed ROC curves to assess the diagnostic value of specific bacterial taxa in discriminating T. foetus infection. The analysis revealed that Proteobacteria and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium spp. were the most reliable single predictors for T. foetus infection. This finding suggests that alterations in the GM may be strongly associated with T. foetus infections.

A simple and effective method to enrich endogenous DNA from mammalian faeces

Utilization of faeces has long been a popular approach for genetic and ecological studies of wildlife. However, the success of molecular marker genotyping and genome resequencing is often unpredictable due to insufficient enrichment of endogenous DNA in the total faecal DNA that is dominated by bacterial DNA. Here, we report a simple and cheap method named PEERS to predominantly lyse animal cells over bacteria by using sodium dodecyl sulphate so as to discharge endogenous DNA into liquid phase before bacterial DNA. By brief centrifugation, total DNA with enriched endogenous fraction can be extracted from the supernatant using routine methods. Our assessments showed that the endogenous DNA extracted by PEERS was significantly enriched for various types of faeces from different species, preservation time and conditions. It significantly improves the genotyping correctness and efficiency of genome resequencing with the total additional cost of $ 0.1 and a short incubation step to treat a faecal sample. We also provide methods to assess the enrichment efficiency of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and models to predict the usability of faecal DNA for genotyping of short tandem repeat, single-nucleotide polymorphism and whole-genome resequencing.

Spread of antibiotic resistance genes to Antarctica by migratory birds

Recent studies have highlighted the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Antarctica, which are typically indicative of human activity. However, these studies have concentrated in the Antarctic Peninsula region, and relatively less is known about ARG prevalence in East Antarctica, where human activity levels are lower compared to the Antarctic Peninsula. In addition, the mechanisms of ARG transmission to Antarctica through natural or anthropogenic pathways remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the fecal samples of Adélie penguins and South polar skuas by using high-throughput sequencing and microfluidic quantitative PCR to detect potential pathogens and ARGs at their breeding colonies near Syowa Station in East Antarctica. These results revealed the presence of several potential pathogens in the fecal matter of both bird species. However, the HF183 marker, which indicates human fecal contamination, was absent in all samples, as well as seawater sampled near the breeding colonies. This suggests that the human fecal contamination was negligible in our study area. In addition to pathogens, we found a significant number of ARGs and metal resistance genes in the feces of both Adélie penguins and South polar skuas, with higher detection rates in skuas than in penguins. To better understand how these birds acquire and transmit these genes, we analyzed the migratory patterns of Adélie penguins and South polar skuas by geolocator tracking. We found that the skuas migrate to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian Ocean during the austral winter. On the other hand, Adélie penguins exhibited a more localized migration pattern, mainly staying within Antarctic waters. Because the Indian Ocean is considered one of the major reservoirs of ARGs, South polar skuas might be exposed to ARGs during their winter migration and transfer these genes to Antarctica.

How does active yeast supplementation reduce the deleterious effects of aflatoxins in Wistar rats? A radiolabeled assay and histopathological study

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) control the toxic effects of aflatoxins, which are not yet fully understood. Radiolabeled aflatoxin B1 (AFB13H) was administered by gavage to Wistar rats fed with aflatoxin (AflDiet) and aflatoxin supplemented with active dehydrated yeast Y904 (AflDiet + Yeast). The distribution of AFB13H and its metabolites were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 h by tracking back of the radioactivity. No significant differences were observed between the AflDiet and AflDiet + Yeast groups in terms of the distribution of labeled aflatoxin. At 72 h, for the AflDiet group the radiolabeled aflatoxin was distributed as following: feces (79.5%), carcass (10.5%), urine (1.7%), and intestine (7.4%); in the AflDiet + Yeast the following distribution was observed: feces (76%), carcass (15%), urine (2.9%), and intestine (4.9%). These values were below 1% in other organs. These findings indicate that even after 72 h considerable amounts of aflatoxins remains in the intestines, which may play a significant role in the distribution and metabolism of aflatoxins and its metabolites over time. The presence of yeast may not significantly affect this process. Furthermore, histopathological examination of hepatic tissues showed that the presence of active yeast reduced the severity of liver damage caused by aflatoxins, indicating that yeasts control aflatoxin damage through biochemical mechanisms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of yeasts against aflatoxin toxicity.

Eliciting expert judgements to underpin our understanding of faecal indicator organism loss from septic tank systems

Septic tank systems (STS) in rural catchments represent a potential source of microbial pollution to watercourses; however, data concerning the risk of faecal indicator organism (FIO) export from STS to surface waters are scarce. In the absence of empirical data, elicitation of expert judgements can provide an alternative approach to aid understanding of FIO pollution risk from STS. Our study employed a structured elicitation process using the Sheffield Elicitation Framework to obtain expert judgements on the proportion of FIOs likely to be delivered from STS to watercourses, based on 36 scenarios combining: (i) septic tank effluent movement risk, driven by soil hydro-morphological characteristics; (ii) distance of septic tank to watercourse; and (iii) degree of slope. Experts used the tertile method to elicit a range of values representing their beliefs of the proportion of FIOs likely to be delivered to a watercourse for each scenario. The experts judged that 93 % of FIOs would likely be delivered from an STS to a watercourse under the highest risk scenario that combined (i) very high STS effluent movement risk, (ii) STS distance to watercourse <10 m, and (iii) a location on a steep slope with gradient >25 %. Under the lowest risk scenario, the proportion of FIOs reaching a watercourse would likely reduce to 5 %. Expert confidence was high for scenarios that represented extremes of risk, while uncertainty increased for scenarios depicting intermediate risk conditions. The behavioural aggregation process employed to obtain a consensus among the experts proved to be useful for highlighting both areas of strong consensus and high uncertainty. The latter therefore represent priorities for future empirical research to further improve our understanding of potential pollution risk from septic tanks and in turn enable better assessments of potential threats to water quality in rural catchments throughout the world where decentralised wastewater systems are common.

Comparison of DNA extraction methods on different sample matrices within the same terrestrial ecosystem

Metataxonomic studies of ecosystem microbiotas require the simultaneous processing of samples with contrasting physical and biochemical traits. However, there are no published studies of comparisons of different DNA extraction kits to characterize the microbiotas of the main components of terrestrial ecosystems. Here, and to our knowledge for the first time, five DNA extraction kits were used to investigate the composition and diversity of the microbiota of a subset of samples typically studied in terrestrial ecosystems such as bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, invertebrate taxa and mammalian feces. DNA extraction kit was associated with changes in the relative abundance of hundreds of ASVs, in the same samples, resulting in significant differences in alpha and beta diversity estimates of their microbiotas. Importantly, the impact of DNA extraction kit on sample diversity varies according to sample type, with mammalian feces and soil samples showing the most and least consistent diversity estimates across DNA extraction kits, respectively. We show that the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin® Soil kit was associated with the highest alpha diversity estimates, providing the highest contribution to the overall sample diversity, as indicated by comparisons with computationally assembled reference communities, and is recommended to be used for any large-scale microbiota study of terrestrial ecosystems.

Differential responses of rumen and fecal fermentation and microbiota of Liaoning cashmere goats after 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester supplementation

The 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi), a rumen protective methionine, has been extensively studied in dairy cows and beef cattle and has been shown to regulate gastrointestinal microbiota and improve production performance. However, knowledge of the application of HMBi on cashmere goats and the simultaneous study of rumen and hindgut microbiota is still limited. In this study, HMBi supplementation increased the concentration of total serum protein, the production of microbial protein in the rumen and feces, as well as butyrate production in the feces. The results of PCoA and PERMANOVA showed no significant difference between the rumen microbiota, but there was a dramatic difference between the fecal microbiota of the two groups of Cashmere goats after the HMBi supplementation. Specifically, in the rumen, HMBi significantly increased the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria (such as Fibrobacter) compared with the CON group. In the feces, as well as a similar effect as in the rumen (increasing the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group and ASV32), HMBi diets also increased the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria (including Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group). Overall, these results demonstrated that HMBi could regulate the rumen and fecal microbial composition of Liaoning cashmere goats and benefit the host.

A digital twin of the infant microbiome to predict neurodevelopmental deficits

Despite the recognized gut-brain axis link, natural variations in microbial profiles between patients hinder definition of normal abundance ranges, confounding the impact of dysbiosis on infant neurodevelopment. We infer a digital twin of the infant microbiome, forecasting ecosystem trajectories from a few initial observations. Using 16S ribosomal RNA profiles from 88 preterm infants (398 fecal samples and 32,942 abundance estimates for 91 microbial classes), the model (Q-net) predicts abundance dynamics with R2 = 0.69. Contrasting the fit to Q-nets of typical versus suboptimal development, we can reliably estimate individual deficit risk (Mδ) and identify infants achieving poor future head circumference growth with ≈76% area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, 95% ± 1.8% positive predictive value at 98% specificity at 30 weeks postmenstrual age. We find that early transplantation might mitigate risk for ≈45.2% of the cohort, with potentially negative effects from incorrect supplementation. Q-nets are generative artificial intelligence models for ecosystem dynamics, with broad potential applications.

Rationally designed probiotics prevent shrimp white feces syndrome via the probiotics-gut microbiome-immunity axis

Increasing evidence infers that some complex diseases are attributed to co-infection with multiple pathogens, such as shrimp white feces syndrome (WFS); however, there is a lack of experimental evidence to validate such causal link. This deficiency further impedes rational design of probiotics to elicit desired benefits to shrimp WFS resistance. Herein, we validated the causal roles of Vibrio fluvialis, V. coralliilyticus and V. tubiashii (in a ratio of 7:2:1) in shrimp WFS etiology, which fully satisfied Koch's postulates. Correspondingly, we precisely designed four antagonistic strains: Ruegeria lacuscaerulensis, Nioella nitratireducens, Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces euryhalinus in a ratio of 4:3:2:1, which efficiently guarded against WFS. Dietary supplementation of the probiotics stimulated beneficial gut populations, streptomycin, short chain fatty acids, taurine metabolism potentials, network stability, tight junction, and host selection, while reducing turnover rate and average variation degree of gut microbiota, thereby facilitating ecological and mechanical barriers against pathogens. Additionally, shrimp immune pathways, such as Fcγ R-mediated phagocytosis, Toll-like receptor and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways conferring immune barrier, were activated by probiotics supplementation. Collectively, we establish an updated framework for precisely validating co-infection with multiple pathogens and rationally designing antagonistic probiotics. Furthermore, our findings uncover the underlying beneficial mechanisms of designed probiotics from the probiotics-gut microbiome-host immunity axis.

Drastic changes in ground-dwelling beetle communities following high-intensity deer culling: insights from an island ecosystem

The overabundance of large herbivores can have detrimental effects on the local environment due to overgrazing. Culling is a common management practice implemented globally that can effectively control herbivore populations and allow vegetation communities to recover. However, the broader indirect effects of culling large herbivores remain relatively unknown, particularly on insect species such as ground-dwelling beetles that perform key ecosystem processes such as decomposition. Here we undertook a preliminary investigation to determine how culling sika deer on an island in North Japan impacted ground-beetle community dynamics. We conducted pitfall trapping in July and September in 2012 (before culling) and again in 2019 (after culling). We compared beetle abundance and community composition within 4 beetle families (Carabidae, Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, and Silphidae), across seasons and culling treatments. We found each family responded differently to deer culling. Scarabaeidae displayed the greatest decline in abundance after culling. Silphidae also had reduced abundance but to a lesser extent compared to Scarabaeidae. Carabidae had both higher and lower abundance after culling, depending on the season. We found beetle community composition differed between culling and season, but seasonal variability was reduced after culling. Overall, the culling of large herbivores resulted in a reduction of ground-dwelling beetle populations, particularly necrophagous species dependent on dung and carrion for survival. Our preliminary research highlights the need for long-term and large-scale experiments to understand the indirect ecological implications of culling programs on ecosystem processes.

Assessing the defecation practices of unsheltered individuals and their contributions to microbial water quality in an arid, urban watershed

Outdoor defecation by people experiencing homelessness is frequently perceived as a potentially large source of human fecal pollution and a significant source of health risk in urban waterbodies with recreational contact. The goal of this study was to count the number of people experiencing homelessness and quantifies their sanitation habits in an urban river corridor setting, then use this information for estimating human fecal pollutant loading on a watershed scale. Two types of census counts were conducted including periodic point-in-time counts over six years and weekly counts of encampments. While the population census varied from count-to-count, the range of population estimates in the river corridor varied from 109 to 349 individuals during the six-year span, which mirrored the weekly counts of encampments. A face-to-face survey of people experiencing homelessness assessed the sanitation habits of the unsheltered population (N = 63), including outdoor defecation frequency and containment practices. Overall, 95 % of survey respondents reported defecating outdoors; 36 % practiced outdoor defecation between 4 and 7 days/week and 27 % practiced outdoor defecation <1 day/week. Of those that did practice outdoor defecation, 75 % contained their feces in a bucket or bag, thereby limiting fecal material contributions to the river; 6.7 % reported defecating on low ground near the river that could wash off when flood waters rise during a storm event. Only a single survey respondent reported defecating directly into the river. Based on literature values for average HF183 output for an adult human, and the average rainfall in the urban watershed, the total watershed contribution of HF183 averaged 1.2 × 1010 gene copies per storm event (95 % CI: 0.9 × 1010-1.6 × 1010) along the 41 km stretch of river in this study. This human fecal loading estimate is at least two orders of magnitude less than cumulative HF183 loading from all human sources measured at the bottom of the watershed.

Influence of combined abiotic/biotic factors on decay of P. aeruginosa and E. coli in Rhine River water

Understanding the dynamic change in abundance of both fecal and opportunistic waterborne pathogens in urban surface water under different abiotic and biotic factors helps the prediction of microbiological water quality and protection of public health during recreational activities, such as swimming. However, a comprehensive understanding of the interaction among various factors on pathogen behavior in surface water is missing. In this study, the effect of salinity, light, and temperature and the presence of indigenous microbiota, on the decay/persistence of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Rhine River water were tested during 7 days of incubation with varying salinity (0.4, 5.4, 9.4, and 15.4 ppt), with light under a light/dark regime (light/dark) and without light (dark), temperature (3, 12, and 20 °C), and presence/absence of indigenous microbiota. The results demonstrated that light, indigenous microbiota, and temperature significantly impacted the decay of E. coli. Moreover, a significant (p<0.01) four-factor interactive impact of these four environmental conditions on E. coli decay was observed. However, for P. aeruginosa, temperature and indigenous microbiota were two determinate factors on the decay or growth. A significant three-factor interactive impact between indigenous microbiota, temperature, and salinity (p<0.01); indigenous microbiota, light, and temperature (p<0.01); and light, temperature, and salinity (p<0.05) on the decay of P. aeruginosa was found. Due to these interactive effects, caution should be taken when predicting decay/persistence of E. coli and P. aeruginosa in surface water based on a single environmental condition. In addition, the different response of E. coli and P. aeruginosa to the environmental conditions highlights that E. coli monitoring alone underestimates health risks of surface water by non-fecal opportunistic pathogens, such as P. aeruginosa. KEY POINTS: Abiotic and biotic factors interactively affect decay of E. coli and P. aeruginosa E.coli and P.aeruginosa behave significantly different under the given conditions Only E. coli as an indicator underestimates the microbiological water quality.

Village Settlements in Mountainous Tropical Areas, Hotspots of Fecal Contamination as Evidenced by Escherichia coli and Stanol Concentrations in Stormwater Pulses

Fecal bacteria in surface water may indicate threats to human health. Our hypothesis is that village settlements in tropical rural areas are major hotspots of fecal contamination because of the number of domestic animals usually roaming in the alleys and the lack of fecal matter treatment before entering the river network. By jointly monitoring the dynamics of Escherichia coli and of seven stanol compounds during four flood events (July-August 2016) at the outlet of a ditch draining sewage and surface runoff out of a village of Northern Lao PDR, our objectives were (1) to assess the range of E. coli concentration in the surface runoff washing off from a village settlement and (2) to identify the major contributory sources of fecal contamination using stanol compounds during flood events. E. coli pulses ranged from 4.7 × 104 to 3.2 × 106 most probable number (MPN) 100 mL-1, with particle-attached E. coli ranging from 83 to 100%. Major contributory feces sources were chickens and humans (about 66 and 29%, respectively), with the highest percentage switching from the human pole to the chicken pole during flood events. Concentrations indicate a severe fecal contamination of surface water during flood events and suggest that villages may be considered as major hotspots of fecal contamination pulses into the river network and thus as point sources in hydrological models.

Immunoregulatory role of the gut microbiota in inflammatory depression

Inflammatory depression is a treatment-resistant subtype of depression. A causal role of the gut microbiota as a source of low-grade inflammation remains unclear. Here, as part of an observational trial, we first analyze the gut microbiota composition in the stool, inflammatory factors and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in plasma, and inflammatory and permeability markers in the intestinal mucosa of patients with inflammatory depression (ChiCTR1900025175). Gut microbiota of patients with inflammatory depression exhibits higher Bacteroides and lower Clostridium, with an increase in SCFA-producing species with abnormal butanoate metabolism. We then perform fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotic supplementation in animal experiments to determine the causal role of the gut microbiota in inflammatory depression. After FMT, the gut microbiota of the inflammatory depression group shows increased peripheral and central inflammatory factors and intestinal mucosal permeability in recipient mice with depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Clostridium butyricum administration normalizes the gut microbiota, decreases inflammatory factors, and displays antidepressant-like effects in a mouse model of inflammatory depression. These findings suggest that inflammatory processes derived from the gut microbiota can be involved in neuroinflammation of inflammatory depression.

Meta-analysis of the Microbial Diversity Cultured in Bioreactors Simulating the Gut Microbiome

Understanding the intricate ecological interactions within the gut microbiome and unravelling its impact on human health is a challenging task. Bioreactors are valuable tools that have contributed to our understanding of gut microbial ecology. However, there is a lack of studies describing and comparing the microbial diversity cultivated in these models. This knowledge is crucial for refining current models to reflect the gastrointestinal microbiome accurately. In this study, we analysed the microbial diversity of 1512 samples from 18 studies available in public repositories that employed cultures performed in batches and various bioreactor models to cultivate faecal microbiota. Community structure comparison between samples using t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding and the Hellinger distance revealed a high variation between projects. The main driver of these differences was the inter-individual variation between the donor faecal inocula. Moreover, there was no overlap in the structure of the microbial communities between studies using the same bioreactor platform. In addition, α-diversity analysis using Hill numbers showed that highly complex bioreactors did not exhibit higher diversities than simpler designs. However, analyses of five projects in which the samples from the faecal inoculum were also provided revealed an amplicon sequence variants enrichment in bioreactors compared to the inoculum. Finally, a comparative analysis of the taxonomy of the families detected in the projects and the GMRepo database revealed bacterial families exclusively found in the bioreactor models. These findings highlight the potential of bioreactors to enrich low-abundance microorganisms from faecal samples, contributing to uncovering the gut microbial "dark matter".

Effects of fecal microbiota transfer on blood pressure in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous recent studies have found a strong correlation between intestinal flora and the occurrence of hypertension. However, it remains unclear whether fecal microbiota transfer might affect the blood pressure of the host. This study aimed to quantify both associations.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, Weipu, Embase, and SinoMed to retrieve relevant studies. The final search was completed on August 22, 2022. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias assessment. All data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4.

RESULTS

A total of 5 articles were selected for final inclusion. All studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias according to the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. The meta-analysis results showed that transplantation of fecal bacteria from the hypertensive model can significantly improve the host's systolic pressure (MD = 18.37, 95%CI: 9.74~26.99, P<0.001), and diastolic pressure (MD = 17.65, 95%CI: 12.37~22.93, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the increase in systolic pressure in the hypertension model subgroup (MD = 29.56, 95%CI = 23.55-35.58, P<0.001) was more pronounced than that in the normotensive model subgroup (MD = 12.48, 95%CI = 3.51-21.45, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests a relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased blood pressure, where transplantation of fecal bacteria from the hypertensive model can cause a significant increase in systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in animal models.

Surveillance of Wastewater to Monitor the Prevalence of Gastroenteritis Viruses in Chiba Prefecture (2014-2019)

BACKGROUND

In Japan, sentinel surveillance is used to monitor the trend of infectious gastroenteritis. Another method of pathogen surveillance, wastewater-based epidemiology, has been used recently because it can help to monitor infectious disease without relying on patient data. Here, we aimed to determine the viral trends reflected in the number of reported patients and number of gastroenteritis virus-positive samples. We focused on gastroenteritis viruses present in wastewater and investigated the usefulness of wastewater surveillance for the surveillance of infectious gastroenteritis.

METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for viral gene detection in wastewater. The number of reported patients per pediatric sentinel site and number of viral genome copies were compared for correlation potential. The number of gastroenteritis virus-positive samples reported by National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Disease (NESID) and the status of gastroenteritis viruses detected in wastewater were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Genes of norovirus genotype I, norovirus genotype II, sapovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus group A, and rotavirus group C were detected in wastewater samples. Viruses were detected in wastewater during periods when no gastroenteritis virus-positive samples were reported to NESID.

CONCLUSION

Norovirus genotype II and other gastroenteritis viruses were detected in wastewater even during periods when no gastroenteritis virus-positive samples were found. Therefore, surveillance using wastewater can complement sentinel surveillance and is an effective tool for the surveillance of infectious gastroenteritis.

Fecal DNA analysis coupled with the sighting records re-expanded a known distribution of dugongs in Ryukyu Islands after half a century

DNA analysis of large herbivore feces samples collected from seagrass beds at two distant sites (Irabu Island in Miyako Islands and Kushi in Okinawa Island) in the Ryukyu Islands proved that some of these feces were from dugongs, which had been treated in recent studies as extinct in this region since the last stranding of a deceased individual in 2019. In addition, local knowledge of sightings of animals thought to be dugongs and confirmed cases of dugong feeding trails since 2010 were compiled to estimate its recent distribution. This is the first scientific report on the presence of this mammal in the Ryukyu Islands within the last four years, and particularly in the Miyako Islands within the last half-century. As the Ryukyu Islands are known to be the northern limit of the dugong's fragmented distribution in East Asia, conservation efforts are therefore needed.

Asymptomatic Enteric Virus Infections and Association with the Gut Microbiome in Rural Residents of Northern Laos

Viral gastrointestinal infections are an important public health concern, and the occurrence of asymptomatic enteric virus infections makes it difficult to prevent and control their spread. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asymptomatic enteric virus infection in adults in northern Laos. Fecal samples were collected from apparently healthy participants who did not report diarrhea or high fever at the time of the survey in northern Laos, and enteric viruses were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Individual characteristics, including the gut microbiome, were compared between asymptomatic carriers and noncarriers of each enteric virus. Of the participants (N = 255), 12 (4.7%) were positive for norovirus genogroup I (GI), 8 (3.1%) for human adenovirus, and 1 (0.4%) for norovirus GII; prevalence tended to be higher in less-modernized villages. Gut microbial diversity (evaluated by the number of operational taxonomic units) was higher in asymptomatic carriers of norovirus GI or human adenovirus than in their noncarriers. Gut microbiome compositions differed significantly between asymptomatic carriers and noncarriers of norovirus GI or human adenovirus (permutational analysis of variance, P <0.05). These findings imply an association between asymptomatic enteric virus infection and modernization and/or the gut microbiome in northern Laos.

Development and application of one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR for detection of three main pathogens associated with bovine neonatal diarrhea

Introduction

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most common diseases in calves, causing huge economic and productivity losses to the bovine industry worldwide. The main pathogens include bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99. Since multiple infectious agents can be involved in calf diarrhea, detecting each causative agent by traditional methods is laborious and expensive.

Methods

In this study, we developed a one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR assay to simultaneously detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+. The assay performance on field samples was evaluated on 1100 rectal swabs of diseased cattle with diarrhea symptoms and compared with the conventional gel-based RT-PCR assay detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+.

Results

The established assay could specifically detect the target pathogens without cross-reactivity with other pathogens. A single real-time PCR can detect ~1 copy/µL for each pathogen, and multiplex real-time PCR has a detection limit of 10 copies/µL. Reproducibility as measured by standard deviation and coefficient of variation were desirable. The triple real-time PCR method established in this study was compared with gel-based PT-PCR. Both methods are reasonably consistent, while the real-time PCR assay was more sensitive and could rapidly distinguish these three pathogens in one tube. Analysis of surveillance data showed that BRV and BCoV are major enteric viral pathogens accounting for calves' diarrhea in China.

Discussion

The established assay has excellent specificity and sensitivity and was suitable for clinical application. The robustness and high-throughput performance of the developed assay make it a powerful tool in diagnostic applications and calf diarrhea research. ​.

Eubacterium rectale is a potential marker of altered gut microbiota in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Previous studies have profiled the gut microbiota among psoriatic patients compared to that among healthy individuals. However, a comprehensive understanding of the magnitude, direction, and detailed compositional and functional profiles remains limited. Additionally, research exploring the gut microbiota in the context of both plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is lacking. To assess the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the gut microbiota in PsO and PsA patients and investigate potential links between the gut microbiota and disease pathogenesis. We collected fecal samples from 70 psoriatic patients (44 PsO and 26 PsA) and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) and employed deep metagenomic sequencing to characterize their gut microbiota. We noted significant alternations in the gut microbiota compositions of both PsO and PsA patients compared to those of HC. Despite limited effect sizes in alpha diversity (12.3% reduction of microbial richness but unchanged evenness in psoriatic patients) and beta diversity (disease accounts for 3.5% of total variations), we consistently observed substantial reductions of Eubacterium rectale in both PsO and PsA patients, with PsA patients exhibiting even lower levels of E. rectale than PsO patients. Additionally, two Alistipes species were also depleted in psoriatic patients. These microorganisms are known to play crucial roles in carbohydrate metabolism pathways, mainly producing short-chain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, our observations supplemented the profiling of altered gut microbiota in patients with PsO and PsA at the species level and described a link between the dominant short-chain fatty acid-producing bacterial species and systemic immunity in psoriatic patients.

IMPORTANCE

In this observational clinical study with sufficient sample size and metagenomic sequencing to profile the gut microbiota, we identified consistent signals of the depleted abundance of Eubacterium rectale and related functional genes among psoriatic patients, including those with psoriatic arthritis. E. rectale may serve as an ecologically important functional unit in the gut microbiota, holding potential as a diagnostic marker and target for therapeutic interventions to achieve lasting effects. Our findings provide comprehensive gut microbiota profiling in psoriasis, resolving previous contradictions and generating new hypotheses for further investigation. These insights may significantly impact psoriasis management and related conditions.

Aflatoxin B1 exposure causes splenic pyroptosis by disturbing the gut microbiota-immune axis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) causes serious immunotoxicity and has attracted considerable attention owing to its high sensitivity and common chemical-viral interactions in living organisms. However, the sensitivity of different species to AFB1 widely varies, which cannot be explained by the different metabolism in species. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the immune system, but the interaction of the microbiota with AFB1-induced immunotoxicity still needs to be determined. Our results indicated that AFB1 exposure disrupted the structure of the gut microbiota and damaged the gut barrier, which caused translocation of microbiota metabolites, lipopolysaccharides, to the spleen. Subsequently, pyroptosis of the spleen was activated. Interestingly, AFB1 exposure had little effect on the splenic pyroptosis of pseudo-germfree mice (antibiotic mixtures eliminated their gut microbiota, ABX). Then, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) and sterile fecal filtrate (SFF) were employed to validate the function of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in AFB1-induced splenic pyroptosis. The AFB1-disrupted microbiota and its metabolites significantly promoted splenic pyroptosis, which was worse than that in control mice. Overall, AFB1-induced splenic pyroptosis is associated with the gut microbiota and its metabolites, which was further demonstrated by FMT and SFF. The mechanism of AFB1-induced splenic pyroptosis was explored for the first time, which paves a new way for preventing and treating the immunotoxicity from mycotoxins by regulating the gut microbiota.

First molecular detection and characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi different genotypes in human patients from Italy

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the 17 microsporidian species pathogenic to humans in low and high-income countries, inducing both symptomatic and asymptomatic intestinal infections, independently of the immunological condition of the infected individual. Faecal-oral transmission occurs in a broad hosts range, including several animal species, but the parasite's zoonotic potential remains still unclear. Few studies are available in Italy regarding E. bieneusi presence in humans and no data on its genetic variability are so far reported. In this investigation, through the ITSr RNA sequences analysis, we provided the first E. bieneusi molecular characterization from symptomatic patients in Italy. Faecal samples from 410 patients sent for routine analyses to the Unit of Parasitology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, and resulted positive for E. bieneusi to a cartridge-based molecular test for qualitative detection (Novodiag® Stool Parasites assay), were collected. DNA was extracted, endpoint PCR performed and then sequences obtained for 3/410 patients (0.7 %). Genotype A (N = 1), genotype C (N = 1) and genotype K (N = 1) were identified, all belonging to phylogenetic Group 1. One patient (identified as genotype A) showed positivity to the same genotype previously characterized after a two-month period. Additional investigations are required, within a One Health framework, to review the importance of a zoonotic potential linked to E. bieneusi in human populations, animals and environmental reservoirs worldwide.

Treatment and prevention of pigeon diarrhea through the application of Lactobacillus SNK-6

In the pigeon industry, treating and preventing diarrhea is vital because it is a serious health problem for pigeons. This study investigated the incidence of diarrhea in 3 pigeon farms in Shanghai, and analyzed the microflora through 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Four strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from pigeon diarrhea feces were administered via gavage to healthy pigeons, with each pigeon receiving 2 × 108 CFU. Pigeons that developed diarrhea after E. coli challenge were treated with 3 g of Lactobacillus salivarius SNK-6 (L. salivarius SNK-6) health sand (1.6 × 107 CFU/g). Then, a mass feeding experiment expanded to 688 pairs of pigeons with 3 replicates, each receiving 3 g of health sand containing L. salivarius SNK-6 (1.6 × 107 CFU/g) every 2 wk, and fecal status monitored and recorded. The study found that the relative abundance of the Lactobacillus genus and L. salivarius in feces from pigeons with diarrhea was significantly lower than in normal pigeon feces (P < 0.05). In contrast, E. coli showed a higher abundance and diversity in feces from pigeons with diarrhea than in normal feces (P < 0.05). Three out of the 4 isolated E. coli strains caused pigeon diarrhea, resulting in a significant reduction in microbial diversity in fecal samples (P < 0.05). Both the small group attack experiment and the mass-fed additive experiment in pigeon farms demonstrated that feeding L. salivarius SNK-6 effectively cured and prevented diarrhea. Pigeons fed with L. salivarius SNK-6 exhibited no diarrhea, while the control group had a 10% diarrhea rate. In summary, a deficiency of Lactobacillus or a high abundance of E. coli in the intestine could easily cause pigeon diarrhea. Feeding L. salivarius SNK-6 could treat pigeon diarrhea, and continuous supplementation could maintain stable preventive effects.

Early administration of canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody prevented mortality after experimental challenge

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (CPMA) as a treatment against canine parvovirus (CPV-2)-induced mortality and to support USDA product licensure.

ANIMALS

28 purpose-bred Beagle dogs aged 8 weeks were randomized to the treated (n = 21) or control (7) group.

METHODS

Dogs were challenged intranasally with 104.2 TCID50 virulent CPV-2b on Day 0 and monitored for 14 days for fecal viral shed and clinical disease. All dogs began shedding CPV-2 on Day 4 and were treated intravenously with a single dose of either CPMA (0.2 mL/kg) or saline (equal volume). No additional treatments were given to either group. Feces and sera were collected for quantitative analysis of fecal viral shed (hemagglutination) and antibody responses (hemagglutination inhibition and dot-blot ELISA), respectively. Dogs were monitored twice daily for parameters including lymphopenia, fever, vomiting, abnormal feces, inappetence, and lethargy. Humane endpoints triggered euthanasia by a veterinarian masked to treatment groups. The primary outcome variable was prevention of mortality as compared to controls.

RESULTS

Mortality was prevented in all CPMA-treated dogs compared to 57% mortality in the control group (P = .0017, Fisher exact test). Canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody-treated dogs also experienced less severe and/or shorter durations of diarrhea, fever, vomiting, CPV-2 shedding in feces, and lymphopenia. Both groups showed similar immunoglobulin M responses as measured by semiquantitative analysis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Intravenous administration of CPMA can effectively improve clinical outcome when administered early in CPV-2 disease. Canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody treatment after proven infection does not interfere with adaptive immunity.

Using meta-analysis to understand the impacts of dietary protein and fat content on the composition of fecal microbiota of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): A pilot study

The interplay between diet and fecal microbiota composition is garnering increased interest across various host species, including domestic dogs. While the influence of dietary macronutrients and their associated microbial communities have been extensively reviewed, these reviews are descriptive and do not account for differences in microbial community analysis, nor do they standardize macronutrient content across studies. To address this, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the impact of dietary crude protein ("protein") and dietary crude fat ("fat") on the fecal microbiota composition in healthy dogs. Sixteen publications met the eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis, yielding a final data set of 314 dogs. Diets were classed as low, moderate, high, or supra in terms of protein or fat content. Sequence data from each publication were retrieved from public databases and reanalyzed using consistent bioinformatic pipelines. Analysis of community diversity indices and unsupervised clustering of the data with principal coordinate analysis revealed a small effect size and complete overlap between protein and fat levels at the overall community level. Supervised clustering through random forest analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis indicated alterations in the fecal microbiota composition at a more individual taxonomic level, corresponding to the levels of protein or fat. The Prevotellaceae Ga6A1 group and Enterococcus were associated with increasing levels of protein, while Allobaculum and Clostridium sensu stricto 13 were associated with increasing levels of fat. Interestingly, the random forest analyses revealed that Sharpea, despite its low relative abundance in the dog's fecal microbiome, was primarily responsible for the separation of the microbiome for both protein and fat. Future research should focus on validating and understanding the functional roles of these relatively low-abundant genera.

First serological diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in sheep in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

This study aimed to diagnose Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infections in sheep in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 276 blood samples were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IDEXX Paratuberculosis Screening kit, and 261 fecal samples were submitted for bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction tests. An animal-level sero-frequency of 0.72% (n = 2/276) and a farm-level sero-frequency of 20% (n = 2/10) were found. All fecal sample cultures were negative, and molecular analyses were also negative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of MAP infection in sheep in the state of Pernambuco and one of the pioneers in the country. It is an asymptomatic disease that is difficult to diagnose in this species because the susceptibility of sheep to the organism is lower than that of other ruminant species. However, the sero-frequency found reveals that there is MAP exposure in sheep flocks in the region. In addition, serological monitoring can contribute to the observation of the organism's behavior in herds. Our results support the potential risk of MAP infection in sheep in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Persistence of 'wet wipes' in beach sand: An unrecognised reservoir for localised E. coli contamination

The flushing of wet wipes down toilets leads to blockages of sewerage systems. This, together with unregulated sewage discharge, often results in increasing numbers of wet wipes washing up onto beaches. However, it is unclear how long wet wipes can persist on the beach and whether they pose a prolonged public health risk if contaminated by E. coli. In this mesocosm study, three types of wet wipes (plastic containing, and home and commercially compostable) colonised with E. coli were buried in beach sand and their degradation, tensile strength, and concentration of E. coli was quantified over 15 weeks. Wet wipes containing plastic remained largely intact for 15 weeks, whilst both compostable wet wipes fragmented and degraded. Importantly, E. coli persisted on all three wet wipe types, representing localised reservoirs of E. coli in the sand, which could present a human health risk at the beach.

Impacts of coprophagic foraging behaviour on the avian gut microbiome

Avian gut microbial communities are complex and play a fundamental role in regulating biological functions within an individual. Although it is well established that diet can influence the structure and composition of the gut microbiota, foraging behaviour may also play a critical, yet unexplored role in shaping the composition, dynamics, and adaptive potential of avian gut microbiota. In this review, we examine the potential influence of coprophagic foraging behaviour on the establishment and adaptability of wild avian gut microbiomes. Coprophagy involves the ingestion of faeces, sourced from either self (autocoprophagy), conspecific animals (allocoprophagy), or heterospecific animals. Much like faecal transplant therapy, coprophagy may (i) support the establishment of the gut microbiota of young precocial species, (ii) directly and indirectly provide nutritional and energetic requirements, and (iii) represent a mechanism by which birds can rapidly adapt the microbiota to changing environments and diets. However, in certain contexts, coprophagy may also pose risks to wild birds, and their microbiomes, through increased exposure to chemical pollutants, pathogenic microbes, and antibiotic-resistant microbes, with deleterious effects on host health and performance. Given the potentially far-reaching consequences of coprophagy for avian microbiomes, and the dearth of literature directly investigating these links, we have developed a predictive framework for directing future research to understand better when and why wild birds engage in distinct types of coprophagy, and the consequences of this foraging behaviour. There is a need for comprehensive investigation into the influence of coprophagy on avian gut microbiotas and its effects on host health and performance throughout ontogeny and across a range of environmental perturbations. Future behavioural studies combined with metagenomic approaches are needed to provide insights into the function of this poorly understood behaviour.

Faecal egg count reduction test in goats: Zooming in on the genus level

The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is the most widely used method to assess treatment efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Information on genera composition of the GIN community is not available with this test and it is commonly obtained by identifying cultured third-stage larvae (L3) or through molecular assays in the post-treatment survey, but results provided are usually only qualitative or semi-quantitative. The updated WAAVP guidelines now recommend assessing anthelmintic efficacy for each GIN genus/species separately (genus-specific FECRT), but this approach is poorly employed in Europe and in goats especially. For this reason, four FECRT trials were conducted using oxfendazole and eprinomectin in two Italian goat farms. Samples were processed individually using the McMaster technique and then pooled to create two samples from faeces of 5 animals each. Pooled samples were analysed using the McMaster and cultured for seven days at 26°C to obtain L3s. The genus-specific FECRT was based on larval identification, integrating coproculture and FEC results. Larvae were identified as Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum / Chabertia and Bunostomum. Molecular assays (a multiplex real-time PCR and two end-point PCRs) were also implemented on pooled samples to support the morphological identification. The Spearmann Rho test confirmed a high correlation between the two approaches (Rho = 0.941 and Rho = 0.914 respectively for Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus, the two most common genera). Both oxfendazole and eprinomectin were effective in one farm, while none in the other farm (FECR = 75.9% and 73.3% respectively). In the second farm, the genus-specific FECRT highlighted a different response to treatment among genera: oxfendazole lacked efficacy against both Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus spp., eprinomectin only against Haemonchus, while all other genera were susceptible to both drugs. This study brings new attention on the importance of adopting a genus-specific approach to identify and quantify differences in susceptibility to anthelmintics among genera in goats, providing support for FECRT interpretation, anthelmintic resistance evaluation and evidence-based GIN control.

Association between pan-immune inflammatory value and ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic idiopathic disease that causes inflammation of the colon and rectum, progressing with relapses and remissions. Systemic inflammatory index (SII) and pan-immune inflammatory value (PIV) are newly developed biomarkers. There are many studies in the literature showing the relationship between SII and PIV with malignancies and inflammatory diseases. In this study we aimed to determine the relationship between SII and PIV with the activity of ulcerative colitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

146 Ulcerative colitis patients were retrospectively investigated by the time of diagnosis based on clinical, endoscopic and histolopathological findings. Patients and healthy individuals SII and PIV levels were calculated and compared with each other; and Mayo, DUBLIN, UCIES endoscopic subscores of patients were also obtained. Roc curve analysis were used to determine the cut-off value for PIV.

RESULTS

SII (468.6 ± 203.5 vs. 823.1 ± 555.1; p < .001), PIV (288.2 ± 159.9 vs. 912.2 ± 924.1; p < .001), were statistically different between groups. PIV (OR: 1.157; (1.041-1.432), p = .036), was also observed to be the independent predictor of ulcerative colitis. The best cut off value of PIV in the prediction of ulcerative colitis was ≥ 506 with 89.6% sensitivity and 63.7% specificity (AUC = 0.812; 95% CI 0.763-0.854, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of our study, we found that SII and PIV levels were significantly increased in ulcerative colitis patients at the time of diagnosis and were associated with disease severity in the endoscopic scores RACHMILEWITZ, UCEIS and DUBLIN scores, but not for MES score.

Evaluation of LAMP for Fasciola hepatica detection from faecal samples of experimentally and naturally infected cattle

Fasciola hepatica causes liver fluke disease in production animals and humans worldwide. Faecal egg counts (FEC) are the most common diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of liver fluke disease. However, FEC has low sensitivity and is often unreliable for the detection of patent infection. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was optimised and evaluated for the detection of Fasciola hepatica infection, with the aim of increased sensitivity and making it suitable for on-farm application. LAMP was initially conducted under laboratory conditions, optimised to enable visual detection using calcein dye. DNA extraction based on bead-beating was developed to enable on-farm application. LAMP results were compared to FEC and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Under laboratory conditions, LAMP was conducted using two incubation methods: a conventional PCR thermocycler and a field-deployable LAMP instrument. When compared to a 'rigorous' FEC protocol consisting of multiple counts using a comparatively large volume of faeces and with infection confirmed post-mortem, LAMP was highly sensitive and specific (using silica membrane DNA extraction sensitivity 88 %, specificity 100 %; using sieving and beat-beating DNA extraction sensitivity 98.9 %, specificity 100 %). When applied on-farm, LAMP was compared to conventional FEC, which suggested high sensitivity but low specificity (sensitivity 97 %, specificity 37.5 %). However, further analysis, comparing field LAMP results to laboratory PCR, suggested that the low specificity was likely the outcome of the inability of conventional FEC to detect all true F. hepatica positive samples. Based on the high sensitivity and specificity of LAMP compared to a 'rigorous' FEC protocol and its ability to be used in field settings, the study demonstrates the potential of LAMP for diagnosing F. hepatica infection in agriculture.

Evaluation of a novel triplex immunochromatographic test for rapid simultaneous detection of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on a single strip test

BACKGROUND

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide. Among these, rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus have been reported as the primary viral pathogens associated with the disease. Rapid diagnosis of viral pathogens is crucial when diarrhea outbreaks occur to ensure the timely administration of appropriate treatment and control measures.

METHODS

We evaluated three immunochromatographic test kits designed for the detection of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus in 71 stool specimens collected from children with diarrhea who visited clinics in Japan. The first kit is a triplex immunochromatographic test kit designed for simultaneous detections of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on a single strip (this kit was referred to as IC-A). The other two immunochromatographic test kits are a dual detection kit for rotavirus and adenovirus, and a single detection kit for norovirus (IC-B). The RT-PCR/PCR was used as the gold standard method.

RESULTS

The results revealed that both IC-A and IC-B kits exhibited the same level of sensitivity of detection for rotavirus (72.7%) and adenovirus (22.7%), although the detection rate was lower than that of the RT-PCR/PCR method. However, there was a slight difference in the sensitivity of detection for norovirus between IC-A and IC-B, at 86.7% and 93.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of detection for adenovirus of both kits was relatively lower than those of RT-PCR method. This could be due to low viral load of adenovirus in clinical specimens below the detection limit of IC-A and IC-B kits. However, both immunochromatographic test kits (IC-A and IC-B) exhibited 100% specificity for norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus.

CONCLUSIONS

The triplex immunochromatographic test kit (IC-A) designed for simultaneous detection of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus has been proved to be more practical and convenient than the use of single or dual detection kits with more or less the same sensitivity and specificity of detections.

Benzimidazole F167Y polymorphism in the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum: Widespread geographic, seasonal, age, and breed distribution in United States and Canada dogs

Surveillance data for Ancylostoma spp. and the A. caninum benzimidazole treatment resistance associated F167Y polymorphism using molecular diagnostics was obtained in a large population of dogs from the United States and Canada. Real-time PCR (qPCR) for Ancylostoma spp. and allele-specific qPCR detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) F167Y was used in 262,872 canine stool samples collected between March and December of 2022. Ancylostoma spp. was found at an overall prevalence of 2.5% (6538/262,872), with the highest prevalence in the Southern US, 4.4% (4490/103,095), and the lowest prevalence in Canada 0.6% (101/15,829). The A. caninum F167Y polymorphism was found with the highest prevalence (13.4%, n = 46/343) in the Western US and the lowest in Canada at 4.1% (4/97). The F167Y polymorphism was detected every month over the 10-month collection period. Seasonal distribution showed a peak in June for both Ancylostoma spp. (3.08%, 547/17,775) and A. caninum F167Y (12.25%, 67/547). However, the A. caninum F167Y polymorphism prevalence was highest in September (13.9%, 119/856). Age analysis indicates a higher prevalence of both hookworm infections and occurrence of resistant isolates in puppies. The breeds with the highest F167Y polymorphism prevalence in Ancylostoma spp. detected samples were poodles (28.9%), followed by Bernese Mountain dogs (25%), Cocker spaniels (23.1%), and greyhounds (22.4%). Our data set describes widespread geographic distribution of the A. caninum benzimidazole resistance associated F167Y polymorphism in the United States and Canada, with no clear seasonality compared to the Ancylostoma spp. prevalence patterns. The F167 polymorphism was present in all geographic areas with detected hookworms, including Canada. Our study highlights that the F167Y polymorphism is represented in many dog breeds, including greyhounds.

Rotating curved spacetime signatures from a giant quantum vortex

Gravity simulators1 are laboratory systems in which small excitations such as sound2 or surface waves3,4 behave as fields propagating on a curved spacetime geometry. The analogy between gravity and fluids requires vanishing viscosity2-4, a feature naturally realized in superfluids such as liquid helium or cold atomic clouds5-8. Such systems have been successful in verifying key predictions of quantum field theory in curved spacetime7-11. In particular, quantum simulations of rotating curved spacetimes indicative of astrophysical black holes require the realization of an extensive vortex flow12 in superfluid systems. Here we demonstrate that, despite the inherent instability of multiply quantized vortices13,14, a stationary giant quantum vortex can be stabilized in superfluid 4He. Its compact core carries thousands of circulation quanta, prevailing over current limitations in other physical systems such as magnons5, atomic clouds6,7 and polaritons15,16. We introduce a minimally invasive way to characterize the vortex flow17,18 by exploiting the interaction of micrometre-scale waves on the superfluid interface with the background velocity field. Intricate wave-vortex interactions, including the detection of bound states and distinctive analogue black hole ringdown signatures, have been observed. These results open new avenues to explore quantum-to-classical vortex transitions and use superfluid helium as a finite-temperature quantum field theory simulator for rotating curved spacetimes19.