Search Results (360)

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms is remarkably high in malnourished individuals undergoing hemodialysis. The goal of this project was to evaluate the impact of administering an oral nutritional supplement combined with a probiotic blend on the microbiota, intestinal permeability, and depression symptoms in malnourished hemodialysis patients. Methods: With this aim, a randomized trial was conducted with three parallel groups: a control group with individualized diet, a supplement–placebo (SU-PL) group with oral nutritional supplementation (ONS), and a supplement–probiotic (SU-PR) group with ONS in conjunction with a probiotic blend. Blood and fecal samples were collected at basal time, and at 3 and 6 months. Several blood biomarkers, like zonulin, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were measured, and the fecal microbiome was sequenced with the Illumina platform. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used for the estimation of depression (HADS-D) and anxiety (HADS-A) symptoms, along with the standardized mental health index SF12-MH from the general health questionnaire SF-12. Results: The results showed that patients who consumed the probiotic blend maintained the LPS levels from their baseline readings and decreased their BDNF levels compared to the SU-PL or control groups. Moreover, a significant decrease in HADS-D scores (less depressive symptoms) and an increase in SF12-MH scores (higher quality of life) were found in that group in comparison to the other groups. The intervention produced an impact on the microbiome population, where the SU-PR group had reduced Akkermansia abundance with respect to the other groups, while their Acidaminococcus abundance decreased and their Barnesiella abundance increased with respect to the SU-PL group. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that the probiotic with the nutritional supplement could reduce the intestinal permeability biomarkers and improve depressive symptoms and quality of life in malnourished hemodialysis patients. Full article

Granulomatous colitis, or ulcerative colitis, is an infectious and inflammatory disease that primarily affects the colon and occasionally extends to the ileum, particularly in young Boxer and French Bulldogs. Unlike typical chronic colitis in small animals, the early onset of the disease suggests a genetic predisposition. The condition is characterized by the overgrowth of Escherichia coli, specifically the enteroinvasive variant, which displaces beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to its infectious nature. Secondary dysbiosis and chronic-active inflammation involving histiocytes and other leukocytic infiltrates are prominent features. Clinical manifestations include chronic diarrhea with blood and mucus, frequent tenesmus, and pain, with variable degrees of weight loss depending on disease severity. The final diagnosis is based on clinical history (chronic diarrhea with hematochezia), macroscopic findings from colonoscopy (edema, ulcers, and wall hyperplasia), histopathology (presence of histiocytes), and Escherichia coli growth in culture from a colon fragment. Treatment is guided by colon antibiograms, which often require prolonged antibiotic therapy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a potential treatment, either as a primary intervention or adjunctive therapy, for conditions such as acute enteritis (e.g., canine parvovirus), dysbiosis, and chronic enteropathies. However, its application to modulate the microbiota and reduce inflammation in granulomatous colitis, potentially leading to longer intervals between relapses, remains an area of ongoing investigation. This is a case report of a French Bulldog diagnosed with ulcerative colitis accompanied by dysbiosis and refractory to standard treatments but sensitive and partially responsive to amikacin. The patient achieved control and sustained improvement in fecal scoring following fecal transplantation. This approach prevented the need for additional antibiotic therapy, ensuring clinical amelioration alongside microbiome restoration. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ultra-diluted complex on the health status, growth performance, and blood parameters of dairy calves during the preweaning phase in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. During a 75-period trial, thirty-four Holstein newborn calves at the second day of life were completely randomized individually into two treatments: (1) control (CON), oral saline supplementation (5 mL/d); and (2) oral supplementation with 5 mL/d of a ultra-diluted complex (UD): Sulfur: ${10}^{60}$ + Viola tricolor: ${10}^{14}$ + Caladium seguinum: ${10}^{30}$ + Zincum oxydatum: ${10}^{30}$ + Phosphorus: ${10}^{60}$ + Cardus marianus: ${10}^{60}$ + Colibacillinum: ${10}^{30}$ + Podophyllum: ${10}^{30}$ + Vehicle: alcohol. Free access to water and a starter was ensured during the trial period. Feed intake and fecal and health scores were monitored daily. Calves were weighed and measured weekly. Blood samples were collected at enrollment on the first day and every 21 days until the 75th day, 2 h after morning milk feeding, and tested for hematology, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total protein albumin, globulin, and creatinine. At 70 days of age, calves were disbudded following the standard management practices of the farm. The inflammatory profile, including Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin G, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, and haptoglobin, was quantified in serum samples. The ultra-diluted complex was ineffective in reducing the incidence of diseases, starter feed intake, daily weight gain, and body measurements and inflammatory profile. Blood parameters were also not affected. Thus, the ultra-diluted complex was inefficient in reducing the incidence of diseases and did not affect the performance and metabolites of pre-weaned Holstein calves. Full article

The aim of this research was to assess welfare indicators in different dairy cow management systems, determine the prevalence of parasitic infections, and examine the impact of these infections on welfare indicators. This study was conducted in 2024 on 45 Holstein-Friesian cows aged 2 to 6 years (first to third lactation) in Northern Serbia. Monitoring was carried out in tie stall, loose, and pasture-based systems, covering three production phases: late dry period, clinical puerperium, and peak lactation. Cow welfare was evaluated using the Welfare Quality^® protocol, and parasitological diagnostics from fecal samples. Identified welfare issues included a low body condition score (BCS), dirtiness of udders, flanks, and legs, integument alterations, nasal and ocular discharge, lameness, and diarrhea. Cows in the pasture-based system had significantly higher scores for dirtiness (p < 0.001), while those in tie stalls showed more integument alterations (p < 0.001). Loose-housed cows had higher nasal discharge scores (p < 0.001). Parasites identified included Eimeria spp., Buxtonella sulcata, gastrointestinal strongylids, Moniezia spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, and Paramphistomum spp. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) were found between certain welfare indicators and parasite infections, such as a low BCS with Eimeria oocysts and nasal discharge and hairless patches with Buxtonella sulcata and Dicrocoelium dendriticum. These data indicate needs for improving dairy cows’ welfare and the implementation of effective parasite control measures in all housing systems. Full article

Protein production through precision fermentation is an attractive option to reduce animal use in food production. This study focused on the safety and digestibility of food containing a test ingredient, brewed lamb protein (Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing a lamb protein), at inclusion levels of 0% (control), 15%, 30%, or 40% were evaluated over 182 days in 40 dogs. No significant differences in body weight, body condition score, body composition, physical examination, food intake, or urinary parameters were observed among groups. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were within reference ranges and were largely similar among groups. Levels of chloride, cholesterol, and homocysteine were significantly lower at some time points in dogs fed the test ingredient foods compared with the control food, but all remained within reference ranges. Whole blood taurine levels indicated no deficiency. Alanine aminotransferase levels were above the normal range at Day 177 in dogs in the control and 15% test ingredient groups. Fecal score was slightly decreased in dogs fed the 30% or 40% test ingredient foods, and fecal pH was decreased in dogs fed any of the test ingredient foods. Digestibility of most parameters was similar among foods, but apparent fat digestibility was significantly lower in foods with the test ingredient. Overall, these results indicate that the test ingredient is safe for use in dog food. Full article

The impact of ZnO as a feed additive on growth-performance and intestinal function of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-infected piglets remains unclear. Fecal scores of piglets in ETEC group were significantly increased compared to control group. ETEC K88 significantly damages the small intestine, including a reduction in villus height in the jejunum, duodenum, and ileum, and a decrease in total superoxide dismutase activity in the jejunum and catalase activity in the ileum and jejunum. Compared to control group, ETEC K88 infection significantly elevated the mRNA level of gene IL-1β and the level of ileal epithelial cell apoptosis. ZnO administration significantly alleviated these negative effects and improved the antioxidative capability of the ileum. Moreover, ZnO supplementation alleviated the imbalance of gut microbiota by restoring the reduced amount of Enterococcus and Lactobacillus in the jejunum, Clostridium in the ileum, and Lactobacillus in the cecum, as well as the increased amount of total eubacteria in the ileum and Enterococcus in the cecum induced by the ETEC K88 infection. In conclusion, ZnO administration can reduce the diarrhea of piglets infected with ETEC K88 by reducing the structural damage of the intestine, attenuating intestinal oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis, and modulating the gut microbiota. Full article

The respiratory health of preweaned calves is an important determinant of their health, welfare, and future performance. This prospective cohort study measured bovine respiratory disease (BRD) on 16 dairy farms, including 476 calves in South-west England. Wisconsin and California respiratory scoring and thoracic ultrasonography were performed repeatedly at 7 ± 0.89 day intervals (mean ± SD) at 0–56 days of age (n = 3344 examinations). Cases were localized to the upper or lower respiratory tract, or both, and classified as new, repeat, or chronic. Prevalence and incidence were calculated. Multivariate modeling of factors associated with repeated measurements was performed. Increasing age (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.06) and fecal score (Score 2, OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.14–2.77) were associated with a lower odds of a healthy BRD subtype, whereas increasing serum total protein (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.99) was protective. Older (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.09), male (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.01–2.84) calves with elevated Wisconsin respiratory scores (≥5, OR 5.61, 95% CI 3.38–9.30) were more likely to have elevated thoracic ultrasound scores. BRD remains common in calves born in UK dairy herds, requiring precise identification and management if preweaning health is to be optimized. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) containing a blend of herbs, plant extracts and essential oils from the Lamiaceae, Schisandraceae, Zingiberaceae and Fabaceae families on the fecal score, intestinal histomorphology and fecal excretion of F4-fimbriated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (F4-ETEC) in post-weaning piglets. Thirty 31-day-old weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three treatment groups. The positive control (PC) group received colistin via drinking water from d 8 to 14 post-weaning and the same basal diet as the negative control (NC) group; the treatment group received the basal diet with PFA supplementation (1 g/kg of feed). The experiment lasted 21 days. At day 9 post-weaning, all piglets were orally administered 3.0 × 10¹⁰ CFU/piglet of the F4-ETEC strain. The PC piglets had higher fecal consistency than the NC and PFA piglets. PFA supplementation resulted in a lower percentage of piglets excreting F4-ETEC in the feces on days 4–7 post-challenge than in the NC group (p < 0.05) but a higher percentage versus the PC group on day 3–7 post-challenge (p < 0.05). The number of goblet cells (GCs) in the jejunum of the PFA piglets was higher than the NC and PC piglets (p < 0.01). The GC density in the jejunum of the PFA piglets was larger than in the PC piglets (p < 0.05) and similar to the NC piglets (p > 0.10). Mucus thickness in the jejunum of the PFA piglets was similar to the NC piglets and PC piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, PFA supplementation to the F4-ETEC-challenged piglets reduced the prevalence of fecal E. coli excretion and improved jejunal histomorphology. Full article

The purpose of this study was to assess the practical implications of supplementing soluble fiber in the diet of dogs. Dogs with a history of managed or active chronic enteropathy were randomized to receive either wheat dextrin (fiber group) or maltodextrin (placebo group) mixed with food once daily for 28 days. Owners recorded a daily fecal score one week prior to and during the supplementation period. Shallow shotgun sequencing, quantitative PCR abundances of core bacterial taxa, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were performed on fecal samples collected before and after supplementation. Seventeen dogs completed the study (fiber group: nine dogs; placebo group: eight dogs). The change in fecal score differed between groups, with the fiber group developing softer stools (p = 0.03). Alpha diversity, quantified PCR abundances of the SCFA-producing taxa, and fecal SCFA concentrations were not different after supplementation in either group. Fecal microbial communities differed between baseline and day 28 for fiber and placebo groups (p = 0.02, respectively); however, the size effect (ANOSIM R = 0.18 and R = 0.26, respectively) was minimal. In this small group of dogs fed variable commercial diets, the additional intake of wheat dextrin powder supplement was well accepted, but had minimal discernable clinical benefit, and could soften stools. Full article

Two extruded diets isoenergetic, isonitrogenous, and isolipidic were formulated with poultry meal (control diet) as the source of animal-origin proteins (160 g/kg of feed) or with 90 g/kg of poultry meal and 70 g/kg of hydrolyzed feather meal (treated diet) and were fed to eight dogs (four adult female and four adult male English Setters). Body condition, muscle condition, and fecal consistency scores and body weight were monitored at the beginning of the trial and after 3, 7, 15, and 45 days, and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between diets and between sex. Fecal samples, collected at the same time points, were analyzed for microbiota composition. No significant difference was calculated for the alpha diversity index between control diet and treated diet, nor for the diets × times of sampling interaction and for sex. Beta diversity was different (p-value 0.001) between the control and treated groups. The beta diversity between sexes was significantly different (p-value = 0.047). Linear Discriminant analysis effect size analysis revealed significant differences between dietary groups, identifying Clostridiales, Coprococcus, Bacteroides plebeius, Eubacterium biforme, Catenibacterium, and Prevotella copri as more abundant in the CTR diet, while Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Fusobacteriaceae, Paraprevotellaceae, Enterococcus, Faecalibacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Clostridium spiroforme were more abundant in the treated diet. Sex differences were also significant, with 25 taxa differing between male and female dogs. Overall, the study underscores the impact of HFM and sex on gut microbiota composition in dogs, with potential implications for dietary interventions and microbiome research. Full article

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy among children. An oral food challenge (OFC) remains a mainstay of the diagnosis of CMA, especially for the non-IgE-mediated type; however, this test can be risky and time-consuming. Hence, there is a need to identify biomarkers. Fecal calprotectin (FC) showed variable results, with good reliability and reproducibility in CMA patients. In this prospective study, we enrolled 76 children (aged 5–18 months) with CMA-related gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms following guidelines from the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Clinical assessments included history, physical examination, skin prick tests, and IgE assays. FC levels and the Cow’s Milk Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) were measured in 51 patients pre (T1) and post-diet (T2), with a subgroup analysis of 15 patients with elevated baseline FC (>50 mg/kg). The results showed that FC levels significantly decreased after the elimination diet (median: 30 mg/kg at T1, 16 mg/kg at T2; p < 0.01). In the subgroup with higher FC levels, median values dropped from 90 mg/kg to 33 mg/kg (p < 0.01). CoMiSS also improved (median: 8.50 at T1, 3.00 at T2; p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between FC values and the CoMiSS at T1 and T2. In conclusion, the reduction in FC value after an elimination diet suggests that it could be considered a possible biomarker of bowel inflammation in CMA patients. Further studies are necessary to confirm these data and to evaluate and standardize the use of FC for diagnosis and follow-up of CMA. Full article

Background: The complex interaction between the gut and urinary microbiota underscores the importance of understanding microbial dysbiosis in pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI). However, the literature on the gut–urinary axis in pediatric UTIs is limited. This systematic review aims to summarize the current literature on the roles of gut and urinary dysbiosis in pediatric UTIs. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across four databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. All studies published between January 2003 and December 2023 utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing to profile the gut or urinary microbiome in children with UTIs were included. Heat map visualization was used to compare microbial profiles between UTI and control cohorts. The methodological quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). Results: Eight studies were included in this review. While five studies compared the microbiota signatures between patients and controls, three studies focused solely on the UTI cohort. Also, the gut and urinary microbiome profiles were investigated by four studies each. The consistent loss of microbiome alpha-diversity with an enrichment of specific putative pathobiont microbes was observed among the included studies. Escherichia coli consistently emerged as the predominant uropathogen in pediatric UTIs. In addition to this, Escherichia fergusonii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Shigella flexneri were isolated in the urine of children with UTIs, and enrichment of Escherichia, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus was demonstrated in the gut microbiota of UTI patients. On the contrary, certain genera, such as Achromobacter, Alistipes, Ezakiella, Finegoldia, Haemophilus, Lactobacillus, Massilia, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Ureaplasma, were isolated from the controls, predominantly in the fecal samples. The methodological quality of the included studies was variable, with total scores (NOS) ranging from 5 to 8. Conclusions: The enrichment of specific pathobionts, such as Escherichia coli, in the fecal or urinary samples of the UTI cohort, along with the presence of core microbiome-associated genera in the non-UTI population, underscores the critical role of the gut–urinary axis in pediatric UTI pathogenesis. These findings highlight the potential for microbiome-based strategies in pediatric UTIs. Further studies with larger cohorts, standardized healthy controls, and longitudinal profiling are essential to validate these observations and translate them into clinical practice. Full article

Calf diarrhea is a prevalent and significant health issue in dairy farming, severely impacting feed intake, weight gain, and survival rates in young calves. This study aimed to investigate the microbial composition and antibiotic resistance profiles of diarrheic calves to provide insights into the epidemiology and management of the condition. The prevalence of diarrhea in 1685 calves was analyzed. Rectal fecal samples were collected from five healthy and five diarrheic Holstein calves on a large dairy farm in Shaanxi Province, China. High-throughput 16S-rRNA sequencing and PCR were utilized for microbial and resistance gene analysis. In 2023, the overall diarrhea rate among 1685 calves was 9.08%, with a significantly higher diarrhea rate during the suckling period (8.13%) compared to the post-weaning period (0.95%) (p < 0.001). No differences in species diversity and richness were detected among the different groups. However, LEfSe analysis identified six genera (Eubacterium, Eubacteriaceae, Prevotella, Comamonadaceae, Comamonas, and Firmicutes) significantly enriched in diarrheic calves compared to healthy ones (LDA scores > 2, p < 0.05). Additionally, antibiotic resistance genes for quinolones, β-lactams, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides were detected, with significantly higher prevalence in diarrheic calves. These findings demonstrate distinct microbial and antibiotic resistance profiles between healthy and diarrheic calves, emphasizing the importance of microbial management in controlling calf diarrhea. Full article

Background/Objectives: Transanal irrigation (TAI) has been recognized as a safe and effective treatment for neurological bowel dysfunction, chronic constipation or fecal incontinence and has also been proposed for patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of TAI in patients with significant LARS symptoms. Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and guidelines in addition to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023436839). The risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. The main outcome was improvement in low anterior resection syndrome after TAI assessed by change in LARS score. Results: After an initial screening of 3703 studies, 9 were included and underwent qualitative synthesis (among them, 3 were randomized clinical trials). All studies recorded an improvement in LARS score following TAI procedure and almost all studies showed an improvement in other bowel function outcomes (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument (MSKCC BFI, ), Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS), visual analog scale (VAS), Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS), fecal incontinence score (FI score), Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) score) and quality of life (QoL) scores. The discontinuation rate ranged from 0% to 41%. The rate of adverse events was high (from 0 to 93%); moreover, no uniformity was found in the various protocols used among the different studies. Conclusions: The results of this review show that TAI is effective in the treatment of LARS, improving the LARS score, the other bowel function outcomes and the QoL scores. The absence of a treatment protocol validated by the scientific community is reflected in the high disparity in terms of adverse events and discontinuation of therapy, in addition to representing an intrinsic limitation to the study itself. Full article

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is a major cause of pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Vaccination is an effective public health strategy and Angola implemented it in 2014. This hospital-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RVA infection and the severity of AGE in children under five years of age treated at six hospitals in Luanda Province. Between April 2021 and May 2022, 1251 fecal samples were screened by an immunochromatographic rapid test (SD Bioline). Data on socio-demographic profile, nutritional status, and clinical assessment were obtained. The association of RVA infection and AGE severity with possible risk factors was evaluated with a binary logistic regression model. Overall, the detection rate was 57.8% and girls tend to be more often infected than boys (55.2%). Infection was more common in the youngest group (1 to 6 months, 60.3%). Important sources of RVA infection were drinking water kept in tanks (57.9%) and private sanitary facilities with piped water (61%). Surprisingly, according to the Vesikari Scale score, the most severe symptoms were observed in children vaccinated with two doses (80.7%). RVA prevalence remains high despite vaccination, and further studies should address the association between infection sources and disease severity, as well as the causes underlying vaccine (un)effectiveness. Full article