Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 (DSM 33500) is an effective strategy for managing vaginal dysbiosis, rising the lactobacilli population.

AIM: The present study is a single-centre, randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 (DSM 33500) strain, orally administrated, to treat vaginal dysbiosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Overall, 80 women, with signs and symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis, were enrolled and allocated to the treatment group (A, n=60), who took 1 capsule of the probiotic strain for 10 consecutive days, or the non-treatment group (B, n=20), who did not receive any treatment. Clinical (vaginal signs and symptoms; pH of the vaginal fluid; Amsel criteria; Nugent score; Lactobacillary grade) and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline (T0), 10 days (T1), and 30 (T2) days after the oral administration of the probiotic TOM 22.8 strain. The latter resulted in a restoration of the physiological pH, accompanied by remission or attenuation of clinical signs and symptoms as well as the improvement of the quality of life (QoL). Microbiological data revealed a significant reduction of potentially pathogenic bacteria. CONCLUSION: The administration of the L. rhamnosus TOM 22.8 probiotic strain could be proposed as an effective strategy for the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis.

Current challenges of microalgae applications: exploiting the potential of non-conventional microalgae species.

The intensified attention to health, the growth of an elderly population, the changing lifestyles, and the medical discoveries have increased demand for natural and nutrient-rich foods, shaping the popularity of microalgae products. Microalgae thanks to their metabolic versatility represent a promising solution for a 'green' economy, exploiting non-arable land, non-potable water, capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and solar energy. The interest in microalgae is justified by their high content of bioactive molecules, such as amino acids, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids (as ω-3 fatty acids), pigments (as ß-carotene, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, phycocyanin, zeaxanthin and lutein), or mineral elements. Such molecules are of interest for human and animal nutrition, cosmetic and biofuel production, for which microalgae are potential renewable sources. Microalgae, also, represent effective biological systems for treating a variety of wastewaters and can be used as a CO2 mitigation approach, helping to combat greenhouse gases and global warming emergencies. Recently a growing interest has focused on extremophilic microalgae species, which are easier to cultivate axenically and represent good candidates for open pond cultivation. In some cases, the cultivation and/or harvesting systems are still immature, but novel techniques appear as promising solutions to overcome such barriers. This review provides an overview on the actual microalgae cultivation systems and the current state of their biotechnological applications to obtain high value compounds or ingredients. Moreover, potential and future research opportunities for environment, human and animal benefits are pointed out. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Olive Mill Wastewater Fermented with Microbial Pools as a New Potential Functional Beverage.

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) represents a by-product but also a source of biologically active compounds, and their recycling is a relevant strategy to recover income and to reduce environmental impact. The objective of the present study was to obtain a new functional beverage with a health-promoting effect starting from OMWW. Fresh OMWW were pre-treated through filtration and/or microfiltration and subjected to fermentation using strains belonging to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Candida boidinii and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. During fermentation, phenolic content and hydroxytyrosol were monitored. Moreover, the biological assay of microfiltered fermented OMWW was detected versus tumor cell lines and as anti-inflammatory activity. The results showed that in microfiltered OMWW, fermentation was successfully conducted, with the lowest pH values reached after 21 days. In addition, in all fermented samples, an increase in phenol and organic acid contents was detected. Particularly, in samples fermented with L. plantarum and C. boidinii in single and combined cultures, the concentration of hydroxytyrosol reached values of 925.6, 902.5 and 903.5 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, biological assays highlighted that fermentation determines an increase in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of OMWW. Lastly, an increment in the active permeability on Caco-2 cell line was also revealed. In conclusion, results of the present study confirmed that the process applied here represents an effective strategy to achieve a new functional beverage.

Metabolomic and Transcriptional Profiling of Oleuropein Bioconversion into Hydroxytyrosol during Table Olive Fermentation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the bioconversion of oleuropein into low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds in two selected Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, namely, C11C8 and F3.5, under stress brine conditions and at two different temperatures (16°C and 30°C). For this purpose, we adopted an experimental strategy that combined high-resolution mass spectrometry, in silico functional analysis of glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1)-encoding candidate genes, and gene expression studies. The oleuropein hydrolysis products and the underlying enzymatic steps were identified, and a novel putative bgl gene was detected, using seven strains belonging to the same species as controls. According to metabolomic analysis, a new intermediate compound (decarboxymethyl dialdehydic form of oleuropein aglycone) was revealed. In addition, strain C11C8 showed a decrease in the oleuropein content greater than that of the F3.5 strain (30% versus 15%) at a temperature of 16°C. The highest increase in hydroxytyrosol was depicted by strain C11C8 at a temperature of 30°C. PCR assays and sequencing analyses revealed that both strains possess bglH1, bglH2, and bglH3 genes. Furthermore, a reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay showed that bglH3 is the only gene transcribed under all tested conditions, while bglH2 is switched off in strain C11C8 grown at cold temperatures, and no transcription was detected for the bglH1 gene. The bglH3 gene encodes a 6-phospho-ß-glucosidase, suggesting how phospho-ß-glucosidase activity could belong to the overall metabolic strategy undertaken by L. plantarum to survive in an environment poor in free sugars, like table olives. IMPORTANCE In the present study, a new candidate gene, bglH3, responsible for the ß-glucosidase-positive phenotype in L. plantarum was detected, providing the basis for the future marker-assisted selection of L. plantarum starter strains with a ß-glucosidase-positive phenotype. Furthermore, the ability of selected strains to hydrolyze oleuropein at low temperatures is important for application as starter cultures on an industrial scale.

Coating Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG in Alginate Systems: an Emerging Strategy Towards Improved Viability in Orange Juice.

Fruit juices are successfully proposed as suitable probiotic vehicles, but researchers' efforts should be developed to avoid effects of bacteria overgrowing on sensory and nutritional cues of final products and to preserve viability of probiotic bacteria during storage. In the present study, encapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG strain in alginate systems was performed through ionotropic gelation technology. The alginate systems were optimized by using Box-Behnken Design to investigate the influence of three independent variables at three different levels: particle mean size and polydispersity index. The optimized probiotic-loaded alginate particles were added to orange juice samples. The viability of the probiotic strain, both as free and microencapsulated, was evaluated in orange juice stored at 5°C for 35 days. Morphology and size of probiotic-loaded alginate particles were found suitable for incorporation into juice. TEM analysis revealed that unloaded systems were clustered as nanoparticles (CL_NP), while the loaded sample appeared as a coated system (Coated_LGG). Microbiological evaluation revealed that the encapsulation assured the survival of Coated_LGG, with a reduction of less than 1-unit log in cellular density after 35 days of refrigerated storage in orange juice. Results indicated that the encapsulated bacteria did not affect the macroscopic properties neither the microbiological characteristic of orange juice; thus, it can be proposed as functional food.

FoodOmics as a new frontier to reveal microbial community and metabolic processes occurring on table olives fermentation.

Table olives are considered the most widespread fermented food in the Mediterranean area and their consumption is expanding all over the world. This fermented vegetable can be considered as a natural functional food thanks to their high nutritional value and high content of bioactive compounds that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers. The presence of bioactive compounds is strongly influenced by a complex microbial consortium, traditionally exploited through culture-dependent approaches. Recently, the rapid spread of omics technologies has represented an important challenge to better understand the function, the adaptation and the exploitation of microbial diversity in different complex ecosystems, such as table olives. This review provides an overview of the potentiality of omics technologies to in depth investigate the microbial composition and the metabolic processes that drive the table olives fermentation, affecting both sensorial profile and safety properties of the final product. Finally, the review points out the role of omics approaches to raise at higher sophisticated level the investigations on microbial, gene, protein, and metabolite, with huge potential for the integration of table olives composition with functional assessments.

Polyphasic approach to study physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of artisanal Nicastrese goat's cheese.

Nicastrese goat's cheese is produced in the South of Italy under traditional procedures, from raw goat milk without any starter cultures addition. Samples from milk to ripened cheese provided by 4 different farms were subjected to a polyphasic approach to study their physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics. In addition, volatile organic compounds formation in the final products was studied. Overall, gross composition and microbiological data revealed a significant variability among samples, which was confirmed by both the volatile organic compounds generated in the final products and by the sensorial data. Conventional technique allowed us to identify 720 isolates, mainly belonging to Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Enterococcus faecalis. Culture-independent methods revealed shifts in the microbial community structure, with an increase in biodiversity of metabolically active bacterial species, from milk to cheese samples. Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) allowed the identification of 36 compounds; free fatty acids and ketones represented the main detected, followed by alcohols and esters. Moreover, statistical analysis was performed in order to correlate VOCs to bacterial species. Data showed that ester compounds as well as alcohol and aldehydes were positively correlated to NSLAB, indicating that the occurrence of L. casei, L. plantarum and L. brevis species is relevant for the VOCs formation in the final product.

Microbiota and metabolome during controlled and spontaneous fermentation of Nocellara Etnea table olives.

This study is aimed to investigate bacterial community and its dynamics during the fermentation of Nocellara Etnea table olives and to study its effect on metabolome formation. Six different combination of bacterial cultures (BC1-BC6) were used as starters for table olive fermentation and one additional process, conducted without addition of any starters, was used as control (C). The processes were conducted in triplicate and, overall, 21 vessels were performed at industrial scale. The fermentation was monitored for 120 days through culture-dependent and -independent approaches. Microbial counts of the main microbial groups revealed slight differences among brine samples, with the exception of LAB counts and Enterobacteriaceae, which were higher and lower, respectively, in most of the inoculated samples than the control ones. In addition, results demonstrated that the use of bacterial cultures (except the BC1), singly or in different combinations, clearly influenced the fermentation process reducing the final pH value below 4.50. When microbiota was investigated through sequencing analysis, data revealed the presence of halophilic bacteria and, among lactobacilli, the dominance of Lactobacillus plantarum group at the initial stage of fermentation, in all brine samples, except in the BC5 in which dominated Lactobacillus casei group. At 60 and 120 days of fermentation, an overturned bacterial ecology and an increase of biodiversity was observed in all samples, with the occurrence of Lactobacillus paracollinoides, Lactobacillus acidipiscis and Pediococcus parvulus. Correlation between bacterial OTU and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) revealed that, aldehydes and alcohol compounds exhibited a positive correlation with Proteobacteria, while several esters with LAB and Hafnia. In particular, esters, associated with fruity and floral notes, were positively correlated to L. paracollinoides, L. acidipiscis, and P. parvulus species. Although the VOCs amounts were sample-specific, overall aldehydes were mostly produced at the beginning of the fermentation, while acids, alcohols and esters at the end of the process.

Influence of PDO Ragusano cheese biofilm microbiota on flavour compounds formation.

The objectives of the present study were to characterize the biofilm microbiota of 11 different farms (from A to K), producing PDO Ragusano cheese, and to investigate on its ability to generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in milk samples inoculated with biofilm and incubated under Ragusano cheese making conditions. The biofilms were subjected to plate counting and PCR/T/DGGE analysis and the VOCs generated in incubated milk samples were evaluated through SmartNose, GC/O, and GC/MS. Streptococcus thermophilus was the dominant species both in biofilms and in incubated milks. Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus and Leuconostoc were also identified. Low levels of Pseudomonas spp. and yeasts counts were detected, whereas coliforms, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., were never found. SmartNose and GC/O analyses were able to differentiate incubated milk samples on the basis of the odour compounds, highlighting that samples E and F overlapped and sample C was clearly separated from the others. These results complied with those acquired by GC/MS analysis, that detected in total 20 VOCs. Principal component analysis showed positive correlations (r > 0.6; P < 0.05) between some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and VOCs: such as Enterococcus hirae with alcohols, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus delbrueckii with aldehydes, and Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus hilgardii with ketones. This work demonstrates that biofilm represents an excellent source of LAB biodiversity, which contribute to generate VOCs during the production of PDO Ragusano cheese.

Bacterial biota of women with bacterial vaginosis treated with lactoferrin: an open prospective randomized trial.

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is the most frequent condition associated to the vaginal microbiota imbalance, affecting about the 40-50% of women in the world. Even if antibiotics are effcetive for bacterial vaginosis treatment a long-term recurrence rates, higher than 70%, is recorded. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein with bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. It owns the ability to protect the host against infection, by binding and regulating the iron needed for the bacterial proliferation. Objective: The present study was an open prospective randomized trial (registration no. SHI-EVE-2014.01) aimed at characterizing the bacterial biota of women affected by bacterial vaginosis (BV) and assessing the effects of two different lactoferrin concentrations (100 mg and 200 mg vaginal pessaries) on the composition and dynamics of the vaginal bacterial biota. Design: Sixty women with BV were recruited and randomized into two groups to receive lactoferrin pessaries for 10 days. Clinical evaluation was based on Amsel criteria and Nugent scores. Culture-dependent methods and Ion Torrent PGM sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene were applied to study in depth the overall structure of the vaginal bacterial biota and its dynamics during the treatment. Results: Vaginal lactoferrin administration modified the vaginal microbiota composition in patients with BV. During treatment, both 100 mg and 200 mg lactoferrin vaginal pessaries significantly decreased the occurrence of bacteria associated with BV, such as Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Lachnospira, and increased the occurrence of Lactobacillus species. The bacterial biota balance was maintained up to 2 weeks after treatment only in women treated with 200 mg lactoferrin pessaries. Conclusions: This study indicates that lactoferrin could be proposed as an alternative therapeutic approach for BV. Our data showed, for the first time, the dominance of Lactobacillus helveticus species during and after vaginal lactoferrin treatment.

A large factory-scale application of selected autochthonous lactic acid bacteria for PDO Pecorino Siciliano cheese production.

The main hypothesis of this study was that the autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) selected for their dairy traits are able to stabilize the production of PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) Pecorino Siciliano cheese, preserving its typicality. The experimental plan included the application of a multi-strain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture, composed of starter (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CAG4 and CAG37) and non starter (Enterococcus faecalis PSL71, Lactococcus garviae PSL67 and Streptococcus macedonicus PSL72) strains, during the traditional production of cheese at large scale level in six factories located in different areas of Sicily. The cheese making processes were followed from milk to ripened cheeses and the effects of the added LAB were evaluated on the microbiological, chemico-physical and sensorial characteristics of the final products. Results highlighted a high variability for all investigated parameters and the dominance of LAB cocci in bulk milk samples. The experimental curds showed a faster pH drop than control curds and the levels of LAB estimated in 5-month ripened experimental cheeses (7.59 and 7.27 Log CFU/g for rods and cocci, respectively) were higher than those of control cheeses (7.02 and 6.61 Log CFU/g for rods and cocci, respectively). The comparison of the bacterial isolates by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR evidenced the dominance of the added starter lactococci over native milk and vat LAB, while the added non starter LAB were found at almost the same levels of the indigenous strains. The sensory evaluation showed that the mixed LAB culture did not influence the majority of the sensory attributes of the cheeses and that each factory produced cheeses with unique characteristics. Finally, the multivariate statistical analysis based on all parameters evaluated on the ripened cheeses showed the dissimilarities and the relationships among cheeses. Thus, the main hypothesis of the work was accepted since the quality parameters of the final cheeses were stabilized, but all cheeses maintained their local typicality.

Comparative genomic and functional analysis of 100 Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains and their comparison with strain GG.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a lactic acid bacterium that is found in a large variety of ecological habitats, including artisanal and industrial dairy products, the oral cavity, intestinal tract or vagina. To gain insights into the genetic complexity and ecological versatility of the species L. rhamnosus, we examined the genomes and phenotypes of 100 L. rhamnosus strains isolated from diverse sources. The genomes of 100 L. rhamnosus strains were mapped onto the L. rhamnosus GG reference genome. These strains were phenotypically characterized for a wide range of metabolic, antagonistic, signalling and functional properties. Phylogenomic analysis showed multiple groupings of the species that could partly be associated with their ecological niches. We identified 17 highly variable regions that encode functions related to lifestyle, i.e. carbohydrate transport and metabolism, production of mucus-binding pili, bile salt resistance, prophages and CRISPR adaptive immunity. Integration of the phenotypic and genomic data revealed that some L. rhamnosus strains possibly resided in multiple niches, illustrating the dynamics of bacterial habitats. The present study showed two distinctive geno-phenotypes in the L. rhamnosus species. The geno-phenotype A suggests an adaptation to stable nutrient-rich niches, i.e. milk-derivative products, reflected by the alteration or loss of biological functions associated with antimicrobial activity spectrum, stress resistance, adaptability and fitness to a distinctive range of habitats. In contrast, the geno-phenotype B displays adequate traits to a variable environment, such as the intestinal tract, in terms of nutrient resources, bacterial population density and host effects.

Exploring the Relationship between Ovarian Cancer and Genital Microbiota: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a significant health challenge globally, with high mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. Emerging research suggests a potential link between OC development and genital dysbiosis, implicating alterations in the microbiome composition as a contributing factor. To investigate this correlation, a meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, involving eight studies encompassing 3504 patients. Studies investigating the role of upper and inferior genital tract dysbiosis were included, with particular reference to HPV infection and/or history of pelvic inflammatory disease. The analysis revealed no significant difference in genital dysbiosis prevalence between OC patients and healthy controls. Although previous literature suggests associations between dysbiosis and gynecologic cancers, such as cervical and endometrial cancers, the findings regarding OC are inconclusive. Methodological variations and environmental factors may contribute to these discrepancies, underscoring the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale studies. Despite the limitations, understanding the microbiome's role in OC development holds promise for informing preventive and therapeutic strategies. A holistic approach to patient care, incorporating microbiome monitoring and personalized interventions, may offer insights into mitigating OC risk and improving treatment outcomes. Further research with robust methodologies is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between dysbiosis and OC, potentially paving the way for novel preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Comparative genomic and functional analysis of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains marketed as probiotics.

Four Lactobacillus strains were isolated from marketed probiotic products, including L. rhamnosus strains from Vifit (Friesland Campina) and Idoform (Ferrosan) and L. casei strains from Actimel (Danone) and Yakult (Yakult Honsa Co.). Their genomes and phenotypes were characterized and compared in detail with L. casei strain BL23 and L. rhamnosus strain GG. Phenotypic analysis of the new isolates indicated differences in carbohydrate utilization between L. casei and L. rhamnosus strains, which could be linked to their genotypes. The two isolated L. rhamnosus strains had genomes that were virtually identical to that of L. rhamnosus GG, testifying to their genomic stability and integrity in food products. The L. casei strains showed much greater genomic heterogeneity. Remarkably, all strains contained an intact spaCBA pilus gene cluster. However, only the L. rhamnosus strains produced mucus-binding SpaCBA pili under the conditions tested. Transcription initiation mapping demonstrated that the insertion of an iso-IS30 element upstream of the pilus gene cluster in L. rhamnosus strains but absent in L. casei strains had constituted a functional promoter driving pilus gene expression. All L. rhamnosus strains triggered an NF-κB response via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in a reporter cell line, whereas the L. casei strains did not or did so to a much lesser extent. This study demonstrates that the two L. rhamnosus strains isolated from probiotic products are virtually identical to L. rhamnosus GG and further highlights the differences between these and L. casei strains widely marketed as probiotics, in terms of genome content, mucus-binding and metabolic capacities, and host signaling capabilities.

A Comprehensive Study on Antibiotic Resistance among Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) Strains Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Food Served in Bars and Restaurants.

The present study aimed to characterize and assess the diversity of CoNS strains as potential vectors for the spread of resistance to antimicrobial agents from RTE foods served in bars and restaurants. Eighty-five CoNS strains, obtained from 198 RTE food samples, were investigated. Sixty-seven CoNS isolates (78.8%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic tested, and 37 (43.5%) were multidrug resistant (MDR-CoNS). Moreover, CoNS strains contained genes conferring resistance to antibiotics critically important in medicine, i.e., ß-lactams [mecA (29.4%); blaZ (84.7%)], aminoglycosides [aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia (45.9%); aph(2″)-Ic (3.5%)], macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B-MLSB [msrA/B (68.2%); ermB (40%) and mphC (4.7%)], tetracyclines [tetK (31.8%); tetM (16.5%) and/or tetL (2.35%)]. We also found the fusB/C/D genes responsible for the acquired low-level fusidic acid resistance (17.6%) and streptogramin resistance determinant vgaA in 30.6% of isolates. In three linezolid resistant strains (2 S. epidermidis and 1 S. warneri), mutation was detected, as demonstrated by L101V and V188I changes in the L3 protein amino acid sequences. The high frequency in RTE food of MDR-CoNS including methicillin-resistant (MR-CoNS) strains constitutes a direct risk to public health as they increase the gene pool from which pathogenic bacteria can pick up resistance traits.

Inside Current Winemaking Challenges: Exploiting the Potential of Conventional and Unconventional Yeasts.

Wine represents a complex matrix in which microbial interactions can strongly impact the quality of the final product. Numerous studies have focused on optimizing microbial approaches for addressing new challenges to enhance quality, typicity, and food safety. However, few studies have investigated yeasts of different genera as resources for obtaining wines with new, specific traits. Currently, based on the continuous changes in consumer demand, yeast selection within conventional Saccharomyces cerevisiae and unconventional non-Saccharomyces yeasts represents a suitable opportunity. Wine fermentation driven by indigenous yeasts, in the various stages, has achieved promising results in producing wines with desired characteristics, such as a reduced content of ethanol, SO2, and toxins, as well as an increased aromatic complexity. Therefore, the increasing interest in organic, biodynamic, natural, or clean wine represents a new challenge for the wine sector. This review aims at exploring the main features of different oenological yeasts to obtain wines reflecting the needs of current consumers in a sustainability context, providing an overview, and pointing out the role of microorganisms as valuable sources and biological approaches to explore potential and future research opportunities.

Protective Effect of Treated Olive Mill Wastewater on Target Bacteria and Mitochondrial Voltage-Dependent Anion-Selective Channel 1.

Olive mill wastewater, a by-product of the olive oil industry, represents an important resource, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. In this study, two strategies to concentrate the bioactive components were used: the tangential membrane filtration (ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis) and the selective resin extraction. The concentrates were evaluated for physico-chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity and the effect on the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion selective channel 1 were evaluated. The chemical results highlighted that the highest concentration of hydroxytyrosol (as 7204 mg/L) was revealed in the sample obtained by inverse osmosis while the highest concentration of oleuropein (10005 mg/L) was detected in the sample obtained by resin extraction. The latter sample exhibited the highest antimicrobial effects against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both samples exhibited a high impact on the electrophysiological parameters of VDAC1 activity. These results showed that both valorization techniques, which can be reproduced at industrial scale, provided phenolic concentrates with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity useful for different future perspectives.

Effects of Dietary Enrichment with Olive Cake on the Thyroid and Adrenocortical Responses in Growing Beef Calves.

Agro-industrial by-products incorporated into livestock feed formulations can positively impact feed costs and promote a circular bio-economy. Italy produces significant amounts of olive cake (OC), a by-product of olive oil extraction, with the potential for incorporation into bovine diets. However, information on its effects on endocrine responses in growing beef calves is lacking. Forty-eight Limousines randomly allocated to dietary treatment (control or 10%-OC or 15%-OC inclusion) were segregated according to sex and body weight. Serum concentrations of TSH, thyroid hormones, and cortisol were measured on day 0, day 56, and at the end of the trial on day 147. Circulating TSH, total (T3, T4) and free (fT3, fT4) iodothyronines, and cortisol concentrations were all within the normal physiological ranges, with no significant effect imparted by diet. However, the diet × time interaction was significant for T3. The cortisol, T3, T4, and fT4 registered on day 147 were higher than those of day 56, and cortisol was higher in heifers than bulls. Final body weight was positively correlated with TSH and T3 and negatively with cortisol concentration. These findings suggest that the inclusion of OC at levels up to 15% in growing/finishing beef diets had no adverse effects on the calves' thyroid and cortical status.

Technological Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains for Potential Use in Cheese Manufacture.

A total of 26 lactic acid bacteria isolates from both Italian and Brazilian cheeses were tested for their use in cheesemaking. Isolates were screened for salt tolerance, exopolysaccharide and diacetyl production, lipolytic, acidifying, and proteolytic activities. In addition, the aminopeptidase (Pep N and Pep X) activities, were evaluated. Most of the strains demonstrated salt tolerance to 6% of NaCl, while only two L. delbruekii (P14, P38), one L. rhamnosus (P50) and one L. plantarum (Q3C4) were able to grow in the presence of 10% (w/v) of NaCl. Except for 2 L. plantarum (Q1C6 and Q3C4), all strains showed low or medium acidifying activity and good proteolytic features. Furthermore, lipolytic activity was revealed in none of the strains, while the production of EPS and diacetyl was widespread and variable among the tested strains. Finally, regarding aminopeptidase activities, 1 L. delbrueckii (P10), 1 L. rhamnosus (P50), and 1 L. lactis (Q5C6) were considered as the better performing, showing high values of both Pep N and Pep X. Based on data presented here, the aforementioned strains could be suggested as promising adjunct cultures in cheesemaking.