Weissella sp. SNUL2 as potential probiotics with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.

Probiotics have been applied to a wide range of bacteria, causing gastrointestinal and vaginal infections. However, probiotics generally possess limited antimicrobial spectra and are primarily utilized as dietary supplements. Recognizing the need for more versatile probiotics, this study focuses on isolating and characterizing strains suitable for antibiotic replacement. Among these strains, Weissella sp. SNUL2, derived from a traditional fermented food in Korea (i.e., Sikhae), emerged as a promising candidate. The correlation between optical density at 600 nm and colony-forming units was verified and applied in subsequent experiments. To assess the therapeutic potential of probiotics, antibacterial tests were conducted using a microplate reader to evaluate the inhibition of 60 bacterial strains (including common foodborne pathogens) induced by Weissella sp. SNUL2 cell-free supernatant (CFS). The results confirmed its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties compared to previously known probiotics. Furthermore, enzymatic treatment with proteinases (trypsin and pepsin) and a time-kill assay were conducted to elucidate the nature of the antibacterial substance in Weissella sp. SNUL2 CFS. Through sequential chromatography involving gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, specific fractions with enhanced antibacterial properties were identified. LC-MS/MS analysis of the secretome fraction revealed the presence of various proteins from the C39 family, peptidoglycan endopeptidases, and N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase domain-containing protein precursors. Hence, the combined action of these proteins may contribute to Weissella sp. SNUL2's broad antimicrobial activity.

Tailored Meal-Type Food Provision for Diabetes Patients Can Improve Routine Blood Glucose Management in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Crossover Study.

This study aimed to determine whether patients with type 2 diabetes can benefit from a meal plan designed based on diabetes management guidelines to improve blood glucose levels. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group consumed a diabetic diet for 2 weeks, while the control group consumed their normal diet. After 2 weeks, the groups switched their dietary regimens. The participants' demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated, including factors such as blood pressure, blood lipid levels, weight and waist circumference, blood glucose levels (self-monitored and continuously monitored), nutritional status, and blood-based markers of nutrient intake. The dietary intervention group improved waist circumference, body fat percentage, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and glucose. The energy composition ratio of carbohydrates and proteins changed favorably, and sugar intake decreased. In addition, the proportion of continuous glucose monitoring readings within the range of 180-250 mg/dL was relatively lower in the intervention group than that of the control group. Meals designed based on diabetes management guidelines can improve clinical factors, including stable blood glucose levels in daily life, significantly decrease the carbohydrate energy ratio, and increase the protein energy ratio. This study can help determine the role of dietary interventions in diabetes management and outcomes.

Comparison of Health Status and Life Satisfaction According to Food Security in Single-Person Households of Elderly Population.

This study analyzed the 2019 Community Health Survey data to compare and analyze the health levels and life satisfaction of single-person elderly households based on food security. The final study subjects were 15,606 single-person elderly individuals aged 65 and above. These subjects were classified based on their response to food security into three groups: food sufficient-diverse, food sufficient-not diverse, and food insufficient. The study results showed that the proportion of the food insufficient group among single-person elderly households was 7.4% for men and 10.6% for women, with a slightly higher rate for female elderly. Both male and female elderly over 80 years of age, with low education levels, and basic living support recipients showed significantly higher proportions in the sufficient-not diverse and food insufficient groups. For male elderly, significant differences were observed in subjective health status and oral health level in the food insufficient group, and for female elderly, stress levels also showed significant differences. Life satisfaction scores were generally lower for female elderly compared to male, and significant differences were found in both male and female elderly based on food security. Common factors that significantly influence life satisfaction among single-person elderly households, both male and female, include food security, subjective health status, and living environment satisfaction, with food security being the most impactful factor. The study suggests that it is necessary to include these significant factors in the development of various social activity programs, such as dietary programs, to enhance life satisfaction and food security of single-person elderly households.