Captive Breeding and Trichomonas gallinae Alter the Oral Microbiome of Bonelli's Eagle Chicks.

Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) is an endangered raptor species in Europe, and trichomonosis is one of the menaces affecting chicks at nest. In this paper, we attempt to describe the oral microbiome of Bonelli's eagle nestlings and evaluate the influence of several factors, such as captivity breeding, Trichomonas gallinae infection, and the presence of lesions at the oropharynx. The core oral microbiome of Bonelli's eagle is composed of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla, and Megamonas and Bacteroides as the most abundant genera. None of the factors analysed showed a significant influence on alfa diversity, but beta diversity was affected for some of them. Captivity breeding exerted a high influence on the composition of the oral microbiome, with significant differences in the four most abundant phyla, with a relative increase of Proteobacteria and a decrease of the other three phyla in comparison with chicks bred at nest. Some genera were more abundant in captivity bred chicks, such as Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Clostridium and Staphylococcus, while Bacteroides, Oceanivirga, Peptostreptococcus, Gemella, Veillonella, Mycoplasma, Suttonella, Alloscardovia, Varibaculum and Campylobacter were more abundant in nest raised chicks. T. gallinae infection slightly influenced the composition of the microbiome, but chicks displaying trichomonosis lesions had a higher relative abundance of Bacteroides and Gemella, being the last one an opportunistic pathogen of abscess complications in humans. Raptor's microbiomes are scarcely studied. This is the first study on the factors that influence the oral microbiome of Bonelli's eagle.

Metataxonomic and immunological analysis of milk from ewes with or without a history of mastitis.

Mastitis is a highly prevalent condition that has a great impact on milk production and animal welfare, and often requires substantial management efforts. For this reason, it is generally considered an important threat to the dairy industry. Many microbial, host, and environmental factors can protect against, predispose to, or influence the development of mastitis. The objective of this work was to characterize the milk microbiota of Manchega ewes, and to compare samples from animals with and without a history of mastitis. We analyzed milk samples from 36 ewes belonging to 2 different farms (18 ewes from each farm) using culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques. We also analyzed several immune compounds to investigate associations of mastitis with 3 main variables: farm; history of mastitis or no mastitis; and parity number. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques showed that ewe milk harbored a site-specific complex microbiota and microbiome. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the main species driving the difference between farm A (where it was the dominant species) and B (where it was not). In contrast, samples from farm B were characterized by the presence of a wide spectrum of other coagulase-negative staphylococci. Some of these species have already been associated with subclinical intramammary infections in ruminants. Of the 10 immune compounds assayed in this study, 3 were related to a history of mastitis [IL-8, IFN-γ, and IFN-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10)]. Increases in IL-8 concentrations in milk seemed to be a feature of subclinical mastitis in sheep, and in this study, this immune factor was detected only in samples from ewes with some episodes of mastitis and from the group with the highest somatic cell count. We also observed a positive correlation between the samples with the highest somatic cell count and IFN-γ and IP-10 levels. Our results suggest that these 3 compounds could be used as biomarkers for the negative selection of mastitis-prone animals, particularly when somatic cell count is very high.

[Lung cancer presenting as cystic lesions. Report of eight cases]. / Presentación atípica de neoplasia pulmonar: lesiones quísticas pulmonares "no siempre benignas".

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary cystic nodules are a relatively frequent finding in chest computed tomography (CT). There is a possible association between this finding and lung cancer. AIM: To report eight patients with malignant lung cystic lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of images in a CT database from 2007 to 2015, looking for cystic lesions of the lung with wall thickening, whose pathological diagnosis was lung cancer. RESULTS: We identified eight patients with cystic nodules aged 44 to 77 years, of which five were women. Six were active and two former smokers. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in seven cases and squamous cell in one. The mean diameter of the cystic lesions was 11.5 mm. The mean diagnostic delay time was 871 days (range 0-1592). The main finding was a gradual thickening of the nodule walls. CONCLUSIONS: The presentation of lung cancer as cystic nodules is uncommon. In this series, the change in morphology due to a thickening of the walls with or without a diameter increase, was the clue for the diagnosis.

[Correlation in radiological bone age determination using the Greulich and Pyle method versus automated evaluation using BoneXpert software]. / Correlación en la determinación de la edad ósea radiológica mediante el método de Greulich y Pyle versus la evaluación automatizada utilizando el software BoneXpert.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of correlation in the radiological bone age assessment using the Greulich and Pyle method versus automated assessment through BoneXpert® software between 2013 and 2016. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Correlation study of diagnostic techniques of 1500 carpal X-rays to assess bone age in patients under 16 years of age from Clínica Alemana de Santiago. X-rays with bone age assessment using the Atlas of Greulich and Pyle (GP) by 1 out of 7 pediatric radiologists, were analyzed using the BoneXpert (BE) software for automated bone age assessment. 100 cases were taken at random for analysis/re-analysis using the BoneXpert method to determine its accuracy. The level of correlation of the measurements was analyzed using the correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) and the variability of the measurements using the Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: 1493 cases were assessed, seven were excluded due to failure in the X-ray technique, 922 females (61.8%), with a median chronological age of 9.96 years and 11.12 years for males (p 0.001). The correlation between manual bone age (GP) and automated bone age using BoneXpert method among radiologists ran ged from 0.91 to 0.93. The Bland-Altman analysis indicated an average difference between manual bone age and bone age using the BoneXpert method of 0.19 years (CI 0.13 to 0.25). In the analysis/ re-analysis of 100 random cases using the BoneXpert software, the correlation was 1.00 (100% accu racy). CONCLUSION: The automated analysis using BoneXpert allows for standardized, low-variability, and high-concordance assessment.

Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori is difficult nowadays because of its high resistance. The prevalence and mechanism of resistance, the different methods to detect it and the clinical implication of resistance were addressed in several research papers last year. RECENT FINDINGS: Clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori has been recognized by the WHO as 'high priority', for which new antibiotics are needed. Moreover, the Maastricht consensus recommended, in areas with high resistance, that susceptibility tests should be performed, at least after a treatment failure. SUMMARY: Metronidazole and clarithromycin resistance rates are alarming although they vary among populations. Tetracycline and amoxicillin-resistance are very low in most countries. H. pylori resistance can be detected by phenotypic or by molecular methods. Different break points may be used when performing an antimicrobial susceptibility test, so comparing resistance among different populations is challenging. Genomic techniques open new possibilities in the diagnosis of H. pylori, and the detection of H. pylori and its antimicrobial resistance in faeces is an interesting approach. Eradication rates are dependent on the susceptibility of the strain to metronidazole and clarithromycin, being lower in patients infected with a resistant strain.

Characterization of a Ligilactobacillus salivarius Strain Isolated from a Cheese Seal Which Was Last Used in 1936.

Cheesemaking played a pivotal role in the life of the Pyrenean villages where cheese was a most prized commodity and the subject of much local competition. In one of them (Sasa de Sobrepuerto), Mrs. Sebastiana Palacio decided in 1877 to label all the cheeses made in her household with a seal to differentiate them from those made by other local producers. The cheese seal was last used in 1936 and, since then, it has been kept under excellent storage conditions. Since well-preserved cheese seals are rare, and bacterial cells may survive desiccation for long periods, the objective of this work was to isolate and characterize any lactic acid bacteria that survived in the seal. Analysis of the milky crust material revealed the presence of sheep caseins. Culture-based analysis led to the isolation of a strain of Bacillus licheniformis and a strain of Ligilactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius SP36). The latter was characterized in vitro for safety and dairy-related functional properties. Its genome encodes several genes involved in protein, peptide, and amino acid catabolism, and flavor. Overall, the phenotypic and genetic features of this strain support a high potential for being used as adjunct culture in cheesemaking.

Volatile N-nitrosamines in Spanish commercial meat products and in fermented sausages prepared with different ingoing amounts of nitrate and nitrite.

Spanish commercial dry fermented sausages and dry hams, manufactured with and without nitrate and/or nitrite have been screened for volatile N-nitrosamine (VNA) content. VNAs have been also quantified in experimental fermented sausages prepared with known ingoing amounts of curing salts. Solid phase microextraction followed by tandem quadrupole gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ-MS) analysis allowed the identification and quantification of 8 VNAs, 5 of which were detected in the samples. The highest concentration of VNAs found in the commercial products was 5.4 µg/kg. The most frequently detected VNAs were N-nitrosodiphenylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis did not show correlation between the content of VNAs and the use of nitrate/nitrite in the formula. In the experimental sausages N-nitrosodiphenylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine were only detected (0.55 µg/kg total concentration) when 150 mg/kg of both nitrate and nitrite were added to the formula without any antioxidant. The levels of VNAs detected in this study are similar to those reported in the literature in different fermented meat products and dry hams.

Evaluation of Safety and Beneficial Health Effects of the Human-Milk Strain Bifidobacterium breve DSM32583: An Infant Pilot Trial.

Human milk promotes the growth of bifidobacteria in the infant gut. Adding bifidobacterial species to infant formula may contribute to increasing their presence in the gut of formula-fed infants. Therefore, the safety and anti-infectious effects of Bifidobacterium breve DSM32583, a breast milk isolate, were assessed in a pilot trial involving 3-month-old infants. The infants were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PG) or the control (CG) groups. All the infants consumed the same formula, although it was supplemented with the strain (1 × 107 cfu/g of formula) in the PG. Overall, 160 infants (80 per group) finished the intervention. Infants in CG gained more weight compared to PG (p < 0.05), but the weights for age Z-scores at 6 months were within the normal distribution for this age group. The rates of infections affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and antibiotic therapy were significantly lower in the PG. The bifidobacterial population and the level of short-chain fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) in the fecal samples of PG infants. No adverse events related to formula consumption were observed. In conclusion, the administration of an infant formula with B. breve DSM32583 was safe and exerted potential beneficial effects on gut health.

Composition and Functional Properties of the Edible Spear and By-Products from Asparagus officinalis L. and Their Potential Prebiotic Effect.

Asparagus is a healthy food appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics, nutritional composition and physiological properties. During its industrial processing, a large amount of by-products are generated, since only the apical part of the vegetable is considered edible and a large amount of by-products are generated that could be of nutritional interest. Therefore, the nutritional composition of the edible part and the two by-products of the plant (root and stem) was evaluated, including dietary fiber, inulin, low-molecular-weight carbohydrates, low-molecular-weight polyphenols and macromolecular polyphenols. The hydration properties, oil retention capacity, glucose retardation index and impact on bacterial growth of both probiotic bacteria and pathogenic strains were determined. All samples were high in fiber (>22 g/100 g dw), fructans (>1.5 g/100 g dw) and polyphenolic compounds (>3 g/100 g dw) and had good water-, oil- and glucose-binding capacity. In addition, they promoted the growth of probiotic strains but not pathogenic ones. The effects were more pronounced in the spear by-product samples and appear to be related to the components of dietary fiber. The results indicate that edible spear has potential beneficial effects on host health and microbiota when ingested as part of a healthy diet, while the by-products could be used as supplements and/or as natural ingredients in fiber-enriched foods that require emulsification and are intended to achieve a prebiotic effect.

Application of Ligilactobacillus salivarius SP36, a Strain Isolated from an Old Cheese Seal, as an Adjunct Culture in Cheesemaking.

Adjunct cultures originating from artisanal cheese environments may play an important role in recreating and developing traditional cheese flavours, thanks to their enzymatic activities, involved in different metabolic pathways that occur during cheese ripening. In this work, Ligilactobacillus salivarius SP36, a strain isolated from an old cheese seal, was added as an adjunct culture to the cheese's raw milk, and its effect on the microbiological, physical-chemical and sensory characteristics of the cheese was studied. The use of L. salivarius SP36 in cheese manufacturing had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the cheese microbiota, gross composition (fat percentage, protein, total solids, moisture and NaCl concentration), colour or texture of the cheese. However, L. salivarius SP36 increased (p < 0.01) the formation of 25 volatile compounds, including 10 esters, 1 aldehyde, 8 alcohols and 6 carboxylic acids. In addition, cheeses made with L. salivarius SP36 received higher scores (p < 0.01) for aroma intensity and quality than control cheeses. L. salivarius SP36 proved to be a good candidate as an adjunct culture for cheesemaking, since it improved the cheese flavour by making it more intense and recovering typical sensorial notes of traditional cheeses.

Metataxonomic and Immunological Analysis of Feces from Children with or without Phelan-McDermid Syndrome.

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors. Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiota and neuropsychiatric conditions, including PMS. This study aimed to investigate the fecal microbiota and immune profiles of children with PMS compared to healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected from children diagnosed with PMS and age-matched healthy controls. The bacterial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified through gas chromatography. Immunological profiling was conducted using a multiplex cytokine assay. Significant differences were observed in the gut microbiota composition between PMS patients and controls, including a lower abundance of key bacterial genera such as Faecalibacterium and Agathobacter in PMS patients. SCFA levels were also reduced in PMS patients. Immunological analysis revealed higher levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PMS group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The findings indicate that children with PMS have distinct gut microbiota and SCFA profiles, which may contribute to the gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental symptoms observed in this syndrome. These results suggest potential avenues for microbiota-targeted therapies in PMS.

Immunomodulation of the Vaginal Ecosystem by Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 Improves Pregnancy Rates among Women with Infertility of Unknown Origin or Habitual Abortions.

In this study, the probiotic potential of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 was assessed, including properties specifically related with gynecological targets. This strain displayed co-aggregative and antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of vaginal pathogens while being respectful with the growth of vaginal lactobacilli. The strain produced a high concentration of lactic acid and displayed α-amylase activity when assayed in vitro. It showed a noticeable survival rate after exposition to conditions similar to those present in the human digestive tract and was adhesive to both vaginal and intestinal cells. Subsequently, their capacity to increase pregnancy rates among women with habitual abortion or infertility of unknown origin was studied. Administration of L. salivarius CECT 30632 (~9 log10 CFU) daily for a maximum of six months to these women was safe and led to a successful pregnancy rate of 67.5% (80% and 55% for women with repetitive abortion and infertile women, respectively). Significant differences in Nugent score, vaginal pH, and vaginal concentrations of lactobacilli, TGF-ß, and VEFG were observed when the samples collected before the intervention were compared with those collected after the treatment among those women who got pregnant. Therefore, this strain can modulate the vaginal ecosystem and lead to better fertility outcomes.

Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Status and Aging on the Nasal and Fecal Immunological Profiles of Elderly Individuals Living in Nursing Homes.

In the frame of SARS-CoV-2 infection, studies regarding cytokine profiling of mucosal-related samples are scarce despite being the primary infection sites. The objective of this study was to compare the nasal and fecal inflammatory profiles of elderly individuals living in a nursing home highly affected by COVID-19 (ELD1) with those of elderly individuals living in a nursing home with no cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection (ELD2) and, also, with those of healthy SARS-CoV-2-negative younger adults (YHA). BAFF/TNFSF13B, IL6, IL10 and TNF-α (immunological hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 infection) were the only immune factors whose concentrations were different in the three groups. Their highest concentrations were achieved in the ELD1 group. Nasal and fecal concentrations of a wide number of pro-inflammatory cytokines were similar in the ELD1 and ELD2 groups but higher than those found in the YHA samples. These results reinforce the hypothesis that immunosenescence and inflammaging rendered the elderly as a highly vulnerable population to a neo-infection, such as COVID-19, which was evidenced during the first pandemic waves.

Nutritional composition of green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), edible part and by-products, and assessment of their effect on the growth of human gut-associated bacteria.

Asparagus is considered a healthy food with a high content of bioactive compounds. In this study, the proximate and mineral composition, non-digestible carbohydrates and bioactive compounds of edible spear, spear by-product and root have been evaluated. Their activity on the growth of human gut-associated bacteria has been studied. The results support the high nutritional and functional value of the asparagus, including its by-products, highlighting the potential of the non-edible parts to be used as prebiotics. A remarkable content in xylose, inulin, flavonoids and saponins has been found. It has been shown that the spear by-product can be selectively used to promote the growth of commensal or probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains. It has been confirmed that any part of the asparagus has a potential future as a healthy food or as health-promoting ingredients, however more work is required to identify the compounds able to modulate the human gut microbiota.

A randomized pilot trial assessing the reduction of gout episodes in hyperuricemic patients by oral administration of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632, a strain with the ability to degrade purines.

Introduction: Hyperuricemia and gout are receiving an increasing scientific and medical attention because of their relatively high prevalence and their association with relevant co-morbidities. Recently, it has been suggested that gout patients have an altered gut microbiota. The first objective of this study was to investigate the potential of some Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains to metabolize purine-related metabolites. The second objective was to evaluate the effect of administering a selected potential probiotic strain in individuals with a history of hyperuricemia. Methods: Inosine, guanosine, hypoxanthine, guanine, xanthine, and uric acid were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The uptake and biotransformation of these compounds by a selection of L. salivarius strains were assessed using bacterial whole cells and cell-free extracts, respectively. The efficacy of L. salivarius CECT 30632 to prevent gout was assessed in a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial involving 30 patients with hyperuricemia and a history of recurrent gout episodes. Half of the patients consumed L. salivarius CECT 30632 (9 log10 CFU/day; probiotic group; n = 15) for 6 months while the remaining patients consumed allopurinol (100-300 mg/daily; control group; n = 15) for the same period. The clinical evolution and medical treatment received by the participants were followed, as well as the changes in several blood biochemical parameters. Results: L. salivarius CECT 30632 was the most efficient strain for inosine (100%), guanosine (100%) and uric acid (50%) conversion and, therefore, it was selected for the pilot clinical trial. In comparison with the control group, administration of L. salivarius CECT 30632 resulted in a significant reduction in the number of gout episodes and in the use of gout-related drugs as well as an improvement in some blood parameters related to oxidative stress, liver damage or metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Regular administration of L. salivarius CECT 30632 reduced serum urate levels, the number of gout episodes and the pharmacological therapy required to control both hyperuricemia and gout episodes in individuals with a history of hyperuricemia and suffering from repeated episodes of gout.

Comparison of the Fecal Bacteriome of HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Older Adults.

HIV infection is considered a scenario of accelerated aging. Previous studies have suggested a link between aging, frailty, and gut dysbiosis, but there is a knowledge gap regarding the HIV population. Our objective was to compare the fecal bacteriome of older people with HIV (PWH) and non-HIV controls, and to assess potential links between gut dysbiosis and frailty. A total of 36 fecal samples (24 from PWH and 12 from non-HIV controls) were submitted to a metataxonomic analysis targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. High-quality reads were assembled and classified into operational taxonomic units. Alpha diversity, assessed using the Shannon index, was higher in the control group than in the HIV group (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of the genus Blautia was higher in the HIV group (p < 0.001). The presence of Blautia was also higher in PWH with depression (p = 0.004), whereas the opposite was observed for the genus Bifidobacterium (p = 0.004). Our study shows shifts in the composition of the PWH bacteriome when compared to that of healthy controls. To our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting a potential link between depression and gut dysbiosis in the HIV population.

Maternal Diet Determines Milk Microbiome Composition and Offspring Gut Colonization in Wistar Rats.

Mother's milk contains a unique microbiome that plays a relevant role in offspring health. We hypothesize that maternal malnutrition during lactation might impact the microbial composition of milk and affect adequate offspring gut colonization, increasing the risk for later onset diseases. Then, Wistar rats were fed ad libitum (Control, C) food restriction (Undernourished, U) during gestation and lactation. After birth, offspring feces and milk stomach content were collected at lactating day (L)4, L14 and L18. The V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to characterize bacterial communities. An analysis of beta diversity revealed significant disparities in microbial composition between groups of diet at L4 and L18 in both milk, and fecal samples. In total, 24 phyla were identified in milk and 18 were identified in feces, with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteroidota and Bacteroidota collectively representing 96.1% and 97.4% of those identified, respectively. A higher abundance of Pasteurellaceae and Porphyromonas at L4, and of Gemella and Enterococcus at L18 were registered in milk samples from the U group. Lactobacillus was also significantly more abundant in fecal samples of the U group at L4. These microbial changes compromised the number and variety of milk-feces or feces-feces bacterial correlations. Moreover, increased offspring gut permeability and an altered expression of goblet cell markers TFF3 and KLF3 were observed in U pups. Our results suggest that altered microbial communication between mother and offspring through breastfeeding may explain, in part, the detrimental consequences of maternal malnutrition on offspring programming.

Ligilactobacillus salivarius MP100 as an Alternative to Metaphylactic Antimicrobials in Swine: The Impact on Production Parameters and Meat Composition.

The metaphylactic use of antimicrobials in swine farms contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which constitutes a major challenge for public health. Alternative strategies are required to eradicate their routine use. In a previous study, metaphylactic antimicrobials were replaced by the administration of Ligilactobacillus salivarius MP100 to sows and piglets for two years. This practice positively modified the fecal microbiota and metabolic profiles in the farm. In this work, the farm dataset was used to compare the productivity-related parameters between a 2-year period of routine metaphylactic antibiotherapy and the first 2 years of a replacement with the probiotic strain. The probiotic period improved these productivity-related parameters, from litter size to growth performance. In addition, samples of Longissimus lumborum, including skin and subcutaneous fat, were obtained from the animals ingesting the probiotic strain and controls (metaphylactic antibiotherapy) and analyzed for their pH, water holding capacity, composition, and metabolic profiling. The probiotic intake did not negatively affect the meat composition and was associated with an increase in inosine concentration and a slight tendency for increasing the intramuscular fat content. These factors are considered as biomarkers of meat quality. In conclusion, the substitution of metaphylactic antimicrobials with the administration of the probiotic strain was associated with beneficial productivity and meat quality outcomes.

A gut microbiome signature for HIV and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has emerged as an increasingly recognized problem among people living with HIV (PLWH). The gut-liver axis is considered to be strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of MASLD. We aimed to characterize the gut microbiota composition in PLWH and MASLD and compare it with that of two control groups: PLWH without MASLD and individuals with MASLD without HIV infection. Methods: We collected clinical data and stool samples from participants. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were amplified, sequenced, and clustered into operational taxonomic unit. Alpha diversity was studied by Shannon and Simpson indexes. To study how different the gut microbiota composition is between the different groups, beta diversity estimation was evaluated by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. To further analyze differences in microbiome composition we performed a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe). Results: We included 30 HIV+MASLD+, 30 HIV+MASLD- and 20 HIV-MASLD+ participants. Major butyrate producers, including Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospira dominated the microbiota in all three groups. Shannon's and Simpson's diversity metrics were higher among MASLD+ individuals (Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.047). Beta diversity analysis showed distinct clustering in MASLD-, with MASLD+ participants overlapping regardless of HIV status (ADONIS significance <0.001). MASLD was associated with increased homogeneity across individuals, in contrast to that observed in the HIV+NAFDL- group, in which the dispersion was higher (Permanova test, p value <0.001; ANOSIM, p value <0.001). MASLD but not HIV determined a different microbiota structure (HIV+MASLD- vs. HIV+MASLD+, q-value = 0.002; HIV-MASLD+ vs. HIV+MASLD+, q-value = 0.930; and HIV-MASLD+ vs. HIV+MASLD-, q-value < 0.001). The most abundant genera in MASLD- were Prevotella, Bacteroides, Dialister, Acidaminococcos, Alloprevotella, and Catenibacterium. In contrast, the most enriched genera in MASLD+ were Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, Holdemanella, Blautia, and Lactobacillus. Conclusions: We found a microbiome signature linked to MASLD, which had a greater influence on the overall structure of the gut microbiota than HIV status alone.

Effect of Nosema ceranae infection and season on the gut bacteriome composition of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera).

Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite that infects honeybees' gut altering the digestive functions; therefore, it has the potential of affecting the composition of the gut microbiome. In this work, individual bees of known age were sampled both in spring and autumn, and their digestive tracts were assessed for N. ceranae infection. Intestinal microbiome was assessed by sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in two different gut sections, the anterior section (AS; midgut and a half of ileum) and the posterior section (PS; second half of ileum and rectum). A preliminary analysis with a first batch of samples (n = 42) showed that AS samples had a higher potential to discriminate between infected and non-infected bees than PS samples. As a consequence, AS samples were selected for subsequent analyses. When analyzing the whole set of AS samples (n = 158) no changes in α- or ß-diversity were observed between infected and non-infected bees. However, significant changes in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes appeared when a subgroup of highly infected bees was compared to the group of non-infected bees. Seasonality and bees' age had a significant impact in shaping the bacteriome structure and composition of the bees' gut. Further research is needed to elucidate possible associations between the microbiome and N. ceranae infection in order to find efficient strategies for prevention of infections through modulation of bees' microbiome.