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Eimeria tenella and Eimeria bovis are complex parasites responsible for the condition of coccidiosis, that invade the animal gastrointestinal intestinal mucosa causing severe diarrhoea, loss of appetite or abortions, with devastating impacts on the farming industry. The negative impacts of these parasitic infections are enhanced by their role in promoting the colonisation of the gut by common foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to test the anti-Eimeria efficacy of maltodextrin, sodium chloride, citric acid, sodium citrate, silica, malic acid, citrus extract, and olive extract individually, in vitro and in combination, in vivo. Firstly, in vitro infection models demonstrated that antimicrobials reduced (p < 0.05), both singly and in combination (AG), the ability of E. tenella and E. bovis to infect MDBK and CLEC-213 epithelial cells, and the virulence reduction was similar to that of the anti-coccidial drug Robenidine. Secondly, using an in vivo broiler infection model, we demonstrated that AG reduced (p = 0.001) E. tenella levels in the caeca and excreted faeces, reduced inflammatory oxidative stress, improved the immune response through reduced ROS, increased Mn-SOD and SCFA levels. Levels of IgA and IgM were significantly increased in caecal tissues of broilers that received 0.5% AG and were associated with improved (p < 0.0001) tissue lesion scores. A prophylactic approach increased the anti-parasitic effect in vivo, and results indicated that administration from day 0, 5 and 10 post-hatch reduced tissue lesion scores (p < 0.0001) and parasite excretion levels (p = 0.002). Conclusively, our in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the natural antimicrobial mixture (AG) reduced parasitic infections through mechanisms that reduced pathogen virulence and attenuated host inflammatory events.

Campylobacter remains the most prevalent foodborne pathogen bacterium responsible for causing gastroenteritis worldwide. Specifically, this pathogen colonises a ubiquitous range of environments, from poultry, companion pets and livestock animals to humans. The bacterium is uniquely adaptable to various niches, leading to complicated gastroenteritis and, in some cases, difficult to treat due to elevated resistance to certain antibiotics. This increased resistance is currently detected via genomic, clinical or epidemiological studies, with the results highlighting worrying multi-drug resistant (MDR) profiles in many food and clinical isolates. The Campylobacter genome encodes a rich inventory of virulence factors offering the bacterium the ability to influence host immune defences, survive antimicrobials, form biofilms and ultimately boost its infection-inducing potential. The virulence traits responsible for inducing clinical signs are not sufficiently defined because several populations have ample virulence genes with physiological functions that reflect their pathogenicity differences as well as a complement of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) systems. Therefore, exhaustive knowledge of the virulence factors associated with Campylobacter is crucial for collecting molecular insights into the infectivity processes, which could pave the way for new therapeutical targets to combat and control the infection and mitigate the spread of MDR bacteria. This review provides an overview of the spread and prevalence of genetic determinants associated with virulence and antibiotic resistance from studies performed on livestock animals. In addition, we have investigated the relevant coincidental associations between the prevalence of the genes responsible for pathogenic virulence, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and transmissibility of highly pathogenic Campylobacter strains.

Mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed continues to pose significant challenges for animal health, food safety, and overall public health. In this study, we investigated the antifungal and antitoxigenic activities of hydro-alcoholic extracts and crude essential oils from Clove ( Syzygium aromaticum ), Cinnamon bark ( Cinnamomum verum ), Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ), Neem ( Azadirachta indica ), and Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum ). These plant-derived substances were evaluated both with and without the addition of kaolin clay, targeting major mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Fumonisin B1 (FB1) levels (Table 3). Our antifungal assays focused on Aspergillus flavus , A. niger , and Fusarium proliferatum . Among the tested agents, clove and cinnamon oils demonstrated the strongest antifungal properties, with clove oil providing consistent inhibition across all fungal species. Neem extracts exhibited moderate efficacy, particularly in lowering AFB1 concentrations. Notably, the incorporation of kaolin clay (1 mg/g feed) enhanced FB1 detoxification, especially when combined with ginger or clove oils. In contrast, fenugreek-derived products showed minimal antifungal or antitoxigenic effectiveness. These findings highlight the potential of certain plant-based products—namely clove, cinnamon, and neem—used in conjunction with kaolin clay as sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals for controlling mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed. Further research is recommended to optimize dosage and application strategies to maximize their efficacy.

The destructive impact of cardiovascular diseases on health, including heart failure, peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and other cardiac pathological conditions, positions these health conditions as leading causes of increased global mortality rates, thereby impacting the human quality of life. The considerable changes in modern lifestyles, including the increase in food intake and the change in eating habits, will unavoidably lead to an unbalanced consumption of essential fatty acids, with a direct effect on cardiovascular health problems. In the last decade, essential fatty acids have become the main focus of scientific research in medical fields aiming to establish their impact for preventing cardiovascular diseases and the associated risk factors. Specifically, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as omega 3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids from various sources are mentioned in the literature as having a cardio-protective role, due to various biological mechanisms that are still to be clarified. This review aims to describe the major biological mechanisms of how diets rich in essential fatty acids, or simply essential fatty acid administration, could have anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, anti-arrhythmic, antithrombotic, antioxidant, and anti-atherogenic effects. This review describes findings originating from clinical studies in which dietary sources of FAs were tested for their role in mitigating the impact of heart disorders in human health.

Some Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains cause translucent post-larvae disease (VpTPD), leading to significant economic losses in shrimp farming. We aimed to identify whether a mixture of natural antimicrobials, AuraAqua (Aq), can protect white-leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) against the lethal effects of VpTPD and to understand its biological mode of action. Herein, we demonstrate that Aq, an antimicrobial mixture composed of a blend of organic acids, citrus, and olive extracts, suppressed VpTPD virulence at sub-inhibitory concentrations and conferred robust protection to shrimp. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations against the VpTPD isolate were at 0.05% and 0.2%, respectively. At 0.05–0.1%, Aq reduced bacterial growth and downregulated six major virulence genes (vhvp-1, vhvp-2, vhvp-3, pirAVp, pirBVp, pirABVp), while leaving metabolic ldh expression unaltered. Parallel in vitro assays revealed diminished adhesion of VpTPD to primary shrimp gut and hepatopancreas epithelial cells and a ≈50% reduction in infection-induced extracellular H2O2, indicating an antioxidant effect. The treatment also triggered a time-dependent surge in extracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, consistent with membrane permeabilization. In vivo, a challenge of post-larvae with 104 CFU/mL VpTPD resulted in 91% mortality after 45 h; co-treatment with 0.1% and 0.2% Aq reduced mortality to ≈12% and ≈6%, respectively, while 1% Aq achieved ≈98% survival. The clinical protection test confirmed that 0.1% Aq preserved high survival across four pathogen inocula (101–104 CFU/mL). Conclusively, Aq destabilized the pathogen and therefore transcriptionally silenced multiple virulence determinants, translating into significant in-pond protection for controlling VpTPD for shrimp aquaculture.

The low profitability of small-scale dual-purpose (milk–meat) farming has caused the decline of Tsurcana sheep, making hormonal reproductive optimization essential to sustain Tsurcana sheep farming. We aimed to identify an effective protocol for out-of-season estrous induction in Tsurcana micro-farms. Five protocols were tested in multiparous ewes under free-range conditions (n = 100; 20/group): T1—prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on day 9/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on day 12; T2—PGF2α on day 9/pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on day 11; T3—PGF2α + PMSG on day 9/GnRH on day 12; T4—PGF2α on day 12/PMSG on day 13; T5—PMSG on day 13. The fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges were removed on day 9 (T1–T3), day 12 (T4), or day 13 (T5). The estrous responses (70–100%) mainly occurred 36–48 h post-sponge removal, with no differences between protocols or time points. The sponge losses (≤10%) were similar among groups. The occurrence of vaginitis differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.008) and was restricted to the long-duration treatments (T4 and T5; ≤10%). Singleton births predominated, the twinning rate was modest (highest in T1–T3), and no multiple births occurred. The lambing, singleton, twinning, and prolificacy rates, as well as birth weights, showed no significant differences between the groups. The estrous responses correlated strongly with the pregnancy, lambing, and singleton rates (Kendall’s τ = 0.82, p < 0.05). Cost analysis identified T1 as the most efficient protocol. Short-duration sponge retention combined with PGF2α and GnRH (T1) provides the optimal reproductive results for sustainable Tsurcana micro-farming.

The wooly cupgrass (Eriochloa villosa) is an invasive weed species originating from East Asia that rapidly expanded into agricultural and disturbed land. Its tolerance to herbicides and ecological adaptations enable it to become persistent and difficult to remove with limited control methods. This review synthesizes existing research on its distribution, biology, biochemistry, ecology, management and agricultural impact. Lipid synthesis inhibitor herbicides are reported to provide good results when applied early. Others such as Nicosulfuron and Foramsulfuron, although still effective in many populations, have been linked to emerging resistance in others. Chemical control is still widely used and developing resistance is an increasing concern, so various other control methods are also discussed and encouraged. Row crops such as corn (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycine max) are particularly vulnerable. Despite being problematic, this species presents potential as a medicinal plant as well as in phytoremediation. Regardless, numerous research gaps remain, particularly in chemical control, its economic impact, biochemical properties, community dynamics and distribution. We aim to provide a comprehensive basis for future research with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches in order to contain its spread as much as possible, as well as explore the benefits it may provide.

Chronic high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in male rats causes significant metabolic as well as inflammatory disturbances, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, liver and kidney dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hypothalamic dysregulation. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural polyphenol, administered at 10 mg and 100 mg/kg/day for the last 4 weeks of a 12-week HFD protocol. Both CGA doses reduced body weight gain, abdominal circumference, and visceral fat accumulation, with the higher dose showing greater efficacy. CGA improved metabolic parameters by lowering fasting glucose and insulin and enhancing lipid profiles. CGA suppressed orexigenic genes (Agrp, NPY) and upregulated anorexigenic genes (POMC, CARTPT), suggesting appetite regulation in the hypothalamus. In abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT), CGA boosted antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GPx, HO-1), reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA), and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β, while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. CGA modulated inflammatory signaling via upregulation of miR-146a and inhibition of IRAK1, TRAF6, and NF-κB. It also reduced apoptosis by downregulating p53, Bax, and Caspase-3, and restoring Bcl-2. These findings demonstrate that short-term CGA administration effectively reverses multiple HFD-induced impairments, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic for obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Honey is a traditional remedy, with its biologically active compounds being responsible for its properties. The aim of this study was to characterize linden honey from a physico-chemical point of view as well as its antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential. Two samples of linden honey with different origins were subjected to physico-chemical analyses, including the determination of water content, impurities, dry matter, acidity, pH, reducing sugar content, total phenol content, flavonoids, antioxidant potency by DPPH, and mineral content. The microbiological analysis involved determining the inhibition rates of microbial growth and the antibiotic capacity of linden honey against ten standardized bacterial strains and five bacterial strains isolated from patients. The analyzed linden honey can be characterized based on physico-chemical parameters as having a slightly increased water content, moderate acidity, rich in antioxidants, and a balanced pH. The average concentrations of macroelements and microelements in the honey samples showed that potassium was the dominant mineral element, followed by calcium and magnesium. The heavy metal content was consistent with European and international standards. The chemical content of linden honey influenced its antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential. In Gram-positive bacteria, inhibition rates were between 70.83 and 91.28% (sample A) and 71.14–90.16% (sample B) when applying concentration c1. For Gram-negative bacteria, values ranged between 63.91 and 78.30% (sample A) and 46.56–90.92% (sample B) at concentration c1. In bacterial strains isolated from patients, the inhibition rate values were between 75.42 and 85.69% (sample A) and 78.31–86.22% (sample B) when applying concentration c1. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential was highlighted in all bacterial strains studied, with differences occurring depending on the concentration of honey tested and the type of bacterial strain studied.

Background/Objectives: Clostridium perfringens is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of poultry, and it has the potential to induce cholangiohepatitis and necrotic enteritis (NE). The poultry industry suffers significant financial losses because of NE, and treatment becomes more challenging due to resistant C. perfringens strains. Methods: The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of cellulose nanocrystals/zinc oxide nanocomposite (CNCs/ZnO) were assesses against pan drug-resistant (PDR) C. perfringens isolated from chickens and turkeys using phenotypic and molecular assays. Results: The overall prevalence rate of C. perfringens was 44.8% (43.75% in chickens and 58.33% in turkeys). Interestingly, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of C. perfringens isolates revealed the alarming PDR (29.9%), extensively drug-resistant (XDR, 54.5%), and multidrug-resistant (MDR, 15.6%) isolates, with multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) indices ranging from 0.84 to 1. All PDR C. perfringens isolates could synthesize biofilms; among them, 21.7% were strong biofilm producers. The antimicrobial potentials of CNCs/ZnO against PDR C. perfringens isolates were evaluated by the agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, and the results showed strong antimicrobial activity of the green nanocomposite with inhibition zones’ diameters of 20–40 mm and MIC value of 0.125 µg/mL. Moreover, the nanocomposite exhibited a great antibiofilm effect against the pre-existent biofilms of PDR C. perfringens isolates in a dose-dependent manner [MBIC50 up to 83.43 ± 1.98 for the CNCs/ZnO MBC concentration (0.25 μg/mL)]. The transcript levels of agrB quorum sensing gene and pilA2 type IV pili gene responsible for biofilm formation were determined by the quantitative real time-PCR technique, pre- and post-treatment with the CNCs/ZnO nanocomposite. The expression of both genes downregulated (0.099 ± 0.012–0.454 ± 0.031 and 0.104 ± 0.006–0.403 ± 0.035, respectively) when compared to the non-treated isolates. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CNCs/ZnO nanocomposite’s antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against PDR C. perfringens isolated from chickens and turkeys.