The gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, is increasingly recognized as a critical player in cancer pathophysiology. Its influence extends beyond local gastrointestinal disorders to systemic diseases, including breast and colorectal cancers. This review examines current evidence on the interplay between gut microbial dysbiosis and the development, progression, and treatment response in both malignancies. In colorectal cancer (CRC), pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis have been implicated in tumor initiation and progression through mechanisms involving chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and immune modulation. Meanwhile, in breast cancer, the gut microbiome may contribute indirectly via regulation of estrogen metabolism, immune signaling, and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, the gut microbiota is increasingly being explored as a source of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring, as well as a modifiable factor that could enhance therapeutic efficacy. Interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modulation, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) hold promise in reprogramming the microbiome to support antitumor responses and reduce treatment-related toxicity. Despite the growing body of research, translating these findings into clinical application requires deeper mechanistic understanding and standardized methodologies. This review emphasizes the need for longitudinal and multi-omics studies to unravel causal relationships and identify therapeutic targets. Understanding gut microbiome dynamics offers exciting opportunities for developing microbiota-informed strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy—particularly in breast and colorectal cancers.
The microbial density and diversity, as well as the presence of aflatoxin in selected street vended-foods sold in FUTA campus was investigated in this study. Seven selected food samples viz; cooked rice, raw rice, garri, eba, peanut, suya and pap, were purchased from vendors at four popular locations around the school campus. The microbial load and diversity in the foods were analyzed using standard methods. The bacterial counts ranged from 3.1 x 104 CFU/ml to 4.9 x105 CFU /ml, with peanut sample having the highest count and cooked rice having the lowest count. Bacterial isolates belonging to eleven genera (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Listeria, Bacillus, Clostridium, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Escherichia) were obtained from the food samples. Mean Fungal counts of food samples ranged from 3.2 x 104 to 1.29 x106 SFU/ml. The fungi isolated include species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus and Candida. The high count of microorganisms coupled with the presence of Salmonella typhimurium and aflatoxins in some of the food samples portend danger to the consumers of such foods.
The cinematographic films are a reproduced version of reality and have become vital documents to study everything around us. For their preservation it is necessary to study the biodeterioration of these documents. The aims of this study were to characterize the biodeterioration caused mainly by microorganisms in two cinematographic films by applying molecular methodologies, electron microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy as well as to determine the enzymatic characterization of the fungal species isolated. From the Cuban Institute for Cinematographic Industry and Arts (ICAIC) the samples on two damaged cinematographic films were collected. The films were analyzed by different microscopic techniques, including the two types of electron microscopy. Also, the degradative potential of the isolated fungi was determined by qualitative evaluation of the enzymatic activities. A significant fungal colonization on both sides of the films and the damages caused by these microorganisms in the material were observed as well as the exoskeletons of dust mites of the families Tydeidae and Tarsonemidae as part of biofouling that were used as nutrients by the fungi. By epifluorescence microscopy was observed that some of the microorganisms were still viable and active. Using molecular biology techniques could be identified several species corresponding to the fungal genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Microascus as well as the bacteria genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Kocuria, which were responsible of the biodeterioration of these films. All isolated fungal species were capable to degrade the cellulose and gelatin as well as to excrete organic acids and pigments. Bacteria were detected in low concentrations as well as other biological agents, but it was observed that the films were being colonized by a high concentration of various fungal species with a significant biodeteriogenic potential, demonstrating that they were severely affecting the films.
This research was done to ascertain the effect of variation of factors and parameters in biogas production and their resultant effect in biogas yield. Co-digestion of pig and poultry dungs were used as substrate for anaerobic fermentation. Nine plastic container of 4 liter capacity were used to fabricate the bio-digester and hose used to connect them to wheelbarrow tubes for gas collection. The lingo-cellulose (the co-digested mixture of pig and poultry) was allowed to stay in the digester for 14 days pending when gas production will stop during the batch culture fermentation. Bovine blood, MgSO4 and Charcoal water were used as additives. For digester with blood, the cumulative gas production range for series 1, 2 and 3 are 0-74.4, 0-122.1 and 0-342.3 respectively. For the one with MgSO4, the range was 0-101.4, 0-180.7 and 0-262.3. For the last with charcoal water the range was 0-192, 0-290.3 and 0-373.3. The results shows that as the measure of the substrates as well as the additives increases, the gas production increases. This research recommend that bovine blood which contains nutrients; MgSO4 which increases catalyzes of the reaction and charcoal water which increases the carbon content of reaction should be used in biogas production.
The use of antimicrobials in poultry production accelerated the emergency and spread of antimicrobial resistance. AMR data of commensal resistant bacteria in chicken to antibiotics considered essential in animals and humans is lacking in poor countries. This study was conducted to determine the resistance patterns of E. coli, K. pnuemoniae, and ESBL producing bacteria to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins in healthy chickens, and to assess the risk that can be posed by resistant bacteria to humans. A cross-sectional and time series study was conducted to obtain faeces from healthy chickens from biosecurity level 1 and 2 poultry farms between May and September 2021. Bacterial isolates were identified by biochemical test. Disc diffusion method was used to test susceptibility of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and cefepime according to CLSI standard. A total of 200 pooled fresh faecal samples were collected; 189 samples were from biosecurity level 1 and 11 were from level 2. Similarly, 104 samples were collected from layers and 96 from broiler chickens. In total, 150 strains were isolated: 80 were from broiler samples; and 70 strains were from layer chicken samples. Overall, the prevalence of E. coli was 75%; and no K. pneumoniae was isolated. The resistance of E. coli was 63.3% against ciprofloxacin, 0.7% against ceftriaxone, and 0% against cefepime. No ESBL-producing E. coli was detected. This study revealed that resistance to fluoroquinolones is high and that of cephalosporins is emerging in poultry production. The risk associated with high prevalence of commensal E. coli is significant due to transmission of AMR to human via food and environmental contamination.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus generates severe respiratory tract complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis and mild symptoms such as common colds or asymptomatic conditions. The SARS-CoV-2 presence in human feces and in treated/untreated wastewater suggests a transmission way that could generate local outbreaks, in addition to other type of diseases or disorders. Based on the above, in this work it was proposed the assembly of a lateral flow device (LFD) to determine the SARS-CoV-2 presence in wastewater samples. In the LFD a wastewater sample capillary flowed through four membranes: sample zone, conjugate delivery zone, reaction zone and the reactive adsorption zone. The virus amplification was achieved by the novel reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) at the sampling point. The membranes preconditioning processes and the use of membranes with 5-20 nm porous size increased the capillary flow rate and it was promoted the interaction of the gen of SARS-CoV-2 with the capture agents in the reactive adsorption zone. Additionally, the sensibility of the detection was improved using several methods for the immobilization of the capture agents on the reaction zone membrane. The RT-LAMP method combined with the assembled LFD allowed an efficient SARS-CoV-2 detection at the sampling point in a simple way, cheap and fast compared to conventional and expensive RT-PCR.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical transmission of Enterococcus spp., resistant to antibiotics, using flies as dissemination vectors. In this work, 50 flies were captured, 25 in “La Llanada” community, in Cumaná and 25 others in the surroundings of the “Juan Otaola Rogliani” outpatient clinic and the central cemetery of Carúpano. The main families of flies captured in the state of Sucre were Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. The flies captured in Cumaná had fewer strains of Enterococcus spp., on the surface than those from Carúpano, while those from Cumaná were more colonized in the intestine than those from Carúpano. A total of 14 strains of Enterococcus were isolated, among which were E. faecium (6%), E. gallinarum (36%) and E. casseliflavus (58%). The susceptibility profile of E. casseliflavus strains is resistance to linezolid, tetracycline, erythromycin, rifampicin and intermediate susceptibility to fluoroquinolones; E. gallinarum strains were sensitive to rifampicin and tetracycline, and resistant to the other antibiotics. The only strain of E. faecium isolated in Carúpano, presented low level of resistance to vancomycin. It did not amplify for the glycopeptide resistance ligase genes vanA, vanB, vanD, vanE, or vanG. Antibiotypes IA and IV of E. caseliflavus were detected in both Carúpano and Cumaná.
Larvae of Lucilia eximia typically cause secondary myiasis, although they may induce primary myiasis in cats, dogs, and rabbits, possibly transitioning to strict parasitism. To gain a deeper understanding of its physiology larvae were fed with pH indicator dyes mixed with fresh fish to determine the pH of each region of the digestive tract. Glycosidase and protease activities were assessed in homogenates prepared from salivary glands and sections of the digestive tracts of third instar larvae. Excreted/secreted products were extracted from larval-digested fresh fish. Trypsin was the only protease detected in the midgut, absent in salivary glands. Predominant glycosidases identified were α-D-mannosidase and α-D-glucosidase, showing high activity in the midgut and only trace amounts in salivary glands. Lysozyme activity was high in the midgut but low in salivary glands, diverticulum, and excreted/secreted products. This study identifies the major digestive enzymes of L. eximia larvae.
Introduction: The article highlights the critical role of sustainable solid waste management (SWM) in agro ecosystems and emphasizes the need for effective microbial strains to improve waste management processes. It specifically focuses on isolating fungal strains from the phyllosphere of mangrove leaves in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India, during three different seasons. Materials & methods: After isolation, the fungal strains are preserved in laboratory conditions, and pure cultures are established to assess their abilities in decomposing various types of waste substances. Additionally, the study includes an enzyme assay to evaluate the enzymatic activities of the isolated fungal strains, specifically targeting amylase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. Result: The findings reveal that each isolated fungal strain exhibits unique enzyme production capabilities, with notable levels of amylase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. Moreover, the study suggests that employing multiple fungal strains together could prove effective for agricultural solid waste management and sustainable bioremediation technologies for future generations. Conclusion: Key findings from the study reveal that each isolated fungal strain exhibits distinct enzyme production capabilities, with significant levels of amylase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. The research suggests that utilizing a combination of multiple fungal strains could be highly effective for agricultural solid waste management and sustainable bioremediation technologies for future generations. This study significantly contributes to the development and improvement of sustainable technologies for solid waste management. It underscores the potential of fungal strains in waste decomposition and bioremediation processes, highlighting the importance of microbial biodiversity. The research encourages further exploration of novel fungal strains to discover more efficient waste management solutions.
Background: In 2021, India witnessed a resurgence in Coronavirus cases, marking the onset of the second wave of the pandemic, six months after the first wave peaked in September 2020. This study aims to investigate trends and disparities in COVID-19 case-fatality rates across various districts within the Union territory of Kashmir Division during the period of escalating cases after the decline of the initial wave. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a region of the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India. After obtaining necessary permissions, data collection took spanned from November 1, 2020, to May 8, 2021. Aggregated weekly data from various zones in India was collected during the study period and exploratory analysis was conducted. Results: The data analysis reveals that, from November 2020 to May 2021, COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir demonstrated fluctuating tendencies. Notably, there was a substantial surge in March 2020, especially in Srinagar, which suggests the possibility of localised breakouts or dynamics of transmission. Even though Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) positivity rates were originally low in all districts, by the end of the study period, they had significantly increased, particularly in Srinagar and Shopian. This suggests that the dynamics of virus transmission may have changed, either as a result of new variations or behavioural changes. Conclusion: Our findings highlight those disparities in case-fatality rates between districts, whether low or high, are significantly influenced by the number of confirmed cases. Case-fatality rates were highly impacted by variations in the testing accessibility, containment strategies, and healthcare infrastructure. The results highlight how crucial it is to allocate resources fairly and implement focused interventions in order to lessen the pandemic's effects and safeguard the region's public health.
