The literature presents a growing body of evidence demonstrating the positive effect of probiotics on health. Probiotic consumption levels are rising quickly in the world despite the fluctuation of their viability and functionality. Technological methods aiming at improving probiotic characteristics are thus highly wanted. However, microbial metabolic engineering toolbox is not available for this kind of application. On the other hand, basic microbiology teaches us that bacteria are able to exhibit adaptation to external stresses. It is known that adequately applied sub-lethal stress, i.e., controlled in amplitude and frequency at a given stage of the culture, is able to enhance microbial robustness. This property could be potentially used to improve the viability of probiotic bacteria, but some technical challenges still need to be overcome before any industrial implementation. This review paper investigates the different technical tools that can be used in order to define the proper condition for improving viability of probiotic bacteria and their implementation at the industrial scale. Based on the example of Bifidobacterium bifidum, potentialities for simultaneously improving viability, but also functionality of probiotics will be described.

Probiotics and related preparations, including synbiotics and postbiotics, are living and non-living microbial-based multi-components, which are now among the most popular bioactive agents. Such interests mainly arise from the wide range and numerous beneficial effects of their use for various hosts. The current minireview article attempts to provide an overview and discuss in a holistic way the concepts, methodologies, action mechanisms, and applications of probiotic-based multi-components in human, animal, plant, soil, and environment health. Probiotic-based multi-component preparations refer to a mixture of bioactive agents, containing probiotics or postbiotics as main functional ingredients, and prebiotics, protectants, stabilizers, encapsulating agents, and other compounds as additional constituents. Analyzing, characterizing, and monitoring over time the traceability, performance, and stability of such multi-component ingredients require relevant and sensitive analytical tools and methodologies. Two innovative profiling and monitoring methods, the thermophysical fingerprinting thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry technique (TGA-DSC) of the whole multi-component powder preparations, and the Advanced Testing for Genetic Composition (ATGC) strain analysis up to the subspecies level, are presented, illustrated, and discussed in this review to respond to those requirements. Finally, the paper deals with some selected applications of probiotic-based multi-components to human, animal, plant, soil and environment health, while mentioning their possible action mechanisms.

In Benin, the boiled hypocotyl (Borassus aethiopum Mart) is one of the most common street foods consumed for its therapeutic properties. However, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of boiled hypocotyl food sellers are poorly known despite the high contamination potential of these street foods. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of boiled hypocotyls food vendors in the streets of Cotonou and its outskirts. The approach used concerned the process of good hygiene and production. Face-to-face interviews of 300 hypocotyls vendors and producers from Cotonou, Sèmè, Ouidah, and Abomey-Calavi were conducted. Concurrently, 200 samples of boiled hypocotyl were collected among study vendors. Results showed that all of the interviewed population (100%) of this activity are women. They are generally illiterate and 75% of them have never been to school. Additionally, 76.7% of street boiled hypocotyls sellers interviewed were mobile. The microbial profile of the boiled hypocotyls showed the lack of control and poor understanding of hygiene rules. The processes management also revealed two diagrams processes. The conditions in which hypocotyls vendors operate are largely unacceptable from a food safety point of view and an effort should be made to provide them with adequate infrastructure including potable water. In view of the socioeconomic impact of hypocotyl activities in Benin and their role in the unexpected arrival of food-borne diseases, vendors should be regularly trained in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.

La dégradation des terres est un phénomène très ancien et complexe. Les populations adoptent des stratégies de restauration des terres dégradées. Cette étude a pour objectif principal de déterminer les factures d'adoption de pratique de restauration des terres dégradées dans la commune rurale de Galma, département de Madaoua au Niger. Pour ce faire, une démarche cartographique d’occupation du sol a été adoptée à travers une analyse diachronique sur 23 ans. Cette dernière a été faite à l’aide de deux images LANDSAT 7 de 2000 et LANDSAT 8 de 2023. Outre la démarche cartographique, 149 chefs de ménages agricoles ont été enquêter et des entretiens avec des personnes ressources ont été réalisés. Le traitement des données a été fait au moyen des logiciels Excel et SPSS. De l’analyse de l’occupation du sol, les changements marquants s’observent au niveau des champs de culture (12,77%) et du couvert végétal (2,02%) qui ont enregistré une évolution progressive, tandis que les terrains rocheux (14,85%) et sols nus (0,34%) ont connu une régression considérable. Plusieurs facteurs favorisent l’adoption des pratiques de restauration des terres dont la pression démographique et la pression sur les terres, l’accentuation de l’érosion hydrique et éolienne, la valorisation de la main-d’œuvre familiale, l’organisation en coopérative et la réduction du couvert végétal. Le critère de richesse et la superficie exploitée restent des principaux facteurs déterminants l’adoption de ces mesures par les ménages. En définitive, les ménages ont bien connaissance de l’ampleur de cette dégradation et plusieurs facteurs favorisent l’adoption des mesures de restauration.

Background: In Burkina Faso, bovine hide, constitutes an important component of the diet and represents a valued source of animal protein. However, the slaughtering, processing, and marketing practices associated with this product often occur under inadequate hygienic conditions, thereby exposing it to significant microbiological contamination. Aims: This study aimed to identify and characterize Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains isolated from cattle hides sold in markets in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Study Design: This is a prospective descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Study was performed at Laboratory of Applied Biological Sciences, New Dawn University and Molecular Biology Laboratory based at Muraz Center affiliated to Higher Institute of Health Sciences (INSSA), Nazi Boni University, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso in 2025. Methodology: Samples of beef hides were collected, and E. coli strains were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to the CASFM/EUCAST guidelines. Subsequently, genomic DNA was extracted using the Chelex method, and PCR amplification was carried out to detect the 16S rRNA gene, the intimin gene (eaeA), and virulence genes (stx1 and stx2). Results: A total of twenty E. coli strains were isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to cefoxitin (85%) and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (70%), while significant susceptibility was observed with meropenem (95%), kanamycin (75%), and ciprofloxacin (65%). Molecular analyses showed a prevalence of 17.6% for eaeA and 5.9% for both stx1 and stx2. Conclusion: These findings highlight the presence of multi-resistant pathogenic E. coli strains on beef hides, emphasizing the need to strengthen microbiological surveillance, promote rational antibiotic use, and improve hygiene practices throughout the production and marketing chain.