The Hygienic Significance of Microbiota and Probiotics for Human Wellbeing.

The human body can be viewed as a combination of ecological niches inhabited by trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, all united by the microbiota concept. Human health largely depends on the nature of these relationships and how they are built and maintained. However, personal hygiene practices have historically been focused on the wholesale elimination of pathogens and "hygiene-challenging microorganisms" without considering the collateral damage to beneficial and commensal species.

The efficacy of an eight-week exercise program for the management of chronic low back pain in the equestrian population.

Background: Equestrians (horse riders) are more susceptible to low back pain than the general population due to loads placed on their bodies during the activity. A specific eight-week exercise intervention program targeting the muscles used during horse riding was implemented for a group of equestrians with low back pain.

Methods: Volunteers were invited to participate in the study through social media posts in Melbourne, Australia.

Lactobacillus acidophilus VB1 co-aggregates and inhibits biofilm formation of chronic otitis media-associated pathogens.

This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin, against otitis media-associated bacteria. L. acidophilus cells were isolated from Vitalactic B (VB), a commercially available probiotic product containing two lactobacilli species, L.

Genetically encodable biosensors for Ras activity.

Genetically encoded Ras biosensors have been instrumental in illuminating the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ras activity since the beginning of the imaging revolution of the early 21st century. In general, these sensors employ Ras sensing units coupled with fluorescent proteins. These biosensors have not only helped elucidate Ras signalling dynamics at the plasma membrane but also revealed novel roles for Ras signalling within subcellular compartments such as the Golgi apparatus.