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OBJECTIVES: The gut microbiota and its metabolites – namely short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFAs) – interact with the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. States of microbiome dysbiosis are highly associated with obesity and GI symptoms, and profiles of SCVFAs, which serve functions as fuel sources and signaling molecules, mimic this dysbiotic state. This study aimed to further our understanding of associations between bacterial diversity and GI symptoms, BMI, immune markers, and SCVFAs and to identify bacteria differentially abundant with changes to the previously mentioned variables. METHODS: Data (measures of GI distress, BMI, immunoglobulins, fecal proximate analysis, SCVFAs, and 16s RNA sequences) was extracted from a study containing non-celiac gluten-sensitive and control participants. QIIME2 was used to process 16s RNA data, analyze quantitative, qualitative, phylogenetic quantitative, and phylogenetic qualitative measures of alpha and beta diversity and to perform an analysis of composition of microbes (ANCOM) for differential abundances data. RESULTS: Many significant differences were seen, namely in multiple measures of alpha diversity for IgG4 (P

OBJECTIVES: This research project focused on the inhibitory effectiveness of a novel antimicrobial gel (AMG) towards a panel of common microbes involved in wound infections. METHODS: A novel antimicrobial topical gel consisting of vitamin E TPGS (tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate), ascorbyl palmitate, zinc aspartate, lavender oil and deionized distilled water was developed in our laboratory. Various in vitro techniques were used to determine the effectiveness of AMG on prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. RESULTS: In vitro experiments show that while AMG had varying inhibitory effects on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, there was a predilection for AMG to inhibit planktonic growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus species, most notably Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The inhibitory effect of the AMK on planktonic growth was immediate with a four-fold reduction in growth, compared to controls, within 4 to 6 hrs of induction. Within 24 hrs S. aureus growth was minimal and complete inhibition of growth was achieved within 48 hrs. In an in vitro biofilm model, the AMG inhibited Staphylococcus biofilm attachment by 67% (density), 82% (mass) and 95% (viability). On pre-formed established biofilms, the AMG was able to inhibit 47% (density), 47% (mass) and 44% (viability) Staphylococcus biofilms. Antibiotic comparison experiments demonstrated that the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of Mupirocin was

OBJECTIVES: Chronic gastrointestinal distress (GID) effects up to 33.8% of people and results in over 15 million outpatient visits in the US annually. Currently, probiotic and prebiotic supplements are recommended by physicians, dietitians, and other healthcare providers to normalize GI function and to mitigate symptoms associated with certain disease states. GlutenShield (GS) is a commercially available nutritional supplement designed to contain an appropriate balance of pre- and probiotics as well as digestive enzymes to improve symptoms associated with GID. The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance to and/or benefits of GS supplementation on adults with GID. METHODS: This was a partially blinded pilot study in which all subjects completed a 2-week washout and were then randomized to receive GS or the placebo 3 times/day with meals. Participants completed a pre-treatment FFQ as well as a pre- and post-treatment GID questionnaire, POMS questionnaire, blood draw, and stool sample. RESULTS: No differences between placebo and treatment groups were found for serum inflammatory cytokines or fecal volatile fatty acids (area % or concentration) (P > 0.05). A significant reduction in IgG2 was observed in the GS group (7110.4 vs 4185.56; P = 0.008) as well as a significant reduction in self-reported bloating (P = 0.038) and approaching significant reduction in total GID (P = 0.083). Fecal insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) percentage significantly increased in the placebo group (P = 0.012), with no change in the GS group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Research findings suggest that GS was well tolerated and perceived to be beneficial compared to placebo; however, further research is needed to identify the specific patient population of GID patients who could most benefit from GS supplementation. Future analysis of microbiome data of subjects could provide additional insight. Clinical trial ID: NCT03403387. FUNDING SOURCES: ETSU (CCRHS, Dean's Research Enhancement Award and CPH, Health Sciences Funding) and Shield Nutraceuticals, LLC.