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Since the publication of the 2014 European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Working Group (WG) on Probiotics and Prebiotics guidelines for the management of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), new evidence concerning the efficacy of probiotics has become available. This document provides updated recommendations on the use of probiotics for the treatment of AGE in previously presumed healthy infants and children. A systematic literature search was performed. All pooled analyses were explicitly performed for the current report. The WG graded the recommendations and assessed the certainty of the supporting evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment Development, and Evaluations tool. The recommendations were formulated if at least 2 randomized controlled trials that used a given probiotic were available. Despite the large number of identified trials, the WG could not identify 2 randomized controlled trial of high quality for any strain that provided benefit when used for treating AGE. The WG made weak recommendations for (in descending order in terms of the number of trials evaluating any given strain): Saccharomyces boulardii (low to very low certainty of evidence); Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (very low certainty of evidence); L reuteri DSM 17938 (low to very low certainty of evidence); and L rhamnosus 19070-2 and L reuteri DSM 12246 (very low certainty of evidence). The WG made a strong recommendation against L helveticus R0052 and L rhamnosus R0011 (moderate certainty of evidence) and a weak recommendation against Bacillus clausii strains O/C, SIN, N/R, and T (very low certainty of evidence).

Temperature is one of the environmental factors that most strongly influence the life of microalgae, from the enzymatic level up to the modification of biosynthetic and degradation potential and, t...

The dependence of Indonesian people on consumption of wheat flour is high. In addition, wheat flour contains gluten, but not everyone can consume gluten. Indonesia has local food ingredients that can replace wheat flour, one of which is sorghum flour. Making cookies using sorghum flour and almond flour produces gluten-free cookies that are safe for people with gluten intolerants and lactose intolerants. In making cookies, a sweetener is needed, which can be used stevia sugar and crystal coconut sugar. The research aims to: 1) determine the effect of the proportion of sorghum flour and almond flour on the physical and chemical properties of cookies, 2) determine the effect of the proportion of stevia sugar and crystal coconut sugar on the physical and chemical properties of cookies, 3) determine the formulation of sorghum flour and almond flour with the addition of stevia sugar and crystal coconut sugar to produce cookies of the highest quality in terms of physical and chemical properties. The research used factorial randomized block design. The factors studied were the proportion of sorghum flour: almond flour consisted of 3 levels (1: 1; 2: 1; and 3: 1); and the proportion of stevia sugar: crystal coconut sugar consists of 3 levels (2: 1; 1: 1; 1: 2). The variables observed included ash content, moisture content, fat content, dissolved protein content, reducing sugar content and swelling volume. The best treatment is selected using the effectiveness index test. The results showed that the proportion of sorghum flour: almond flour affected the moisture content, ash content, fat content and dissolved protein content of cookies. Comparison of stevia sugar: crystal coconut sugar has an effect on water content, fat content, and reducing sugar content in cookies. The interaction between the two does not affect all variables. Based on chemical and physical variables, the selected treatment was a combination of T1K2 (sorghum 1 flour: almond flour 1 and stevia sugar 1: crystal coconut sugar 1). The physicochemical characteristics of cookies with sorghum flour and almond flour produced from the best treatment combination had a moisture content value of 4.45%, an ash content of 1.04%, a fat content of 33.57%, a dissolved protein content of 1.17%, a reducing sugar content of 5, 91%, and development volume of 60.48%

The identification of genetic variation, mean performance, and selection criteria for twelve sesame genotypes is required for the genetic enhancement of agronomic traits and seed quality. Thus, using a randomized complete block design with three replications, these genotypes were evaluated in a field trial at the Kafr-El-Hamam Agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Center, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, and laboratory experiments at the Seed Technology Research Department, ARC, Giza, Egypt, during the two consecutive seasons of 2018 and 2019. For earliness in flowering, N.A.130 and Shandweel3 were the most promising sesame genotypes, while N.A.114 and RH1F3 had the heaviest weight of seed plant-1 and one or more yield-related traits, and NA114, Shandweel3, and Zahar12 had the best seed quality traits. Furthermore, Shandweel3 and M1A12 had the highest proportion of seed oil, Shandweel3 and Zahar12 had the largest amount of oleic acid, N.A.114 and RH1F3 had the highest content of linoleic acid, and Zahar12 and N.A.114 had the highest proportion of linolenic acid. Seed weight plant-1 can be improved through selecting genotypes having the lengthiest fruiting zone, more branches and capsules, and the high electrical values of seed conductivity, accelerated aging germination as demonstrated by selection criteria. Moreover, the oleic acid proportion had the greatest direct and indirect effect on seed oil content, demonstrating its relevance as sesame oil quality selection criteria.

Field experiment was conducted at Sers Al-Layan Agricultural Research Station, ARC, Monofia Government, Egypt during 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons. It aimed to study the effect of proceeding crop and foliar-applied micronutrients on seed yield and quality of faba bean. Three proceeding crops were used, maize(S1) –maize- Eg- clovr(fahl) (S2) - soybean (S3). Moreover, three treatments of foliar-applied micronutrients were applied; one application after 45 day from sowing(M2) or two applications after 45 and 60 days from sowing(M3) compared to without application (as control(M1)).The experiment was arranged in split-plot design with three replications.The proceeding crop was occupied in the main- plots while the micronutrients treatments were arranged in sub-plots. The proceeding crop displayed significant difference in seed yield/fad, its components and seed quality. Faba bean after legume crops(S2 and S3) had highest values for all studied traits. All studied traits were affected significantly by foliar-applied micronutrients except number of branches/plant only in the first season. M3 displayed highest performance in seed yield/fad and its component and seed quality. All evaluated traits were affected significantly by the interaction except number of branches.Faba been after legume crops and, sprayed by micronutrients after 45 and 60 days from sowing(S2M3) exhibited the highest performance of seeds content from micronutrients and protein.S2M3 gave the highest values of total and net return (30881 and 20013 LE) and (36679 and 25686 LE) in two seasons respectively.The finding of this study is sowing faba bean after legume crops and spraying by micronutrients at 45 and 60 days after sowing.

Objective: Clinicopathological features of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) have rarely been studied in the Pakistani population. We investigated the clinical characteristics of these tumors according to the updated World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 classification. Methods: The data of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad was retrospectively analysed for pathologically confirmed GEP-NETs from January 2013 to March 2018. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients (mean age, 52.2 years; male, 55.1%) were identified. 83.1% of the patients were symptomatic including5.1% functional tumors. Pancreas (28%) was the most frequent primary site noted. The most common histologic type was well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (WDNET) in 81.4% followed by neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) in 16.1%. 45.8% cases of WDNET were grade 1, 27.1% were grade 2, and 8.5% were grade 3.15.3% had distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis with liver (77.7%) as the most common metastatic site. Synaptophysin positivity was seen in 96.8% of grade 1 & grade 2 WDNET, 100% of grade 3 WDNET and 92.3% of NEC and chromogranin was positive in 94.2% of grade 1 &grade 2 WDNET, 83.3% of grade 3 WDNET and 45.4% of NEC. Conclusion: GEP-NETs showed a wide clinicopathological spectrum. Pancreas is the most site of involvement by the GEP-NET however grade 3 WDNET had a predilection for the colon. Small cell carcinomas were commonly observed in esophagus. Keywords: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tu­mor, well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, neuroendocrine carcinoma. Continuous...

In his introduction to Palestinian Walks, Raja Shehadeh remarks that in spite of the great number of travelers to Palestine, travel literature, for the most part, willfully ignored the living exper...

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from young and healthy donors are immunoprivileged and have the potential to treat numerous degenerative diseases. However, recent reviews of clinical trials report poor long-term survival of transplanted cells in the recipient that turned down the enthusiasm regarding MSC therapies. Increasing evidence now confirm that though initially immunoprivileged, MSCs eventually become immunogenic after transplantation in the ischemic or hypoxic environment of diseased tissues and are rejected by the host immune system. We performed in vitro (in rat and human cells) and in vivo (in a rat model) investigations to understand the mechanisms of the immune switch in the phenotype of MSCs. The immunoprivilege of MSCs is preserved by the absence of cell surface immune antigen, major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) molecule. We found that the ATPase subunit of 19S proteasome "Sug1" regulates MHC-II biosynthesis in MSCs. Exposure to hypoxia upregulates Sug1 in MSCs and its binding to class II transactivator (CIITA), a coactivator of MHC-II transcription. Sug1 binding to CIITA in hypoxic MSCs promotes the acetylation and K63 ubiquitination of CIITA leading to its activation and translocation to the nucleus, and ultimately MHC-II upregulation. In both rat and human MSCs, knocking down Sug1 inactivated MHC-II and preserved immunoprivilege even following hypoxia. In a rat model of myocardial infarction, transplantation of Sug1-knockdown MSCs in ischemic heart preserved immunoprivilege and improved the survival of transplanted cells. Therefore, the current study provides novel mechanisms of post-transplantation loss of immunoprivilege of MSCs. This study may help in facilitating better planning for future clinical trials.

Purpose Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children, but recent evidence suggests a potential association between PPI treatment and some types of infections. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for the prevention of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in children with GERD treated with PPI (omeprazol). Methods Children younger than 5 years with GERD were assigned by a computer-generated list to receive LGG (109 colony-forming units) or placebo, twice daily, concomitantly with PPI treatment for 4-6 weeks; they were followed up for 12 weeks after therapy. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of children with a minimum of one episode of respiratory tract infection and the percentage of children with a minimum of one episode of gastrointestinal infection during the study. Results Of 61 randomized children, 59 patients (LGG n=30; placebo n=29, mean age 11.3 months) were analyzed. There was no significant difference found between the LGG and placebo groups, either for the proportion of children with at least one respiratory tract infection (22/30 vs. 25/29, respectively; relative risk [RR] 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-1.10) or for the proportion of children with at least one gastrointestinal infection (9/30 vs. 9/29, respectively; RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.45-2.09). Conclusion LGG was not effective in the prevention of infectious complications in children with GERD receiving PPI. Caution is needed in interpreting these results, as the study was terminated early due to slow subject recruitment.

Background There is still controversy with regard to the efficacy of individual probiotic strains for the management of acute gastroenteritis. Aim To update evidence on use of Saccharomyces boulardii for treating acute gastroenteritis in children. Methods The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to December 2019 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared use of S boulardii with no S boulardii (defined as placebo or no treatment). The grey literature was searched through Google search. Authors of the original papers and S boulardii manufacturers were contacted for additional data. Results Twenty-nine RCTs (among them, 20 newly identified trials) were included. Only 38% of trials adequately generated their randomisation sequence, only 17% adequately concealed allocation and only one trial adequately blinded participants, study personnel and outcome assessors. However, 83% provided complete outcome data. None of the trials evaluated the effect of S boulardii on stool volume. Compared with placebo or no treatment, S boulardii use reduced the duration of diarrhoea (23 RCTs, n = 3450, mean difference -1.06 day, 95% CI -1.32 to -0.79; high heterogeneity [I2 = 90%]) (very low quality of evidence). S boulardii use was also associated with a reduced duration of hospitalisation (8 RCTs, n = 999, mean difference -0.85 day, 95% CI -1.35 to -0.34; I2 = 91%) (very low quality of evidence). S boulardii reduced the risk of diarrhoea on day 2 to day 7 (low quality of evidence). Conclusions In children with acute gastroenteritis, low- to very low-quality evidence suggests that S boulardii confers a benefit for several diarrhoeal outcomes.

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication therapy alters gut microbiota, provoking gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that could be improved by probiotics. The study aim was to assess the effect in Hp patients of a Test fermented milk containing yogurt and Lacticaseibacillus (L. paracasei CNCM I-1518 and I-3689, L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690) strains on antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) (primary aim), GI-symptoms, gut microbiota, and metabolites. A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial was performed on 136 adults under 14-day Hp treatment, receiving the Test or Control product for 28 days. AAD and GI-symptoms were reported and feces analysed for relative and quantitative gut microbiome composition, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and calprotectin concentrations, and viability of ingested strains. No effect of Test product was observed on AAD or GI-symptoms. Hp treatment induced a significant alteration in bacterial and fungal composition, a decrease of bacterial count and alpha-diversity, an increase of Candida and calprotectin, and a decrease of SCFA concentrations. Following Hp treatment, in the Test as compared to Control group, intra-subject beta-diversity distance from baseline was lower (padj = 0.02), some Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia-Shigella (padj = 0.0082) and Klebsiella (padj = 0.013), were less abundant, and concentrations of major SCFA (p = 0.035) and valerate (p = 0.045) were higher. Viable Lacticaseibacillus strains were detected during product consumption in feces. Results suggest that, in patients under Hp treatment, the consumption of a multi-strain fermented milk can induce a modest but significant faster recovery of the microbiota composition (beta-diversity) and of SCFA production and limit the increase of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

A better development of the Sicilo-Sarde dairy sheep in Tunisia needs a review of its behavior by adopting early weaning and generalizing mechanical milking that involves an adaptation of the external mammary morphology (MM). Thirty ewes were divided into two groups (early and late weaning; EW and LW respectively) to study the effects of weaning system (WS) and milking time (MT) on milk and external MM traits in early milking period. MM was evaluated by six measurements and three scores of udder and teat. EW group had higher milk production (MP) and lower fat and protein amounts that increased with MT advancement (P0.001). WS did not affect MM traits (P>0.05), only teat length was higher for LW ewes (P0.05). Udder depth, teat diameter, distance between teats and teat angle score decreased with MT (P0.01). Significant interactions were noted between WS and MT for most traits studied. MP was negatively correlated with fat and protein amounts (-0.38 and -0.50 respectively) and moderately correlated with udder depth, cistern height, teat diameter (from 0.31 to 0.42). Fat and protein had negative correlation with udder depth, teat diameter and distance between teats. Higher correlation was determined between udder depth and distance between teats (r=0.60; P0.001). In conclusion, EW system allows a better start of the milk production in early milking period. Cistern height, teat length and teat angle score are the prominent traits which affect milk ability and adaptation of ewe to machine milking and consequently they must be included in selection program.

Plants represent a huge source of substances, with pharmacological potential. Brazil has a diversity of agricultural insect pests and an urgent need for safer methods of insect control. Dysdercus peruvianus (Guerin-Meneville, 1831), Pyrrhocoridae, is an economically important species of the Order Hemiptera and a pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., Malvaceae). Secondary metabolites in stems of Clusia hilariana Schltdl., Clusiaceae, such as terpenes and benzophenones, have been reported to be insecticidal. The present study investigated the effects of semi-purified fractions of hexane crude extracts from male C. hilariana stems on development of D. peruvianus. Biological parameters at different stages of development including body malformations, range of molting period and toxicity were evaluated. Most insects died and failed to develop due to attachment of their exuviae to the abdomen. Deformations of wings and defective tarsi also occurred. The secondary metabolites from semi-purified fractions of C. hilariana caused mortality, interference in molting and metamorphosis, and body deformations, probably by interacting with the neuroendocrine system. The results demonstrate the potential of C. hilariana extracts as an alternative for the control of the phytophagous insect D. peruvianus and for the development of environmentally safe and biodegradable bio insecticides. Keywords: Agricultural pest, Cotton stainer, Phytophagous, Insecticide activity, Secondary metabolites

Genetic diversity of cultivated soybean {Glycine max (L.) Merrill} 2n = 40 is very narrow, although includes diversity for many obvious morphological traits. A field experiment was conducted to study characterize of fifteen soybean genotypes on agro-morphological trait basis and to identify genetic diversity using SDS-PAGE, with resistance to defoliating insects, at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr ElShiekh, Egypt during 2017 and 2018 seasons,. Morphological description was performed with 10 qualitative and 7 quantitative traits and screening for defoliation by cotton leaf worm in the open field. The results exhibited significant differences among the tested fifteen genotypes for all studied characters. Defoliation of test plants by the cotton leaf worm, in the field screenings system showed that genotypes H14 L8, H1 L10S, H1 L10 and H10 L10 recorded the highest rating values of insect resistant to cotton leaf worm with defoliation rating (0.0 – 0.2), whereas, soybean genotype H5 L21 showed the highest insect susceptible and had defoliation rating (3.8) indicating heavy insect feeding, over both seasons. Genotypes H11 L145 and H14L8 recorded the highest values of seed yield/fad., this attributed to the considerable increase in their number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, and 100-seed weight, in both seasons. This indicates that such genotypes are the promising ones. The protein identification indicated that the pattern was uniform where each genotype was not affected by year or location. The soybean genotypes were different in their banding pattern and each one is characterized by certain proteins with different molecular weight. Cluster analysis based on qualitative morphological characters showed clear separation of genotypes on the basis of their plant growth habit.

Background: Resveratrol (RSV) has a wide range of diabetic cardioprotective effects. It is currently recognized as a dietary supplement.Aim of Study: To investigate the impact of RSV on the molecular expression pattern of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the glycogen synthase kinase-3(3 serine 9 (GSK-3(3S9) in diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods: We investigated this point using three groups of Wistar albino rats; control group, diabetic cardiomyopathy rats (DCM) and diabetics treated with RSV (DM-RSV) for 20 weeks. Echocardiography was performed at base line, and every 4 weeks. At the end of the study, Ex-vivo assessment of myocardial contractility was performed. The molecular changes in the cardiac tissues were evaluated in all groups for assessment of the silent information regulator (SIRT1), GSK-3(3S9 and the AMPK levels. Histological assessment was done for all cardiac tissues. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring the modulation in the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) levels, trying to explore the RSV underlying mechanism of action.Results: Marked deterioration in the cardiac functions was detected in the diabetic non treated group. The decreased levels of SIRT1, AMPK and GSK-3(3S9 that was associated with increased apoptotic markers, may be the cause of dete-riorated cardiac functions. Assessment of the myocardial functions showed improvement in the diabetic RSV treated group. RSV aimed to normalize the hyperglycemic state and the disturbed molecular pattern associated with diabetes.Conclusion: Prolonged RSV administration protects the diabetic hearts. This could be explained by the interplay between SIRT1, AMPK and the GSK-3(3S9 levels.

This work evaluated light microscopy and culture against conventional PCR in diagnosing Blastocystis hominis in human stool samples, and were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscope. Hundred stool samples were acquired from the Parasitology laboratory of the Medical Research Institute in Alexandria. All samples were subjected to light microscopy, culture and conventional PCR to diagnose B. hominis in human stool samples; subsequently B. hominis obtained from culture media were further studied by scanning and transmission electron microscope.The results showed B. hominis was detected in 52/100 studied stool samples using light microscope, xenic culture showed 65 positive samples, 67 samples were positive by conventional PCR. SEM revealed the outer surface of B. hominis and rosette-shaped dividing oocysts while TEM demonstrated internal structures of the organisms.

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory changes appear to be the early events involved in AD's development and progression. The present study was designed to assess the effect of soybean isoflavone extract (SIFE) against colchicine-induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress in male rats.Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: control, ACSF-treated group, soybean isoflavones (SIF)-treated group, colchicine (COL)-treated group, and SIF + COL-treated group. We found that an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of a single dose of colchicine (7.5 μg/rat bilaterally) resulted in learning deficits in rats subjected to the Morris water maze task associated with marked oxidative damage and decreased acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity. In addition, COL caused significant increase in amyloid beta peptide 1-42 (β, amyloid 1-42) interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and TNF-α genes expression in the brain, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in cortical astrocytes in the brain cortex.Treatment with SIFE (80 mg/kg b.wt) daily for 14 days followed by a single dose of COL significantly reduced the elevated oxidative stress parameters and restored the reduced antioxidant activities. Besides, the administration of SIFE reversed the overproduction of β, amyloid 1-42, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and GFAP in the brain. The obtained results were confirmed by histological observations that clearly indicate a neuroprotective effect of SIF against AD.

BACKGROUND Recently, evidence from a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) negated efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for treating acute gastroenteritis in children. AIM To review RCTs in which L rhamnosus GG was used to treat acute gastroenteritis in children. METHODS The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched from May 2013 (end of last search) to January 2019. The primary outcomes were stool volume and duration of diarrhoea. RESULTS Eighteen RCTs (n = 4208) were included. Compared with placebo or no treatment, L rhamnosus GG use had no effect on stool volume but was associated with a reduced duration of diarrhoea (15 RCTs, n = 3820, mean difference, MD -0.85 day, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.56). L rhamnosus GG was effective when used at a daily dose of ≥1010 CFU or

Global prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been steadily increasing, particularly for infants. A recent study reported an increase from 137 per 10,000 eligible infants in 2009 to 450 in 2018.1 There are several well-documented indications for using PPIs for children with acid-related disorders, including erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and eosinophilic esophagitis. They are also used as part of the eradiation therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections.2 However, PPIs are also used for crying infants, based on the assumption that crying and irritability are caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GER).2 This is contrary to current clinical guidelines.3.

Desulfovibrio species are representatives of microorganisms at the boundary between anaerobic and aerobic lifestyles, since they contain the enzymatic systems required for both sulfate and oxygen reduction. However, the latter has been shown to be solely a protective mechanism. By implementing the oxygen-driven experimental evolution of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, we have obtained strains that have evolved to grow with energy derived from oxidative phosphorylation linked to oxygen reduction. We show that a few mutations are sufficient for the emergence of this phenotype and reveal two routes of evolution primarily involving either inactivation or overexpression of the gene encoding heterodisulfide reductase. We propose that the oxygen respiration for energy conservation that sustains the growth of the O2 -evolved strains is associated with a rearrangement of metabolite fluxes, especially NAD+ /NADH, leading to an optimized O2 reduction. These evolved strains are the first sulfate-reducing bacteria that exhibit a demonstrated oxygen respiratory process that enables growth.

Spacecraft assembly facilities are oligotrophic and low-humidity environments, which are routinely cleaned using alcohol wipes for benchtops and spacecraft materials, and alkaline detergents for floors. Despite these cleaning protocols, spacecraft assembly facilities possess a persistent, diverse, dynamic, and low abundant core microbiome, where the Acinetobacter are among the dominant members of the community. In this report, we show that several spacecraft-associated Acinetobacter metabolize or biodegrade the spacecraft cleaning reagents of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), and Kleenol 30 (floor detergent) under ultraminimal conditions. Using cultivation and stable isotope labeling studies, we show that ethanol is a sole carbon source when cultivating in 0.2 × M9 minimal medium containing 26 μM Fe(NH4)2(SO4)2. Although cultures expectedly did not grow solely on 2-propanol, cultivations on mixtures of ethanol and 2-propanol exhibited enhanced plate counts at mole ratios of...

IntroductionThe gut microbiota may be relevant in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on beta-cell function in children with newly diagnosed T1D.Research design and methodsChildren aged 8–17 years with newly (within 60 days) diagnosed T1D were enrolled in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial in which they received L. rhamnosus GG and B. lactis Bb12 at a dose of 109 colony-forming units or placebo, orally, once daily, for 6 months. The follow-up was for 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the area under the curve (AUC) of the C-peptide level during 2-hour responses to a mixed meal.ResultsNinety-six children were randomised (probiotics, n=48; placebo n=48; median age 12.3 years). Eighty-eight (92%) completed the 6-month intervention, and 87 (91%) completed the follow-up at 12 months. There was no significant difference between the study groups for the AUC of the C-peptide level. For the secondary outcomes at 6 months, there were no differences between the study groups. At 12 months, with one exception, there also were no significant differences between the groups. Compared with the placebo group, there was a significantly increased number of subjects with thyroid autoimmunity in the probiotic group. However, at baseline, there was also a higher frequency of thyroid autoimmunity in the probiotic group. There were no cases of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis in any of the groups. No adverse events related to the study products were reported.ConclusionsL. rhamnosus GG and B. lactis Bb12, as administered in this study, had no significant effect in maintaining the residual pancreatic beta-cell function in children with newly diagnosed T1D. It remains unclear which probiotics, if any, alone or in combination, are potentially the most useful for management of T1D.Trial registration numberNCT03032354.

BACKGROUNDHelicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication therapy can alter gut microbiota, provoking gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms that can be improved by probiotics. The effect on Hp patients of a Test fermented milk containing yogurt and three Lacticaseibacillus (L. paracasei CNCM I-1518, CNCM I-3689, L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690) strains was assessed on antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) (primary aim), GI-symptoms, gut microbiota composition and metabolites. In this aim, a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was performed in 136 adults under Hp-treatment (14-day amoxicillin, clarithromycin, pantoprazole), who consumed the Test or a Control product for 28 days. Feces were analysed for gut microbiota composition, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), calprotectin, and viability of ingested strains.RESULTSNo effect of Test product was observed on AAD occurrence or duration, rating scores or number of days of GI symptoms. Hp-treatment induced a significant alteration in bacterial and fungal composition, a decrease of bacterial count and alpha-diversity, an increase of Candida and of calprotectin, and a decrease of SCFA concentration. Following Hp treatment, in the Test as compared to Control group, intra-subject beta-diversity distance from baseline was lower (padj=0.02), Escherichia-Shigella (padj=0.0082) and Klebsiella (padj= 0.013) were significantly less abundant, and concentrations of major SCFA (p=0.035) and valerate (p = 0.045) were higher. Viable Lp and Lr strains from the Test product were mainly detected during product consumption in feces.CONCLUSIONSThe study showed that 14-day Hp triple therapy alters gut bacterial and fungal community, their metabolites and gut inflammatory markers. Consumption of a multi-strain fermented milk can induce faster recovery of the microbiota composition and SCFA production and limit the bloom of pathobionts. (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02900196; First Posted : September 14, 2016; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02900196).

Quiescence is a cellular state characterised by reversible cell-cycle arrest and diminished biosynthetic activity that protects against environmental insults, replicative exhaustion and proliferation-induced mutations1. Entry into and exit from this state controls development, maintenance and repair of tissues plus, in the adult central nervous system, generation of new neurons and thus cognition and mood2–4. Cancer stem cells too can undergo quiescence, which confers them resistance to current therapies5, 6. Despite clinical relevance, quiescence is poorly understood and is defined functionally given lack of molecular markers. Decrease of the most resource-intensive cellular process of protein synthesis is a feature of quiescence, controlled across species and cell types by inhibition of the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway1, 7. Here, we combine Drosophila genetics and a mammalian model to show that altered nucleocytoplasmic partitioning and nuclear accumulation of polyadenylated RNAs are novel evolutionarily conserved hallmarks of quiescence regulation. Furthermore, nuclear accumulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) in quiescent NSCs (qNSCs) largely predicts protein downregulation, accounting for uncoupling between transcriptome and proteome in quiescence. These mechanisms provide a previously unappreciated regulatory layer to reducing protein synthesis in quiescent cells, whilst priming them for reactivation in response to appropriate cues.

Biogenic copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were synthesized using the aqueous crude extract of mangrove leaves, Avicennia marina (CE). GC-MS metabolite profiling of CE showed that their carbohydrates are mainly composed of D-mannose (29.21%), D-fructose, (18.51%), L-sorbose (12.91%), D-galactose (5.47%) and D-Talose (5.21%). Ultra-fine nanoparticles of 11.60 ±4.65 nm comprising Cu2O and Cu(OH)2 species were obtained with a carbohydrate and phenolic content of 35.6±3.2% and 3.13±0.05 mgGA/g, respectively. The impact of the biogenic Cu NPs on wheat seedling growth was dose-dependent. Upon treatment with 0.06 mg/mL of Cu NPs, the growth was promoted by 172.78 ± 23.11 and 215.94 ± 37.76% for wheat root and shoot, respectively. However, the lowest relative growth % of 81.94 ± 11.70 and 72.46 ± 18.78% were recorded for wheat root and shoot, respectively when applying 0.43 mg/mL of Cu NPs. At this concentration, peroxidase activity (POX) of the germinated wheat seeds also decreased, while ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities increased. Higher uptake of copper was observed in the root relative to the shoot implying the accumulation of the nanoparticles in the former. The uptake was also higher than that of the commercial Cu NPs, which showed an insignificant effect on the seedling growth. By treating the wheat leaves in foliar application with 0.06 mg/mL of Cu NPs, their contents of Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were enhanced after 21 days of application. Meanwhile, the high concentration (0.43 mg/mL) of Cu NPs was the most effective in reducing the leaf content of chlorophyll (a, b, and total) after the same time of application. The findings of this study manifest the potential of utilizing controlled doses of the prepared biogenic Cu NPs for inhibition or stimulation of seedling growth.

Acute respiratory infections are a common cause of morbidity in infants and young children. This high rate of respiratory infections in early life has a major impact on healthcare resources and antibiotic use, with the associated risk of increasing antibiotic resistance, changes in intestinal microbiota composition and activity and, consequently, on the future health of children. An international group of clinicians and researchers working in infant nutrition and cow’s milk allergy (CMA) met to review the available evidence on the prevalence of infections in healthy infants and in those with allergies, particularly CMA; the factors that influence susceptibility to infection in early life; links between infant feeding, CMA and infection risk; and potential strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and infection outcomes. The increased susceptibility of infants with CMA to infections, and the reported potential benefits with prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics with regard to improving infection outcomes and reducing antibiotic usage in infants with CMA, makes this a clinically important issue that merits further research.

The objective of the paper is to present a synthesis of data concerning growth performances, carcass traits and meat fatty acid composition of lambs produced on different rangelands of the arid and semi-arid regions of Tunisia and to discuss the sustainability of this system. Based on data, lambs reared on rangeland or indoor, with concentrate supplementation have same ADG and carcass performances (P > 0.05). However, carcass produced on rangeland was less fatty, with a lower kidney, tail, subcutaneous and shoulder fats (P < 0.001). Moreover, meat lamb produced on rangeland was more dietetic because of lower intramuscular fat (P < 0.01), lower level of MUFA and a higher level of PUFA (P < 0.001). Rearing lambs on rangelands increased (P < 0.001) n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA, especially long n-3 PUFA. The type of rangeland has a significant effect on the n-3 PUFA, with a higher level for natural shrubs rangeland. Due to the degradation and to the low productivity of rangelands, producing lambs on rangeland could present some problem of economic viability, since the productivity is moderate. Improving rangeland quality and management could be a solution to improve the productivity. Moreover, a better valorisation of meat produced on rangeland could improve the economic viability and encourage farmers to maintain this system and to keep economic activity in poor rural areas.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of hepatoprotective potentials of Ocimum sanctum against Valproic-acid-induced-hepatotoxicity in Wistar-albino-rats. METHOD: 70% of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum was prepared under reduced pressure of rotary evaporator. Wistar albino rats were used as the experimental model and rats were divided into four groups (six animals each). The normal group received normal saline and group 2, 3 and 4 was injected valproic acid (500mg/kg) for four consecutive days respectively. Group 1 and 2 received normal saline throughout the period of study about 21 days while group 3 and 4 received different doses of extract of OS i.e. 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg. Through retro-orbital blood samples were collected on alternative days such as 0,7,21. By using one-way ANOVA, data was analyzed. Hepatotoxicity induced by valproic acid at the dosage of (500mg/kg) resulted in significant elevation in weight of animals and serum hepatic enzymes level of ALAT, ASAT, ALP and increase in the serum bilirubin. RESULTS: OS at different doses (200mg/kg and 300mg/kg) considered statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) against all parameters. OS cause a significant reduction in weight of animals and serum enzymes biomarkers i.e. (ALAT, ASAT and ALP) including bilirubin content. OS may prove its hepatoprotective activity by increase a significant level of protein albumin. CONCLUSION: antioxidant activity of OS and secondary metabolites such as flavonoids depicts hepatoprotective nature against valproic-acid-induced-hepatotoxicity.

[Abstract] The present work was carried out on 133 halophilic strains isolated on MGM (Modified Growth Medium) medium with 12 and 23% (w/v) of salt. A screening of the extracellular proteolytic activities, carried out on the same medium supplemented with casein or gelatin at 1% (w/v), allowed us to select 24 bacterial and 21 archaeal strains presenting a precipitate around the colonies for casein and/or a translucent halo (after addition of Frazier’s reagent) for gelatin. The enzymatic test was performed on liquid medium in microculture in a 2 mL Eppendorf tube. The assay of the proteolytic activity, using Azocasein as substrate, followed two protocols—the first with PBS and the second with Tris HCl, with positive and negative controls—and demonstrated interesting results for 10 strains among the 45 tested including five bacteria and five archaea. These underwent morphological, physiological and molecular characterizations based on amplification and sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. We wish to acknowledge the following organizations for providing financial support for this study: the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the laboratory of the group EXPRELA (Universidade da Coruña, Spain)

Marine-extracted sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) have been the subject of myriad research since they are considered an eco-friendly source of biologically active compounds. Meanwhile, food and pharmaceutical industries are urgently producing natural sugar substitutes and antioxidants as alternatives to synthetic ones which are associated with cytotoxicity and safety issues. This study assesses the potential of using marine SPs obtained via the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of different marine species, to utilize them as antioxidant sugar substitutes. The carbohydrate, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities were measured for SP extracts of the algal species of Ulva lactuca, Jania rubens and the marine plant mangrove Avicennia marina. These SPs were structurally elucidated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The results revealed that SPs’ highest yield percent was obtained from Ulva lactuca, 5.50 ± 0.25%. The SPs of Avicennia marina had the highest carbohydrate content, 44 ± 1% and antioxidant activity, 78.85 ± 0.06 at the 100 μg/mL concentration and 89.50 ± 0.21 at the 250 μg/mL concentration. Meanwhile, the highest phenolic content was exhibited by algal SPs obtained from Jania rubens, 132.60 ± 2.50 mgGa/g. Results also showed that all extracts have potent antioxidant activity, while the highest antioxidant activity belonged to the SPs of Avicennia marina owing possibly to their balanced glucose and galactose contents as measured by HPLC. This work emphasizes the need to consider sulfated polysaccharides from marine sources for their antioxidant activity and to correlate it with their monosaccharide content to determine the effect of reducing sugar concentration on the antioxidant activity.

The present work was carried out on 133 halophilic strains, isolated on MGM medium at 12 and 23% (w / v) of salt. A screening of the extracellular proteolytic activities, carried out on the same medium supplemented with casein or gelatin at 1% (w / v), allowed us to select 24 bacterial strains and 21 Archean strains presenting a precipitate around the colonies for casein and / or a translucent halo (after addition of Frazier's reagent) for the gelatin. The enzymatic test was done on liquid medium in micro-culture on a 2 mL Eppendorf tube. The assay of the proteolytic activity using Azocasein as substrate, following 2 protocols the first with PBS and the second with tris HCl, with positive and negative controls, demonstrated interesting results for 10 strains among the 45 tested including 5 bacteria and 5 archaea. These have undergone morphological, physiological and molecular characterization based on amplification and sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

We compared fecal samples from responders and non-responders to administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. Data for this post hoc analysis were collected from an RCT assessing the efficacy of L. reuteri for the management of acute gastroenteritis. Responders were defined as subjects with diarrhea lasting no longer than 48 h. 44 children (17 responders and 27 non-responders) were analyzed. There were no differences in clinical characteristics and gut colonization between both groups. In the responder group, there were significantly lower levels of five metabolites before beginning of the intervention: lactate, choline, ethanol, creatine, and formate. The fecal calprotectin level did not differ between groups prior to the intervention, but its level was significantly lower after intervention in the responder group. Possibly, the responder group with a “metabolic niche”, including lower level of metabolites, especially lactate, that are potential products of Lactobacillus genus, would determine the response to probiotic treatment. These findings need to be confirmed, but identification of some differences in the fecal metabolomics and the calprotectin level suggests that further studies are warranted.

The concerted actions of the CNS and the immune system are essential to coordinating the outcome of neuroinflammatory responses. Yet, the precise mechanisms involved in this crosstalk and their contribution to the pathophysiology of neuroinflammatory diseases largely elude us. Here, we show that the CNS-endogenous hedgehog pathway, a signal triggered as part of the host response during the inflammatory phase of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, attenuates the pathogenicity of human and mouse effector CD4 T cells by regulating their production of inflammatory cytokines. Using a murine genetic model, in which the hedgehog signalling is compromised in CD4 T cells, we show that the hedgehog pathway acts on CD4 T cells to suppress the pathogenic hallmarks of autoimmune neuroinflammation, including demyelination and axonal damage, and thus mitigates the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Impairment of hedgehog signalling in CD4 T cells exacerbates brain-brainstem-cerebellum inflammation and leads to the development of atypical disease. Moreover, we present evidence that hedgehog signalling regulates the pathogenic profile of CD4 T cells by limiting their production of the inflammatory cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interferon-γ and by antagonizing their inflammatory program at the transcriptome level. Likewise, hedgehog signalling attenuates the inflammatory phenotype of human CD4 memory T cells. From a therapeutic point of view, our study underlines the potential of harnessing the hedgehog pathway to counteract ongoing excessive CNS inflammation, as systemic administration of a hedgehog agonist after disease onset effectively halts disease progression and significantly reduces neuroinflammation and the underlying neuropathology. We thus unveil a previously unrecognized role for the hedgehog pathway in regulating pathogenic inflammation within the CNS and propose to exploit its ability to modulate this neuroimmune network as a strategy to limit the progression of ongoing neuroinflammation.

Breastfeeding is natural and the optimal basis of infant nutrition and development, with many benefits for maternal health. Human milk is a dynamic fluid fulfilling an infant’s specific nutritional requirements and guiding the growth, developmental, and physiological processes of the infant. Human milk is considered unique in composition, and it is influenced by several factors, such as maternal diet and health, body composition, and geographic region. Human milk stands as a model for infant formula providing nutritional solutions for infants not able to receive enough mother’s milk. Infant formulas aim to mimic the composition and functionality of human milk by providing ingredients reflecting those of the latest human milk insights, such as oligosaccharides, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the most recent developments in infant formula with a special focus on human milk oligosaccharides and postbiotics. Fil: Salminen, Seppo. University of Turku. Faculty of Medicine; Finlandia Fil: Stahl, Bernd. Nutricia Research; Países Bajos. Utrecht Institute Of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Países Bajos Fil: Vinderola, Celso Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Lactología Industrial. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería Química. Instituto de Lactología Industrial; Argentina Fil: Szajewska, Hania. Medical University Of Warsaw; Polonia

Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by exposure to dietary gluten proteins in genetically predisposed individuals. In addition to the host genome, the microbiome has recently been linked to CeD risk and pathogenesis. To progress in our understanding of the role of breast milk microbiota profiles in CeD, we have analyzed samples from a sub-set of mothers (n = 49) included in the PreventCD project, whose children did or did not develop CeD. The results of the microbiota data analysis indicated that neither the BMI, HLA-DQ genotype, the CeD condition nor the gluten-free diet of the mothers could explain the human milk microbiota profiles. Nevertheless, we found that origin country, the offspring’s birth date and, consequently, the milk sampling date influenced the abundance and prevalence of microbes in human milk, undergoing a transition from an anaerobic to a more aerobic microbiota, including potential pathogenic species. Furthermore, certain microbial species were more abundant in milk samples from mothers whose children went on to develop CeD compared to those that remained healthy. These included increases in facultative methylotrophs such as Methylobacterium komagatae and Methylocapsa palsarum as well as in species such as Bacteroides vulgatus, that consumes fucosylated-oligosaccharides present in human milk, and other breast-abscess associated species. Theoretically, these microbiota components could be vertically transmitted from mothers-to-infants during breastfeeding, thereby influencing CeD risk., This work was supported by grant AGL2017-88801-P from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU, Spain). The postdoctoral contract of Marta Olivares from “Juan de la Cierva” program (MCIU, Spain) is fully acknowledged. PreventCD consortium is supported by grants from the European Commission (FP6-2005-FOOD-4B-36383–PREVENTCD), the Azrieli Foundation, Deutsche Zöliakie Gesellschaft, Eurospital, Fondazione Celiachia, Fria Bröd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Komitet Badañ Naukowych (1715/B/P01/2008/34), Fundacja Nutricia (1W44/FNUT3/2013), Hungarian Scientific Research Funds (OTKA101788 and TAMOP 2.2.11/1/KONV-20 12-0023), Stichting Coeliakie Onderzoek Nederland (STICOON), Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

More than 10,000 preterm infants have participated in randomised controlled trials on probiotics worldwide, suggesting that probiotics in general could reduce rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and mortality. Answers to relevant clinical questions as to which strain to use, at what dosage, and how long to supplement are, however, not available. On the other hand, an increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics are available from sometimes suboptimal quality. Also, a large number of units around the world are routinely offering probiotic supplementation as the standard of care despite lacking solid evidence. Our recent network meta-analysis identified probiotic strains with greatest efficacy regarding relevant clinical outcomes for preterm neonates. Efficacy in reducing mortality and morbidity was found for only a minority of the studied strains or combinations. In the present position paper, we aim to provide advice, which specific strains might potentially be used and which strains should not be used. In addition, we aim to address safety issues of probiotic supplementation to preterm infants, who have reduced immunological capacities and occasional indwelling catheters. For example, quality reassurance of the probiotic product is essential, probiotic strains should be devoid of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, and local microbiologists should be able to routinely detect probiotic sepsis. Provided all safety issues are met, there is currently a conditional recommendation (with low certainty of evidence) to provide either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 or the combination of Bifidobacterium infantis Bb-02, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 in order to reduce NEC rates.

Ferroelectric tungsten-based Aurivillius oxides are naturally stable superlattice structures, in which A-site deficient perovskite blocks [WnO3n+1]−2 (n=1,2,3,⋯) interleave with fluorite-like bismuth oxide layers [Bi2O2]+2 along the c-axis. In the n=2Bi2W2O9 phase, an in-plane antipolar distortion dominates but there has been controversy as to the ground-state symmetry. Here we show, using a combination of first-principles density functional theory calculations and experiments, that the ground state is a nonpolar phase of Pnab symmetry. We explore the energetics of metastable phases and the potential for antiferroelectricity in this n=2 Aurivillius phase.

Communication between male and female fruit flies during courtship is essential for successful mating, but, as with many other species, it is the female who decides whether to mate. Here, we show a novel role for ovipositor extrusion in promoting male copulation attempts in virgin and mated females and signaling acceptance in virgins. We first show that ovipositor extrusion is only displayed by sexually mature females, exclusively during courtship and in response to the male song. We identified a pair of descending neurons that controls ovipositor extrusion in mated females. Genetic silencing of the descending neurons shows that ovipositor extrusion stimulates the male to attempt copulation. A detailed behavioral analysis revealed that during courtship, the male repeatedly licks the female genitalia, independently of ovipositor extrusion, and that licking an extruded ovipositor prompts a copulation attempt. However, if the ovipositor is not subsequently retracted, copulation is prevented, as it happens with mated females. In this study, we reveal a dual function of the ovipositor: while its extrusion is necessary for initiating copulation by the male, its retraction signals female acceptance. We thus uncover the significance of the communication between male and female that initiates the transition from courtship to copulation.

OBJECTIVES Postoperative bleeding is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients who undergo cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Pediatric patients are especially at risk for adverse effects of surgery and CPB on the coagulation system. This can result in bleeding, transfusions, and poor outcomes. Excessive bleeding unresponsive to blood products can warrant the off-label use of recombinant activated clotting factor VIIa (rFVIIa) and/or anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (FEIBA). Several studies have shown the utility in these agents off-label in patients who have undergone cardiac bypass surgery with acute bleeding episodes that are refractory to blood products. However, data regarding use of these agents in pediatrics are sparse. The purpose of this study is to report the use of rFVIIa and FEIBA in pediatric cardiac surgery patients in our institution. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery patients who received rFVIIa or FEIBA at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta during the study period. RESULTS Thirty-three patients received rFVIIa and 9 patients received FEIBA either intraoperatively or postoperatively for bleeding related to the cardiac procedure. Approximately 13% of rFVIIa patients and 55% of FEIBA patients required repeat doses. There were decreases for all blood products administered after rFVIIa and FEIBA were given. However, the doses used did not correlate with either positive or negative outcomes. Seventeen percent (n = 7) of rFVIIa patients experienced a thrombus and 22% (n = 2) of FEIBA patients experienced a thrombus. CONCLUSIONS Both rFVIIa and FEIBA reduced blood product usage in pediatric patients following cardiac procedures.

Background: While the literature indicates that probiotics are effective for the treatment or prevention of several conditions, data in children specifically focusing on individual probiotic strain...

Objective The objective of this paper is to investigate the utility of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as markers of infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Patients and methods Sixty-nine SLE patients with symptoms and signs of infection proved by culture and/or a favorable response to antibiotics and 69 SLE patients without infection were included. Serum PCT and plasma high-sensitivity CRP were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results SLE patients with infection had a significantly higher level of CRP than those without infection ((median (IQR) 104.5 (25.5–100.9) and 10.3 (5.4–23.1) mg/l, respectively), pConclusion Serum PCT could not differentiate SLE patients with or without bacterial infection in this study, while the utility of CRP as a marker of infection has been confirmed.

This document provides recommendations developed by the ESPGHAN Working Group on Probiotics and Prebiotics on the role of probiotics in the prevention of nosocomial diarrhea in children based on a systematic review of previously completed systematic reviews and of subsequently published randomized controlled trials. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Recommendations were given only if at least 2 randomized controlled trials examined the same probiotic strain. Based on currently available evidence the Working Group recommends using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG if the use of probiotics for preventing nosocomial diarrhea in children is considered.

Laquinimod is currently being tested as a therapeutic drug in multiple sclerosis. However, its exact mechanism of action is still under investigation. Tracking of fluorescently-tagged encephalitogenic T cells during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis, revealed that laquinimod significantly reduces the invasion of pathogenic effector T cells into the CNS tissue. T-cell activation, differentiation and amplification within secondary lymphoid organs after immunization with myelin antigen, their migratory capacity and re-activation within the nervous tissue were either only mildly affected or remained unchanged. Instead, laquinimod directly impacted the functionality of the CNS vasculature. The expression of tight junction proteins p120 and ZO-1 in human brain endothelial cells was up-regulated upon laquinimod treatment, resulting in a significant increase in the transendothelial electrical resistance of confluent monolayers of brain endothelial cells. Similarly, expression of the adhesion molecule activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) and inflammatory chemokines CCL2 and IP-10 was suppressed, leading to a significant reduction in the migration of memory TH1 and TH17 lymphocytes across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Our data indicate that laquinimod exerts its therapeutic effects by tightening the BBB and limiting parenchymal invasion of effector T cells, thereby reducing CNS damage.

Summary The anaerobic, mesophilic and moderately halophilic strain L21-Spi-D4T was recently isolated from the suboxic zone of a hypersaline cyanobacterial mat using protein-rich extracts of Arthrospira (formerly Spirulina) platensis as substrate. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes indicated an affiliation of the novel strain with the Bacteroidetes clade MgMjR-022, which is widely distributed and abundant in hypersaline microbial mats and heretofore comprised only sequences of uncultured bacteria. Analyses of the complete genome sequence of strain L21-Spi-D4T revealed a possible specialization on the degradation of cyanobacterial biomass. Besides genes for enzymes degrading specific cyanobacterial proteins a conspicuous transport complex for the polypeptide cyanophycin could be identified that is homologous to typical polysaccharide utilization loci of Bacteroidetes. A distinct and reproducible co-occurrence pattern of environmental 16S rRNA gene sequences of the MgMjR-022 clade and cyanobacteria in the suboxic zone of hypersaline mats points to a specific dependence of members of this clade on decaying cyanobacteria. Based on a comparative analysis of phenotypic, genomic and ecological characteristics we propose to establish the novel taxa Salinivirga cyanobacteriivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., represented by the type strain L21-Spi-D4T, and Salinivirgaceae fam. nov., comprising sequences of the MgMjR-022 clade.

Food allergy develops as a consequence of a failure in oral tolerance, which is a default immune response by the gut-associated lymphoid tissues to ingested antigens that is modified by the gut microbiota. Food allergy is classified on the basis of the involvement of IgE antibodies in allergic pathophysiology, either as classic IgE, mixed pathophysiology or non-IgE-mediated food allergy. Gastrointestinal manifestations of food allergy include emesis, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dysphagia, food impaction, protein-losing enteropathy and failure to thrive. Childhood food allergy has a generally favourable prognosis, whereas natural history in adults is not as well known. Elimination of the offending foods from the diet is the current standard of care; however, future therapies focus on gradual reintroduction of foods via oral, sublingual or epicutaneous food immunotherapy. Vaccines, modified hypoallergenic foods and modification of the gut microbiota represent additional approaches to treatment of food allergy.

The mammalian neocortex is characterized by a variety of neuronal cell types and precise arrangements of synaptic connections, but the processes that generate this diversity are poorly understood. Here we examine how a pool of embryonic progenitor cells consisting of apical intermediate progenitors (aIPs) contribute to diversity within the upper layers of mouse cortex. In utero labeling combined with single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals that aIPs can generate transcriptionally defined glutamatergic cell types, when compared to neighboring neurons born from other embryonic progenitor pools. Whilst sharing layer-associated morphological and functional properties, simultaneous patch clamp recordings and optogenetic studies reveal that aIP-derived neurons exhibit systematic biases in both their intralaminar monosynaptic connectivity and the post-synaptic partners that they target within deeper layers of cortex. Multiple cortical progenitor pools therefore represent an important factor in establishing diversity amongst local and long-range fine-scale glutamatergic connectivity, which generates subnetworks for routing excitatory synaptic information., Glutamatergic neurons in the mammalian cortex are born from a heterogeneous pool of embryonic progenitors, however, it is unclear how these different progenitors contribute to diversity within the mature cortex. In this study, authors combine in utero progenitor labeling techniques with targeted Patch-Seq methods and high resolution synaptic circuit mapping in the mature mouse cortex to show that intermediate progenitors can generate restricted sets of transcriptomically-defined glutamatergic neurons that have distinct patterns of local and long-range synaptic connections.

To assess the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children.Children younger than 5 years with acute diarrhea, defined as a change in stool consistency to a loose or liquid form and/or an increase in the frequency of evacuations (≥3 in 24 hours), lasting for no longer than 5 days, were eligible for inclusion. Participants (n = 100) were recruited from the pediatrics department of a Polish hospital and randomly assigned to receive L. reuteri in a dose 2 × 10 colony-forming units or placebo, for 5 days, in addition to standard rehydration therapy. The primary outcome measure was duration of diarrhea.Ninety-one of the 100 children randomized were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (L. reuteri n = 44; placebo n = 47). The duration of diarrhea after randomization in both groups was similar (P = 0.6). The groups were also similar with respect to all secondary outcome measures, with one exception. Compared with the placebo group, patients in the L. reuteri group had a shorter duration of hospitalization (P = 0.048). Adverse events were similar in both groups.Among children with acute gastroenteritis who were younger than 5 years of age, L. reuteri compared with placebo, as an adjunct to rehydration therapy, did not reduce the duration of diarrhea; however, it reduced the duration of hospitalization.