scholarly journals The Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Children Is Modifiable by the Household Dogs: Impact of a Canine-Specific Probiotic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Carlos Gómez-Gallego ◽  
Mira Forsgren ◽  
Marta Selma-Royo ◽  
Merja Nermes ◽  
Maria Carmen Collado ◽  
...  

The development of the infant gut microbiota is initiated during pregnancy and continued through early life and childhood, guided by the immediate environment of the child. Our aim was to characterize the shared microbiota between dogs and children as well as to determine whether introduction to dogs of a dog-specific probiotic combination modifies the transfer process. We studied 31 children from allergic families with pet dog(s) and 18 control families without a dog. Altogether 37 dogs were randomized for a 4-week period in a double-blind design to receive canine-derived probiotic product containing a mixture of L. fermentum, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus, or placebo. Fecal samples from children and dogs were taken before and after the treatment. Distinctive gut microbiota composition was observed in children with dogs compared to those without a dog, characterized by higher abundance of Bacteroides and short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae. Probiotic intervention in dogs had an impact on the composition of the gut microbiota in both dogs and children, characterized by a reduction in Bacteroides. We provide evidence for a direct effect of home environment and household pets on children microbiota and document that modification of dog microbiota by specific probiotics is reflected in children’s microbiota.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pilotto ◽  
Maria Cristina Rizzetti ◽  
Alberto Lombardi ◽  
Clint Hansen ◽  
Michele Biggi ◽  
...  

AbstractThere are no effective treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty PSP patients underwent a session of sham or real cerebellar rTMS in a crossover design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-s trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with increase in time without falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005), acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Maximilian Jorczyk

<b>Introduction:</b> Macrolides have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that give this class of antibiotics a role that differs from its classical use as an antibiotic, which opens new therapeutic possibilities. <b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of azithromycin in preventing mechanical ventilation (MV)-induced lung injury in very-low-birth-weight preterm neonates. <b>Methods:</b> This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of preterm neonates who received invasive MV within 72 h of birth. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous azithromycin (at a dose of 10/mg/kg/day for 5 days) or placebo (0.9% saline) within 12 h of the start of MV. Two blood samples were collected (before and after intervention) for measurement of interleukins (ILs) and PCR for <i>Ureaplasma</i>. Patients were followed up throughout the hospital stay for the outcomes of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as need for oxygen for a period of ≥28 days of life (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03485703). <b>Results:</b> Forty patients were analyzed in the azithromycin group and 40 in the placebo group. Five days after the last dose, serum IL-2 and IL-8 levels dropped significantly in the azithromycin group. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of death and O<sub>2</sub> dependency at 28 days/death in azithromycin-treated patients regardless of the detection of <i>Ureaplasma</i> in blood. <b>Conclusions:</b> Azithromycin has anti-inflammatory effects, with a decrease in cytokines after 5 days of use and a reduction in death and O<sub>2</sub> dependency at 28 days/death in mechanically ventilated preterm neonates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Yulni Yulni ◽  
Veni Hadju ◽  
Burhanuddin Bahar ◽  
Citrakesumasari Citrakesumasari ◽  
Rahayu Indriasari ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract supplements, Moringa oleifera leaf extract plus royal jelly and placebo on hemoglobin levels in anemic pregnant women. This research is a randomized controlled double blind design study which was conducted in Polombangkeng Utara District, Takalar Regency for 2 months. The subjects of this study were pregnant women with anemia, the majority of which were 20-35 years old, primigravida parity, income less than UMR, unemployment, higher education, pregnancy distance of more than 2 years with p value> 0.05. Then divided into three groups, namely Moringa capsules plus royal jelly (KRJ) (n = 24), Moringa capsules (KTR) (n = 24) and placeco (PLC) (n = 21). Before and after the intervention, measurements of hemoglobin levels were carried out using the Hemocue tool and interviewing the characteristics of the respondents. The results showed that the average Hb level increased from each group (mean SD): KRJ 10.06 ± 0.75 to 11.42 ± 1.23, P = 0.001, KTR 10.40 ± 0.46 to 11.15 ± 0 , 90 P = 0.001 and PLC 10.43 ± 0.42 becomes 11.14 ± 0.88 P = 0.002. but there was no significant difference from the difference in the average increase in Hb levels in the three groups, but there was a tendency that KRJ was superior to the KTR and PLC groups with an increase of 1.36 gr / dl, KTR 0.75 gr / dl and PLC 0.71 gr / dl. So it can be concluded that KRJ is better than KTR and PLC in increasing Hb levels in anemic pregnant women in Takalar Regency.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alev Kural ◽  
Imran Khan ◽  
Hakan Seyit ◽  
Tuba R Caglar ◽  
Pınar Toklu ◽  
...  

Aims: Permanent treatment of morbid obesity with medication or diet is nearly impossible. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming a widely accepted treatment option. This study profiled and compared gut microbiota composition before and after LSG. Methods & results: A total of 54 stool samples were collected from 27 morbidly obese individuals before and after LSG. The gut microbiota was profiled with 16S amplicon sequencing. After LSG, patients demonstrated a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in BMI and an increase in bacterial diversity. An increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was also noticed after LSG. The families Prevotellaceae and Veillonellaceae predominated in preoperative samples but were markedly lowered after LSG. A marked increase in Akkermansia, Alistipes, Streptococcus, Ruminococcus and Parabacteroides was observed after LSG. Conclusion: In addition to lowering BMI, LSG remodeled gut microbiota composition.


2019 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Istas ◽  
Eleanor Wood ◽  
Melanie Le Sayec ◽  
Claudia Rawlings ◽  
Jeeyoung Yoon ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Aronia melanocarpa is a rich source of (poly)phenols. Previous research has demonstrated that these berries may provide cardiovascular health benefits in high-risk populations. However, very few studies have investigated the effects of daily consumption of dietary achievable amounts of the berries in healthy subjects. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aronia berries on vascular function and gut microbiota composition in a healthy population. Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel designed study was conducted in 66 healthy men randomly allocated to consume a (poly)phenol-rich extract (116 mg, 75 g berries), a whole fruit powder (12 mg, 10 g berries), or placebo (maltodextrin) for 12 wk. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), arterial stiffness, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum biochemistry were assessed. Plasma (poly)phenol metabolites were analyzed by LC-MS. Gut microbiota composition was determined via 16S rRNA sequencing in stool samples. Results Consumption of aronia whole fruit and extract powder for 12 wk led to a significant increase in FMD over control of 0.9% ± 0.4% (95% CI: 0.13%, 1.72%) and 1.2% ± 0.4% (95% CI: 0.36%, 1.97%), respectively. Acute improvements in FMD were also observed 2 h after consumption of aronia extract on day 1 (1.1% ± 0.3%, P = 0.003) and 12 wk later (1.5% ± 0.4%, P = 0.0001). Circulating plasma phenolic metabolites increased upon consumption of the aronia treatments. Although no changes were found in gut microbiota diversity, consumption of aronia extract increased the growth of Anaerostipes (+10.6%, P = 0.01), whereas aronia whole fruit showed significant increases in Bacteroides (+193%, P = 0.01). Correlation analysis identified significant associations between changes in FMD, aronia-derived phenolic metabolites, and specific gut microbial genera. Conclusions In healthy men, consumption of aronia berry (poly)phenols improved endothelial function and modulated gut microbiota composition, indicating that regular aronia consumption has the potential to maintain cardiovascular health in individuals at low risk of cardiovascular disease. This trial was registered at CLINICALTRIALs.gov as NCT03041961.


1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 749-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Veselis ◽  
Ruth A. Reinsel ◽  
Vladimir A. Feshchenko ◽  
Marek Wronski

Background The authors evaluated the effects of midazolam, propofol, thiopental, and fentanyl on volunteer participants' memory for words and pictures at equisedative concentrations. Methods Sixty-seven healthy volunteers were randomized to receive intravenous infusions of midazolam (n = 11), propofol (n = 11), thiopental (n = 10), fentanyl with ondansetron pretreatment (n = 11), ondansetron alone (n = 8), or placebo (n = 16) in a double-blind design. Three increasing and then two decreasing sedative concentrations were achieved by computer-controlled infusion in each volunteer. Measures of sedation, memory, and drug concentration were obtained at each target concentration. Drug concentrations were normalized to equisedative effects using both Emax and logistic regression methods of pharmacodynamic modeling. The serum concentrations at 50% memory effect (Cp50s) were determined using four different memory end points. The relative potencies compared with midazolam for memory impairment were determined. Results Equisedative concentrations were midazolam, 64.5 +/- 9.4 ng/ml; propofol, 0.7 +/- 0.2 microg/ml; thiopental, 2.9 /- 1.0 microg/ml; and fentanyl, 0.9 +/- 0.2 ng/ml. The Cp50s for 50% loss of memory for words were midazolam, 56 +/- 4 ng/ml; propofol, 0.62 +/- 0.04 microg/ml; thiopental, 4.5 +/- 0.3 microg/ml; and fentanyl, 3.2 +/- 0.4 ng/ml. Compared with midazolam, relative potencies (with 95% confidence intervals) were propofol, 0.96 (0.44-1.78); thiopental, 0.76 (0.52-0.94); and fentanyl, 0.34 (0.05-0.76). Large effects on memory were only produced by propofol and midazolam. Conclusions At equal sedation, propofol produces the same degree of memory impairment as midazolam. Thiopental has mild memory effects whereas fentanyl has none. Ondansetron alone has no sedative or amnesic effects.


1999 ◽  
Vol 174 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Poyurovsky ◽  
Marina Shardorodsky ◽  
Camil Fuchs ◽  
Michael Schneidman ◽  
Abraham Weizman

BackgroundSerotonin (5-HT): dopamine imbalance may underlie neuroleptic-induced akathisia.AimTo evaluate the efficacy of the 5-HT2 antagonist, mianserin in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.MethodsThirty neuroleptic-treated patients with schizophrenia were randomly allocated in a double-blind design to receive either mianserin (15 mg/day) or placebo for five days. Patients were assessed at baseline and on Days 3 and 5 by the Barnes Akathisia Scale (BARS), as well as by other relevant clinical rating scales.ResultsCompared with the placebo group, the mianserin-treated patients showed a significant reduction in all four BARS subscales by Day 5, with mean reductions in the BARS global score of 9.9% and 52.2%, respectively (P=0.006). Response to treatment (a reduction of at least two points on the BARS global subscale), was noted in six patients (40%) in the mianserin group and only one patient (9.1%) in the placebo group (P=0.04, log odds ratio 2.23).ConclusionsMianserin at a low dose may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with acute neuroleptic-induced akathisia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 2940-2949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariko Hojo ◽  
Takashi Asahara ◽  
Akihito Nagahara ◽  
Tsutomu Takeda ◽  
Kohei Matsumoto ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 180 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanieh-Sadat Ejtahed ◽  
Raul Y Tito ◽  
Seyed-Davar Siadat ◽  
Shirin Hasani-Ranjbar ◽  
Zahra Hoseini-Tavassol ◽  
...  

Objective The increasing prevalence of obesity over the past few decades constitutes a global health challenge. Pharmacological therapy is recommended to accompany life-style modification for obesity management. Here, we perform a clinical trial to investigate the effects of metformin on anthropometric indices and gut microbiota composition in non-diabetic, treatment-naive obese women with a low-calorie diet (LCD). Design Randomized double-blind parallel-group clinical trial Methods Forty-six obese women were randomly assigned to the metformin (500 mg/tab) or placebo groups using computer-generated random numbers. Subjects in both groups took two tablets per day for 2 months. Anthropometric measurements and collection of blood and fecal samples were done at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results Twenty-four and twenty-two subjects were included in the metformin + LCD and placebo + LCD groups, respectively; at the end of trial, 20 and 16 subjects were analyzed. The metformin + LCD and placebo + LCD caused a 4.5 and 2.6% decrease in BMI from the baseline values, respectively (P < 0.01). Insulin concentration decreased in the metformin + LCD group (P = 0.046). The overall fecal microbiota composition and diversity were unaffected in the metformin + LCD group. However, a significant specific increase in Escherichia/Shigella abundance was observed after metformin + LCD intervention (P = 0.026). Fecal acetate concentration, but not producers, was significantly higher in the placebo + LCD group, adjusted for baseline values and BMI (P = 0.002). Conclusions Despite the weight reduction after metformin intake, the overall fecal microbiota composition remained largely unchanged in obese women, with exception of changes in specific proteobacterial groups.


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