Functional Abdominal Bloating and Gut Microbiota: An Update.

(1) Background: Functional abdominal bloating and distension (FAB/FAD) are common disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Their physiopathology is complex and not completely clarified, although gut microbiota imbalances play a central role. The treatment of FAB/FAD still represents a clinical challenge for both patients and healthcare providers. Gut microbiota modulation strategies might play a crucial role in their management. The aim of this narrative review was to update the current evidence on FAB/FAD, with a focus on gut microbiota. (2) Methods: In October 2023, a review was conducted through the Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases. Selected literature included all available English-edited studies (randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies). (3) Results: Twelve studies were selected, most of which investigated the relationship between IBS and microbiota, with bloating being one of its symptoms. The studies suggest that restoring a balanced microbiome appears to be the most promising solution for better management of FAB/FAD. Targeted approaches, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics such as rifaximin or dietary modifications, may hold the key to alleviating symptoms. Other therapeutic options, such as diet, neuromodulators, and brain-gut behavioral therapies (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy) have shown promising outcomes, but strong data are still lacking. (4) Conclusions: Targeted approaches that focus on the gut microbiota, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics, are essential in managing FAB/FAD. Understanding the complex relationship between gut microbiota and FAB/FAD is crucial for developing effective treatments. Further studies are needed to explore the specific roles of different microbial populations in patients with FAB/FAD to enhance therapeutic strategies.

Ganglion Cell Density and Colonic Microbiome Profile in Pseudo-obstruction Syndrome: A Case Series / Densidad de Células Ganglionares y Perfil del Microbioma Colónico en Síndrome de Pseudoobstrucción: una Serie de Casos

Background: During clinical practice, it has been observed that cases of sigmoid volvulus can develop complications post-treatment corresponding to acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), with the acute form, also known as Ogilvie's syndrome, being more common. The cause and underlying mechanism for the development of these conditions are not fully understood. Although potential causes have been described in other studies, research focused on the status of ganglion cells and the patient's microbiome is limited. This study aims to contribute to the medical literature by examining the ganglion cell content and microbial diversity in six patients diagnosed with acute and chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction observed in patients from the high Andean region of southern Peru. Case Presentation: The common background characterizing and grouping the reported cases is the previous sigmoidectomy for sigmoid volvulus, along with the presence of signs and symptoms of an acute and chronic functional obstructive condition. In all cases, the clinical diagnosis following the treatment of sigmoid volvulus was ACPO or CIPO. These diagnoses were confirmed by abdominal X-ray and tomography. A conservative medical treatment with Neostigmine was initiated. The lack of response to this treatment led to various surgical techniques being performed. Conclusion: All patients presented with hypoganglionosis. According to microbiome analysis, in four of them, the predominant phylum was Firmicutes and the predominant enterotype was Prevotella. In the other two patients, a high percentage of Proteobacteria was observed, with Bacteroides as the predominant enterotype. The average Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was 4.9. Our study shows the existence of bacterial dysbiosis in two patients with colonic hypoganglionosis, which could be related to the pathophysiology of ACPO and CIPO. Additionally, we report alterations in the relative frequency of bacteria associated with flavonoid metabolism.

Antecedentes: Durante la práctica clínica se ha observado que los casos de vólvulo sigmoideo pueden tener complicaciones posteriores a su tratamiento correspondientes al síndrome de pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda (ACPO, por sus siglas en inglés) y crónica (CIPO, por sus siglas en inglés), siendo mucho más frecuente su forma aguda también llamado síndrome de Ogilvie. No se comprende completamente la causa y el mecanismo subyacente al desarrollo de estas condiciones. Aunque se han descrito posibles causas en otros estudios, la investigación enfocada en el estado de las células ganglionares y el microbioma del paciente es limitada. Este estudio tiene como objetivo aportar a la literatura médica el conteo de las células ganglionares y la diversidad microbiana de seis pacientes diagnosticados con pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda y crónica observada en pacientes de la zona altoandina del sur del Perú. Presentación de caso: El antecedente común que caracteriza y agrupa a los casos reportados es la sigmoidectomía previa por vólvulo de sigmoides, junto con la presencia de signos y síntomas de un cuadro obstructivo funcional agudo y crónico. En todos los casos, el diagnóstico clínico posterior al tratamiento de vólvulo sigmoideo fue ACPO o CIPO. Estos diagnósticos fueron confirmados mediante radiografía de abdomen y tomografía. Se inició un tratamiento médico conservador con Neostigmina. La falta de respuesta al tratamiento conllevó a realizar diversas técnicas quirúrgicas. Conclusión: Todos los pacientes mostraron hipoganglionosis. Según el análisis del microbioma, en cuatro de ellos, el filo predominante fue Firmicutes y el enterotipo predominante fue Prevotella. En los otros dos pacientes, se observó un porcentaje elevado de Proteobacterias, con Bacteroides como enterotipo predominante. La relación de Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes promedio fue de 4.9. Nuestro estudio muestra la existencia de disbiosis bacteriana en dos pacientes con hipoganglionosis colónica, que podría estar relacionada con la fisiopatología del ACPO y del CIPO. Adicionalmente, reportamos alteraciones en la frecuencia relativa de bacterias asociadas al metabolismo de flavonoides.

MOREOVER: multiomics MR-guided radiotherapy optimization in locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Complete response prediction in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients is generally focused on the radiomics analysis of staging MRI. Until now, omics information extracted from gut microbiota and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have not been integrated in composite biomarkers-based models, thereby omitting valuable information from the decision-making process. In this study, we aim to integrate radiomics with gut microbiota and ctDNA-based genomics tracking during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS: The main hypothesis of the MOREOVER study is that the incorporation of composite biomarkers with radiomics-based models used in the THUNDER-2 trial will improve the pathological complete response (pCR) predictive power of such models, paving the way for more accurate and comprehensive personalized treatment approaches. This is due to the inclusion of actionable omics variables that may disclose previously unknown correlations with radiomics. Aims of this study are: - to generate longitudinal microbiome data linked to disease resistance to nCRT and postulate future therapeutic strategies in terms of both type of treatment and timing, such as fecal microbiota transplant in non-responding patients. - to describe the genomics pattern and ctDNA data evolution throughout the nCRT treatment in order to support the prediction outcome and identify new risk-category stratification agents. - to mine and combine collected data through integrated multi-omics approaches (radiomics, metagenomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics, human genomics, ctDNA) in order to increase the performance of the radiomics-based response predictive model for LARC patients undergoing nCRT on MR-Linac. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The objective of the MOREOVER project is to enrich the phase II THUNDER-2 trial (NCT04815694) with gut microbiota and ctDNA omics information, by exploring the possibility to enhance predictive performance of the developed model. Longitudinal ctDNA genomics, microbiome and genomics data will be analyzed on 7 timepoints: prior to nCRT, during nCRT on a weekly basis and prior to surgery. Specific modelling will be performed for data harvested, according to the TRIPOD statements. DISCUSSION: We expect to find differences in fecal microbiome, ctDNA and radiomics profiles between the two groups of patients (pCR and not pCR). In addition, we expect to find a variability in the stability of the considered omics features over time. The identified profiles will be inserted into dedicated modelling solutions to set up a multiomics decision support system able to achieve personalized treatments.

In-depth microbiological characterization of urine from subjects with type 2 diabetes.

CONTEXT: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in type 2 diabetes (T2D), affecting quality of life and potentially leading to medication discontinuation. Among various factors contributing to LUTS, recent observations suggest a critical role of the urinary microbiota. Research on urinary dysbiosis in T2D remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a pilot study to investigate differences in the urinary microbiota between T2D patients and healthy individuals and its potential indirect association with LUTS risk. METHODS: This case-control study included 50 patients with T2D and no LUTS, and 25 healthy controls. Microbial DNAs were extracted from urinary sediments and bacterial populations quantified by Real-Time qPCR and qualitatively investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Validation experiments with Digital PCR were also performed. RESULTS: In T2D patients a higher total bacterial load and an increased abundance of Bacillota were found. After stratification by gender, these results were observed only in women. However, no significant quantitative differences were observed at the genus level. Alpha diversity analysis showed no significant differences between T2D and control groups, or by gender. At the species level, a substantial qualitative and often gender-dependent shift was present in T2D individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The urinary microbiome of subjects with T2D was found to be different from that of healthy controls. Specifically, T2D patients displayed higher total bacterial load and Bacillota levels, as well as qualitative changes in bacterial species. These changes suggested a dysbiotic condition of the urinary microbiota of T2D subjects, with some gender-related differences. Although causality cannot be inferred, these findings highlight the impact of T2D on the urinary microbiota and its potential relevance in developing LUTS and, from a broader perspective, metabolic abnormalities.

Septic acute kidney injury and gut microbiome: Should we change our approach?

Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) remained relatively stable over the last decade and the adjusted risks for it and mortality are similar across different continents and regions. Also, the mortality of septic-AKI can reach 70% in critically-ill patients. These sole facts can give rise to a question: is there something we do not understand yet? Currently, there are no specific therapies for septic AKI and the treatment aims only to maintain the mean arterial pressure over 65mmHg by ensuring a good fluid resuscitation and by using vasopressors, along with antibiotics. On the other hand, there is an increased concern about the different hemodynamic changes in septic AKI versus other forms and the link between the gut microbiome and the severity of septic AKI. Fortunately, progress has been made in the form of administration of pre- and probiotics, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), especially acetate, and also broad-spectrum antibiotics or selective decontaminants of the digestive tract in a successful attempt to modulate the microbial flora and to decrease both the severity of AKI and mortality. In conclusion, septic-AKI is a severe form of kidney injury, with particular hemodynamic changes and with a strong link between the kidney and the gut microbiome. By modulating the immune response we could not only treat but also prevent severe forms. The most difficult part is to categorize patients and to better understand the key mechanisms of inflammation and cellular adaptation to the injury, as these mechanisms can serve in the future as target therapies.

What is the relationship between penile cancer and the microbiome? A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: The microbiota is defined as the microorganisms in a particular environment. Conversely, the term microbiome is less firmly defined and is used to reference the habitat. OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between the microbiome and the penile cancer EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed this scoping review according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. We found five articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We focused on oncogenesis and factors that alter the penile microbiome. We were not limited to language or setting. We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and LILACS from inception to the present day. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We found nine studies describing multiple factors that could disturb the microbiome, such as sexual behavior, anatomic alterations including circumcision, and inflammatory factors: lichen sclerosus, poor genital hygiene, compromised immune system, smoking, and HPV infection. CONCLUSION: Overall, knowledge of the composition of the penile microbiota and its role in penile cancer oncogenesis is minimal. PATIENT SUMMARY: Future studies should focus on the relationship between the microbiome and penile cancer to broaden this field of knowledge.

The urogenital microbiome in chronic kidney disease patients on peritoneal dialysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes, dyslipidemia, older age, gender, urinary tract infections, and recent antibiotic intake have been associated with a decrease in the urobiome richness and other fluctuations in this microbiome. Gut and blood microbiome have been reported to be altered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and specifically in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Still, there are currently no studies describing the urogenital microbiome in CKD-PD patients. In this study we characterized the urobiome profile in 46 PD patients and analyzed its clinical and inflammatory parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mid-stream urine, fecal and blood samples were collected from 46 patients undergoing PD at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ) in Porto, Portugal. Exclusion criteria were age under 18 years old, inability to give informed consent, history of infection in the last three months, and antibiotic intake in the last three months. The microbiome communities were analyzed by amplification and sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Correlations with the patients' clinical data and inflammatory profile were performed. RESULTS: CKD-PD patients presented a unique urobiome profile dominated by Bacillota, Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota and characterized by a lower Shannon diversity than fecal and blood microbiome. The taxonomic profiles of urogenital samples were organized in multiple subtypes dominated by populations of Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Gardnerella, Prevotella, Escherichia-Shigella, being similar to other non-PD-CKD patients. Gender, sCD14, residual diuresis and history of peritonitis were significantly associated to variations in the urobiome. Although not reaching statistical significance, diabetes and the time on PD also showed association with particular taxonomic groups. Depletion of Gardnerella, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus or Dermabacter populations correlated with CKD-PD patients with history of diabetes, history of peritonitis and altered levels of sCD14. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight urogenital microbiome as a potential partner and/or marker in the overall health state of CKD-PD patients.

Septic acute kidney injury and gut microbiome: Should we change our approach? / Lesión renal aguda secundaria a sepsis y microbioma intestinal: ¿debemos modificar nuestro enfoque?

Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) remained relatively stable over the last decade and the adjusted risks for it and mortality are similar across different continents and regions. Also, the mortality of septic-AKI can reach 70% in critically-ill patients. These sole facts can give rise to a question: is there something we do not understand yet? Currently, there are no specific therapies for septic AKI and the treatment aims only to maintain the mean arterial pressure over 65mmHg by ensuring a good fluid resuscitation and by using vasopressors, along with antibiotics. On the other hand, there is an increased concern about the different hemodynamic changes in septic AKI versus other forms and the link between the gut microbiome and the severity of septic AKI. Fortunately, progress has been made in the form of administration of pre- and probiotics, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), especially acetate, and also broad-spectrum antibiotics or selective decontaminants of the digestive tract in a successful attempt to modulate the microbial flora and to decrease both the severity of AKI and mortality. In conclusion, septic-AKI is a severe form of kidney injury, with particular hemodynamic changes and with a strong link between the kidney and the gut microbiome. By modulating the immune response we could not only treat but also prevent severe forms. The most difficult part is to categorize patients and to better understand the key mechanisms of inflammation and cellular adaptation to the injury, as these mechanisms can serve in the future as target therapies.(AU)

La incidencia de la lesión renal aguda (LRA) se ha mantenido relativamente estable a lo largo de la última década, con unos riesgos ajustados de padecer y morir a consecuencia de esta enfermedad similares en los distintos continentes y regiones. La mortalidad asociada a la LRA secundaria a sepsis puede llegar a 70% en los pacientes que se encuentran en estado crítico. Estos hechos, por sí mismos, deben llevarnos a plantearnos la siguiente pregunta: ¿se nos escapa algo que aún no comprendemos? Actualmente no se dispone de terapias específicas para la LRA secundaria a sepsis y el tratamiento se centra únicamente en mantener la presión arterial media por encima de los 65mmHg mediante una rehidratación adecuada, vasopresores y antibióticos. Asimismo, cada vez existe mayor interés por las diferentes alteraciones hemodinámicas que se producen en comparación con otras formas de la enfermedad, así como por la relación existente entre el microbioma intestinal y la gravedad. Afortunadamente, se ha avanzado notablemente en la forma en la que se administran los prebióticos y los probióticos, los ácidos grasos de cadena corta (AGCC), especialmente el acetato, los antibióticos de amplio espectro o los detoxificantes selectivos del tracto digestivo, en un intento exitoso de modular la flora microbiana y disminuir tanto la gravedad de la LRA como su mortalidad. En conclusión, la LRA secundaria a sepsis es una forma grave de lesión renal que provoca unos cambios hemodinámicos específicos y en la que se observa una estrecha relación entre la función renal y el microbioma intestinal. La modulación de la respuesta inmunitaria no solo permitiría tratar esta enfermedad, sino también prevenir las formas graves de la misma. La parte más difícil de este enfoque radica en clasificar correctamente a los pacientes y comprender mejor los mecanismos clave de la inflamación y la adaptación celular a la lesión, ya que estos pueden convertirse en futuras dianas terapéuticas.(AU)

The urogenital microbiome in chronic kidney disease patients on peritoneal dialysis / El microbioma urogenital en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en diálisis peritoneal

Introduction and objectives: Diabetes, dyslipidemia, older age, gender, urinary tract infections, and recent antibiotic intake have been associated with a decrease in the urobiome richness and other fluctuations in this microbiome. Gut and blood microbiome have been reported to be altered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and specifically in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Still, there are currently no studies describing the urogenital microbiome in CKD-PD patients. In this study we characterized the urobiome profile in 46 PD patients and analyzed its clinical and inflammatory parameters. Materials and methods: Mid-stream urine, fecal and blood samples were collected from 46 patients undergoing PD at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ) in Porto, Portugal. Exclusion criteria were age under 18 years old, inability to give informed consent, history of infection in the last three months, and antibiotic intake in the last three months. The microbiome communities were analyzed by amplification and sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Correlations with the patients’ clinical data and inflammatory profile were performed. Results: CKD-PD patients presented a unique urobiome profile dominated by Bacillota, Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota and characterized by a lower Shannon diversity than fecal and blood microbiome. The taxonomic profiles of urogenital samples were organized in multiple subtypes dominated by populations of Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Gardnerella, Prevotella, Escherichia-Shigella, being similar to other non-PD-CKD patients. Gender, sCD14, residual diuresis and history of peritonitis were significantly associated to variations in the urobiome. Although not reaching statistical significance, diabetes and the time on PD also showed association with particular taxonomic groups... (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Diabetes, dislipemia, edad avanzada, género, infecciones del tracto urinario y toma reciente de antibióticos, entre otras, se han asociado a una disminución en la riqueza del urobioma y a otras fluctuaciones de dicho microbioma.Recientemente, se han descrito alteraciones en losmicrobiomas intestinal y en sangreen pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y, específicamente, en pacientes en diálisis peritoneal (DP).A pesar de ello, aún no existen estudios que describan el microbioma urogenital en pacientes en DP. En el presente trabajo, caracterizamos el urobioma en 46 pacientes en DP. Pacientes y métodos: Se recogieron muestras de orina (micción espontánea), heces y sangre de 46 pacientes en DP del Centro HospitalarUniversitário de São João en Oporto, Portugal. Los criterios de exclusión fueron edad menor a 18 años, incapacidad para entenderel consentimiento informado, e historia de infección y toma de antibióticos en los últimos 3 meses. Las comunidades microbiológicas fueron analizadas por amplificación y secuenciación de las regiones V3-V4 del 16S rRNA bacteriano. Se realizaron correlaciones con los datos clínicos y el perfil inflamatorio de los pacientes. Resultados: Los pacientes en DP presentaron un urobioma único dominado por Bacillota, Actinomycetota yPseudomonadota, y caracterizado por una menor diversidad de Shannon que los microbiomas en sangre e intestinal. Los perfiles taxonómicos de las muestras urogenitales se organizaron en múltiples subtipos dominados por poblaciones de Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Gardnerella, Prevotella, Escherichia-Shigella, siendo similar al descrito para otros pacientes con ERC no en DP.Género, factor sCD14, diuresis residual yantecedentes de peritonitis se asociaron de forma significativa a cambios en el urobioma... (AU)

Estudio de la microbiota vaginal en los resultados de la terapia de reproducción asistida / Study of the vaginal microbiota in results of assisted reproduction therapies

El microbioma del tracto genital femenino es determinante para mantener un entorno saludable. La microbiota vaginal normal se caracteriza por la abundancia de Lactobacillus, que confieren protección a la vagina huésped contra microorganismos potencialmente patógenos que pueden provocar infecciones del aparato urinario y enfermedades de transmisión sexual. Las alteraciones en la microbiota vaginal por factores intrínsecos, como la edad o el ciclo menstrual, o externos, como la actividad sexual o el embarazo, pueden conducir a un estado de disbiosis microbiana y al desarrollo de enfermedades con efecto perjudicial en la fertilidad. También se ha señalado que la microbiota vaginal puede desempeñar un papel clave en el éxito de las terapias de reproducción asistida. El objetivo de esta revisión es identificar y evaluar los estudios sobre el papel de la microbiota vaginal en la salud de la mujer y la reproducción humana.(AU)

The microbiome of the female genital tract is essential to maintenance a healthy environment. The normal vaginal microbiota is defined by the abundance of Lactobacillus. These microbes confer the host vagina protection from potentially pathogenic microorganisms that may cause urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Changes in the vaginal microbiota due to inherent factors, such as age or menstrual period, or external factors like sexual activity or pregnancy, can lead to microbial dysbiosis and the development of pathologies in relation of reduced rates of conception. It has also been suggested that vaginal microbiota may play a key role in the success of assisted reproductive therapies. The objective of this review is to identify and evaluate trials of the vaginal microbiota role in women's health and human reproduction.(AU)

Effects of increasing soil moisture on Antarctic desert microbial ecosystems.

Overgeneralization and a lack of baseline data for microorganisms in high-latitude environments have restricted the understanding of the microbial response to climate change, which is needed to establish Antarctic conservation frameworks. To bridge this gap, we examined over 17,000 sequence variants of bacteria and microeukarya across the hyperarid Vestfold Hills and Windmill Islands regions of eastern Antarctica. Using an extended gradient forest model, we quantified multispecies response to variations along 79 edaphic gradients to explore the effects of change and wind-driven dispersal on community dynamics under projected warming trends. We also analyzed a second set of soil community data from the Windmill Islands to test our predictions of major environmental tipping points. Soil moisture was the most robust predictor for shaping the regional soil microbiome; the highest rates of compositional turnover occurred at 10-12% soil moisture threshold for photoautotrophs, such as Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Ochrophyta. Dust profiles revealed a high dispersal propensity for Chlamydomonas, a microalga, and higher biomass was detected at trafficked research stations. This could signal the potential for algal blooms and increased nonendemic species dispersal as human activities increase in the region. Predicted increases in moisture availability on the Windmill Islands were accompanied by high photoautotroph abundances. Abundances of rare oligotrophic taxa, such as Eremiobacterota and Candidatus Dormibacterota, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemosynthesis, declined over time. That photosynthetic taxa increased as soil moisture increased under a warming scenario suggests the potential for competition between primary production strategies and thus a more biotically driven ecosystem should the climate become milder. Better understanding of environmental triggers will aid conservation efforts, and it is crucial that long-term monitoring of our study sites be established for the protection of Antarctic desert ecosystems. Furthermore, the successful implementation of an improved gradient forest model presents an exciting opportunity to broaden its use on microbial systems globally.

Efectos del incremento de la humedad del suelo sobre los ecosistemas microbianos del desierto antártico Resumen La sobre generalización y la falta de datos de línea base de los microorganismos en los ambientes de latitudes elevadas han limitado el conocimiento de la respuesta microbiana al cambio climático, la cual es necesaria para establecer marcos de conservación en la Antártida. Para cerrar esta brecha analizamos más de 17,000 variantes de secuencias de bacterias y micro eucariontes de las regiones híper­áridas de las Colinas Vestfold y las Islas Windmill en el este de la Antártida. Usamos un modelo de gradiente de bosque extendido para cuantificar la respuesta de múltiples especies a la variación de 79 gradientes edáficos y así explorar los efectos del cambio y la dispersión eólica sobre las dinámicas comunitarias bajo las tendencias proyectadas de calentamiento. También analizamos un segundo conjunto de datos de la comunidad del suelo de las Islas Windmill para probar nuestras predicciones de los principales puntos de inflexión ambiental. La humedad del suelo fue el pronóstico más sólido para la composición del microbioma del suelo regional; las tasas más altas de rotación composicional ocurrieron con el 10­12% de humedad del suelo para los fotoautótrofos, como Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, y Ochrophyta. Los perfiles de polvo revelaron una alta tendencia de dispersión para Chlamydomonas, una microalga, y detectamos una biomasa más alta en las estaciones de investigación con tráfico. Esto podría significar un potencial para el brote de algas y un incremento en la dispersión de especies no endémicas conforme las actividades humanas incrementan en la región. El incremento pronosticado de la humedad disponible en las Islas Windmill estuvo acompañado de una abundancia elevada de fotoautótrofos. Hubo una declinación con el tiempo en la abundancia de taxones raros, como Eremiobacterota y Ca. Dormibacterota, las cuales tienen un papel importante en la síntesis química de la atmósfera. Que exista un incremento de taxones fotosintéticos junto con el incremento de la humedad del suelo bajo un escenario de calentamiento sugiere un potencial de competencia entre las estrategias primarias de producción, y por lo tanto un ecosistema con más factores bióticos, si es que el clima se vuelve más templado. Un mejor entendimiento de los detonadores ambientales ayudará a los esfuerzos de conservación, además que es importante que se establezca el monitoreo a largo plazo de nuestros sitios de estudio para la protección de los ecosistemas del desierto de la Antártida. Más aún, la implementación exitosa de un modelo de gradiente de bosque mejorado representa una oportunidad emocionante para ampliar su uso en los sistemas microbianos de mundo.

Lung Microbiota and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Neonatal Period.

The lung microbiota is a complex community of microorganisms that colonize the respiratory tract of individuals from, or even before, birth. Although the lungs were traditionally believed to be sterile, recent research has shown that there is a diversity of bacterial species in the respiratory system. Knowledge about the lung microbiota in newborns and its relationship with bacterial infections is of vital importance to understand the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases in neonatal patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. In this article, the current evidence on the composition of the lung microbiota in newborns will be reviewed, as well as the risks that an altered microbiota can impose on premature newborns. Although advances in neonatal intensive care units have significantly improved the survival rate of preterm infants, the diagnosis and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia has not progressed in recent decades. Avoiding dysbiosis caused by inappropriate use of antibiotics around birth, as well as avoiding intubation of patients or promoting early removal of endotracheal tubes, are among the most important preventive measures for ventilator-associated pneumonia. The potential benefit of probiotics and prebiotics in preventing infectious, allergic or metabolic complications in the short or long term is not clearly established and constitutes a very important field of research in perinatal medicine.

Exploring the Perspective of Oral Microbiome Studies in PubMed Database: A Bibliometric Appraisal.

This research aims to postulate an exhaustive sketch of the current research background on the oral microbiome to emphasize prevailing research trends. On November 25, 2023, a digital exploration was conducted on the PubMed platform. The search strategy employed was- '(Microbiome, Microbiota, Microorganisms, Bacteria, Virus, Fungi) AND (Oral, Dental, Saliva, Plaque, Gingival Crevicular Fluid)'. Inclusive criteria comprised review articles, clinical trials, and meta-analyses. The Biblioshiny app and VOSviewer software were used to create and visualize bibliometric maps for network, thematic, and factorial analyses. The PubMed database search unveiled 215,068 published research studies on the oral microbiome, indicating a fluctuating publication pattern with an all-embracing mounting trajectory. Notably, there was a substantial increase in publications in 2020 and 2021, succeeded by a marked decline in 2022 and 2023. Sichuan University and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences emerged as the most prolific contributors among organizations and relevant sources. Keyword analysis revealed a research emphasis on the COVID-19 pandemic and the SARS-CoV-2 virus since 2019. Thematic mapping categorized key terms into motor, primary, niche, and emerging themes. The emerging terms identified are viral immunogenicity, antibodies, and vaccines, which support the revelation that COVID-19 and related terms will be the most pertinent subjects in oral microbiome studies in the future. Factorial analysis delineated the relationships between topics and subtopics in this domain.

No viable bacterial communities reside in the urinary bladder of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis.

Urinary microbial diversities have been reported in humans according to sex, age and clinical status, including painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC). To date, the role of the urinary microbiome in the pathogenesis of PBS/IC is debated. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a chronic lower urinary tract disorder affecting cats with similarities to PBS/IC in women and represents an important problem in veterinary medicine as its aetiology is currently unknown. In this study, the presence of a bacterial community residing in the urinary bladder of cats with a diagnosis of FIC was investigated. Nineteen cats with clinical signs and history of FIC and without growing bacteria in standard urine culture were included and urine collected with ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. Bacterial community was investigated using a culture-dependent approach consisted of expanded quantitative urine culture techniques and a culture-independent approach consisted of 16S rRNA NGS. Several methodological practices were adopted to both avoid and detect any contamination or bias introduced by means of urine collection and processing which could be relevant due to the low microbial biomass environment of the bladder and urinary tract, including negative controls analysis. All the cats included showed no growing bacteria in the urine analysed. Although few reads were originated using 16S rRNA NGS, a comparable pattern was observed between urine samples and negative controls, and no taxa were confidently classified as non-contaminant. The results obtained suggest the absence of viable bacteria and of bacterial DNA of urinary origin in the urinary bladder of cats with FIC.

Gut microbiome as a key monitoring indicator for reintroductions of captive animals.

Reintroduction programs seek to restore degraded populations and reverse biodiversity loss. To examine the hypothesis that gut symbionts could be used as an indicator of reintroduction success, we performed intensive metagenomic monitoring over 10 years to characterize the ecological succession and adaptive evolution of the gut symbionts of captive giant pandas reintroduced to the wild. We collected 63 fecal samples from 3 reintroduced individuals and 22 from 9 wild individuals and used 96 publicly available samples from another 3 captive individuals. By microbial composition analysis, we identified 3 community clusters of the gut microbiome (here termed enterotypes) with interenterotype succession that was closely related to the reintroduction process. Each of the 3 enterotypes was identified based on significant variation in the levels of 1 of 3 genera: Clostridium, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia. The enterotype of captive pandas was Escherichia. This enterotype was gradually replaced by the Clostridium enterotype during the wild-training process, which in turn was replaced by the Pseudomonas enterotype that resembled the enterotype of wild pandas, an indicator of conversion to wildness and a successful reintroduction. We also isolated 1 strain of Pseudomonas protegens from the wild enterotype, a previously reported free-living microbe, and found that its within-host evolution contributed to host dietary adaptation in the wild. Monitoring gut microbial structure provides a novel, noninvasive tool that can be used as an indicator of successful reintroduction of a captive individual to the wild.

Microbiomas intestinales como indicadores clave de monitoreo para la reintroducción de animales cautivos Resumen Los programas de reintroducción buscan restaurar las poblaciones degradadas y revertir la pérdida de la biodiversidad. Realizamos un monitoreo metagenómico intensivo durante más de diez años para caracterizar la sucesión ecológica y la evolución adaptativa de los simbiontes intestinales de pandas reintroducidos en la naturaleza y así comprobar la hipótesis de que estos simbiontes pueden usarse como indicadores de una reintroducción exitosa. Recolectamos 63 muestras fecales de tres individuos reintroducidos y 22 de nueve individuos silvestres y usamos 96 muestras disponibles al público de otros tres individuos cautivos. Mediante el análisis de la composición microbiana identificamos tres grupos comunitarios del microbioma intestinal (denominados como enterotipos) con una sucesión entre enterotipos relacionada cercanamente al proceso de reintroducción. Identificamos cada uno de los tres enterotipos con base en la variación significativa en los niveles de uno de los tres géneros: Clostridium, Pseudomonas, y Escherichia. El enterotipo de los pandas cautivos fue Escherichia. A este enterotipo lo reemplazó gradualmente el enterotipo de Clostridium durante el proceso de adaptación a la naturaleza, y a su vez fue reemplazado por el enterotipo de Pseudomonas similar al de los pandas silvestres, un indicador de la conversión a la vida silvestre y de una reintroducción exitosa. También aislamos una cepa de Pseudomonas protegens del enterotipo silvestre, un microbio reportado previamente como de vida libre, y descubrimos que su evolución dentro del hospedero contribuyó a que este se adaptara a la naturaleza de la dieta. El monitoreo de la estructura microbiana intestinal proporciona una herramienta novedosa y no invasiva que puede usarse como indicador del éxito de la reintroducción de un individuo cautivo a la naturaleza.

Composição da microbiota intestinal durante a gestação e puerpério em mulheres com diferentes intensidades de sintomas depressivos / Composition of Gut Microbiota During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Women with Varying Degrees of Depressive Symptoms

Os sintomas depressivos durante a gravidez e o período pós-parto (PP) são prevalentes e podem ter implicações profundas para o bem-estar materno e infantil. Evidências emergentes sugerem que a microbiota intestinal pode desempenhar um papel na regulação do humor. Este estudo explora a relação entre a composição da microbiota intestinal e os sintomas depressivos em mulheres grávidas e no pós-parto com diferentes intensidade de sintomas. Foram recrutadas gestantes que faziam acompanhamento nos hospitais HCFMUSP e HU- USP. A partir do preenchimento do questionário de Escala de Edimburgo as participantes foram triadas para os grupos de sintomas ausentes ou leves (AL) e sintomas graves ou moderados (MG). Para a análise de microbiota, as participantes forneceram amostras de fezes em três momentos diferentes. Uma no terceiro trimestre de gestação (G) e duas no período pós-parto. A primeira amostra deste período foi coletada durante a internação do pós-parto (P1), e a segunda durante a consulta de retorno um mês após o parto (P2). A composição da microbiota intestinal foi analisada usando técnicas de sequenciamento de alto rendimento e os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCC) foram quantificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). Análises bioinformáticas e estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando os softwares QIIME 2 (2022.2) e R (4.3.1) para identificar possíveis associações entre a composição da microbiota intestinal e a gravidade dos sintomas depressivos. Os resultados indicam que a familia Enterobacteriacea aparece com maior abundância nas mulheres do grupo MG, especialmente durante o período P1 (p<0,05) e que há uma diminuição significativa (p<0,05) de sintomas depressivos nas participantes do grupo MG desde sua triagem até o fim do acompanhamento do estudo, indicando que conduta terapêutica está sendo eficaz. Apesar de não ter sido estabelecida diferença estatística na abundância relativa da microbiota entre os grupos durante a gestação e nos índices de alfa e beta diversidade entre grupos e entre os períodos, é possivel observar uma tendência de mudança de microbiota ao longo do tratamento com aumento do gênero Bifidobacterium, diminuição da familia Enterobacteraceae e é possivel observar uma aparente correlação inversa entre a diminuição da intensidade de sintomas depressivos e o aumento da abundância dos gêneros Bifidobacterium e Clostridium, além do aumento das concentrações de AGCC. Em conclusão, a composição da microbiota intestinal parece ser influenciada pela gravidade dos sintomas depressivos em mulheres grávidas e no pós-parto. Pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para explorar a relação entre a microbiota intestinal e a depressão perinatal e determinar as implicações clínicas dessas descobertas para a saúde materna e infantil.

Depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period (PP) are prevalent and can have profound implications for maternal and infant well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in mood regulation. This study explores the relationship between gut microbiota composition and depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women with different symptom severities. A cohort of pregnant women were recruited from HCFMUSP and HU-USP. Participants completed standardized depression assessment tools and were allocate in groups of absent or mild depressive symptoms (AL) and moderate or severe depressive symptoms (MG) and provided stool samples in three different time periods. One at the third gestation trimester (G) and two at the postpartum period. The first sample from this period was collected during postpartum hospitalization(P1), and the second during the onemonth postpartum follow-up appointment (P2). Their gut microbiota composition was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing techniques and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) for quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed using softwares QIIME 2 (2022.2) and R (4.3.1) to identify potential associations between gut microbiota composition and depressive symptom severity. Findings that the Enterobacteriaceae family appears more abundantly in women of the MG group, especially during period P1 (p<0.05), and that there is a significant decrease (p<0.05) in depressive symptoms among the participants of the MG group from their screening to the end of the study follow-up, suggesting that the therapeutic approach is effective. Although no statistical differences in alpha and beta diversity indices were established between groups and across periods, it is possible to observe a trend of microbiota change during the treatment, with an increase in the Bifidobacterium genus, a decrease in the Enterobacteriaceae family, and an apparent inverse correlation between the reduction in the intensity of depressive symptoms and the increased abundance of the Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Dorea genera, as well as an increase in the concentrations of SCFAs. In conclusion, composition of gut microbiota appears to be influenced by the severity of depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women. Further research is warranted to explore links between gut microbiota and perinatal depression and to determine the clinical implications of these findings for maternal and infant health

Insuflación rectal con ozono en infecciones intestinales / Rectal Insufflation with Ozone in Intestinal Infections

Introducción: Las infecciones intestinales se relacionan con trastornos del sistema inmune y de la microbiota intestinal. Pueden ser recurrentes y producir otras alteraciones intestinales y sistémicas, que empeoran con la terapia antimicrobiana. La ozonoterapia ha sido usada en el tratamiento de infecciones intestinales. Objetivos: Recopilar información sobre los efectos biológicos, terapéuticos y la seguridad de la administración del ozono por insuflación rectal en el tratamiento de las infecciones intestinales. Métodos: Para la búsqueda de información se empleó el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Se consultaron artículos en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO de la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud. Además, se realizó una búsqueda general en los idiomas español e inglés, a partir de los artículos más relevantes acerca del estudio. Se utilizaron como palabras clave: infecciones, insuflación, microbioma gastrointestinal, ozono como términos más concretos. En el estudio no se aplicó ninguna restricción acerca del ámbito geográfico ni de la edad. Conclusiones: La aplicación rectal de ozono es segura, tiene acciones biológicas y terapéuticas útiles para tratar las infecciones intestinales. Actúa como inmunomodulador y protector de la microbiota intestinal, lo que permite enfrentar esta problemática de salud desde el punto de vista preventivo, curativo y de rehabilitación de los daños causados, tanto por los gérmenes como por los efectos de los antibióticos(AU)

Introduction: Intestinal infections are related to disorders of the immune system and intestinal microbiota. They can be recurrent and produce other intestinal and systemic alterations, which worsen with antimicrobial therapy. Ozone therapy has been used in the treatment of intestinal infections. Objectives: To compile information on the biological, therapeutic effects and safety of the administration of ozone by rectal insufflation in the treatment of intestinal infections. Methods: Google Scholar search engine was used for searching information. Articles were consulted in PubMed and SciELO databases of the Virtual Health Library. In addition, a general search was carried out in Spanish and English, based on the most relevant articles about the study. The keywords used were infections, insufflation, gastrointestinal microbiome, ozone as more specific terms. No restrictions on geographic area or age were applied in the study. Conclusions: The rectal application of ozone is safe, it has useful biological and therapeutic actions to treat intestinal infections, acting as an immunomodulator and protector of the intestinal microbiota, which allows us to face this health problem from a preventive, curative and rehabilitation point of view of the damage caused, both by germs and by the effects of antibiotics(AU)

Body Composition Evaluation and Clinical Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk in Patients with Phenylketonuria.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide. Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) may be at increased cardiovascular risk. This review provides an overview of clinical and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors, explores the connections between body composition (including fat mass and ectopic fat) and cardiovascular risk, and examines various methods for evaluating body composition. It particularly focuses on nutritional ultrasound, given its emerging availability and practical utility in clinical settings. Possible causes of increased cardiometabolic risk in PKU are also explored, including an increased intake of carbohydrates, chronic exposure to amino acids, and characteristics of microbiota. It is important to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and body composition in patients with PKU. We suggest systematic monitoring of body composition to develop nutritional management and hydration strategies to optimize performance within the limits of nutritional therapy.

[Nutrition and microbiota]. / Nutrición y microbiota.

Introduction: The microbes that reside in our human body make up our microbiota, and their genes are known as the microbiome. The gut microbiota is involved in a wide variety of functions. At present there is considerable evidence indicating that in the last 60 years there has been an important change in the composition of our microbiota. Dietary changes have been shown to have important effects on the microbiota in a very short space of time. The Mediterranean diet pattern causes changes in the microbiota towards a healthier profile. The changes induced by the Mediterranean diet could be explained, to a large extent, by its richness in polyphenols.

Introducción: Los microbios que residen dentro y sobre el cuerpo humano constituyen nuestra microbiota y sus genes se conocen como microbioma. La microbiota del intestino está implicada en una gran variedad de funciones. En el momento actual, hay bastantes evidencias que indican que en los últimos 60 años se ha producido un importante cambio en la composición de nuestra microbiota. Los cambios dietéticos han mostrado tener importantes efectos sobren la microbiota en muy corto espacio de tiempo. El patrón de dieta mediterránea provoca cambios en la microbiota hacia un perfil más saludable. Los cambios que induce la dieta mediterránea podrían explicarse, en gran medida, por la riqueza en polifenoles de la misma.

The Thing (1982): un primer modelo de prediagnóstico para las infecciones y alteraciones de la fisiología / The Thing (1982): A First Prediagnostic Model for Infections and Alterations of Physiology

The Thing / La cosa (El enigma de otro mundo) (1982) de John Carpenter, supone un reto audiovisual para pensar en el descubrimiento de claves para la detección temprana de infecciones hostiles. La búsqueda de técnicas rápidas y sencillas para la resolución de casos supone la diferencia entre la supervivencia y mantenerse en la desconfianza para un grupo que trata de descubrir quienes de ellos están infectados, y no terminar transformados en «otra cosa». Este trabajo permitirá al estudiantado conocer los cambios en el equilibrio homeostático que supondría la relación con los microorganismos de distinta naturaleza presentes en la sangre. (AU)

The Thing (1982) by John Carpenter represents an audiovisual challenge to think about the discovery of keys for the early detection of hostile infections. The search for quick and easy techniques for solving cases means the difference between survival and remaining suspicious for a group that tries to discover which of them are infected, and not end up transformed into «something else». This work will allow the student body to know the changes in the homeostatic balance that the relationship with microorganisms of different nature present in the blood would imply. (AU)