Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 and the commensal bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii A2-165 exhibit similar protective effects to induced barrier hyper-permeability in mice.

Impaired gut barrier function has been reported in a wide range of diseases and syndromes and in some functional gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, there is increasing evidence that suggests the gut microbiota tightly regulates gut barrier function and recent studies demonstrate that probiotic bacteria can enhance barrier integrity. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on intestinal barrier function. In vitro results using a Caco-2 monolayer cells stimulated with TNF-α confirmed the anti-inflammatory nature of the strain CNCM I-3690 and pointed out a putative role for the protection of the epithelial function. Next, we tested the protective effects of L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 in a mouse model of increased colonic permeability. Most importantly, we compared its performance to that of the well-known beneficial human commensal bacterium Faecalibacterium prauznitzii A2-165. Increased colonic permeability was normalized by both strains to a similar degree. Modulation of apical tight junction proteins expression was then analyzed to decipher the mechanism underlying this effect. We showed that CNCM I-3690 partially restored the function of the intestinal barrier and increased the levels of tight junction proteins Occludin and E-cadherin. The results indicate L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 is as effective as the commensal anti-inflammatory bacterium F. prausnitzii to treat functional barrier abnormalities.

Patterns in living arrangements and familial support for the elderly in the Philippines.

PIP: This study examined living arrangements of the elderly in the Philippines. Data were obtained from the 1996 Survey on the Near Elderly and Elderly, among a nationally representative sample of 2285 persons aged over 50 years, and 1131 aged over 60 years. Findings indicate that 5.5% of the elderly lived alone, 7.9% lived with a spouse only, and 9.8% lived with persons other than a spouse or children. 28.4% lived with single children, and 28.5% of elderly persons and couples lived with 1 or more ever-married children. 13.4% of persons and couples lived with never- and ever-married children. There were more rural people who lived alone. Among those living alone, a high proportion were separated or divorced women. About 1 in 4 elderly believed that the widowed should live alone. About 1 in 3 believed that a widow should live with a child. About 40% of married persons believed that the best arrangement was living by themselves, even though few did so. The elderly living with a child tended to own the house. 69.2% coresided with a child, and 76.8% coresided or lived next door to a child. Coresidence with a child was unaffected by the number of living children. Coresidence increased with age and was more common among males, married, and urban residents. 28.6% lived with a single son and 21.7% lived with a single daughter. More parents received money from a non-coresident child. The proportion of parents who gave money to children was lower than the proportion who received money from children. 92.5% of the elderly cared for a grandchild. A large proportion of elderly both accepted the concept of homes for the aged and would live in an institutional setting.^ieng

Child care practices of mothers: implications for intervention in acute respiratory infections.

An epidemiological study of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in an urban community showed poor utilization of available health services. This prompted us to undertake this study to identify determinants of child care practices of mothers through a focus group discussion and survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers. The results will form the basis of appropriate health education strategy geared towards control of ARI. They showed that, generally, the mothers were unable to recognize a severe infection. Poor diagnostic ability compounded by a limited knowledge of the appropriate management of varying types or degrees of ARI resulted in inappropriate action. Consequently, there was a high rate of self-medication and a low rate of health service utilization. In addition, there was low compliance with childhood immunizations. With these limitations in the mother's knowledge and practices, an education programme utilizing an informative print material was devised to upgrade the mother's ability to recognize signs of ARI and to improve her management of the condition.