Integration of Urinary Peptidome and Fecal Microbiome to Explore Patient Clustering in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Millions of people worldwide currently suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), requiring kidney replacement therapy at the end stage. Endeavors to better understand CKD pathophysiology from an omics perspective have revealed major molecular players in several sample sources. Focusing on non-invasive sources, gut microbial communities appear to be disturbed in CKD, while numerous human urinary peptides are also dysregulated. Nevertheless, studies often focus on isolated omics techniques, thus potentially missing the complementary pathophysiological information that multidisciplinary approaches could provide. To this end, human urinary peptidome was analyzed and integrated with clinical and fecal microbiome (16S sequencing) data collected from 110 Non-CKD or CKD individuals (Early, Moderate, or Advanced CKD stage) that were not undergoing dialysis. Participants were visualized in a three-dimensional space using different combinations of clinical and molecular data. The most impactful clinical variables to discriminate patient groups in the reduced dataspace were, among others, serum urea, haemoglobin, total blood protein, urinary albumin, urinary erythrocytes, blood pressure, cholesterol measures, body mass index, Bristol stool score, and smoking; relevant variables were also microbial taxa, including Roseburia, Butyricicoccus, Flavonifractor, Burkholderiales, Holdemania, Synergistaceae, Enterorhabdus, and Senegalimassilia; urinary peptidome fragments were predominantly derived from proteins of collagen origin; among the non-collagen parental proteins were FXYD2, MGP, FGA, APOA1, and CD99. The urinary peptidome appeared to capture substantial variation in the CKD context. Integrating clinical and molecular data contributed to an improved cohort separation compared to clinical data alone, indicating, once again, the added value of this combined information in clinical practice.

Recycling composted human feces as biofertilizer for crop production: Assessment of soil and lettuce plant tissue contamination by Escherichia coli and human adenovirus.

Using waste from sewage systems, particularly human excreta, could save resources and increase soil fertility, contributing to nutrient management. However, because of the pathogenic content in human feces, this resource can pose health risks to farmers and consumers. Therefore, this work analyzed the behavior of the microorganisms: Escherichia coli ATCC13706 and human adenovirus (HAdV-2) in the soil and the internal part of the plant tissue during the vegetative stage after applying spiked composted human feces as biofertilizer. In a greenhouse, we simulated the application of the biofertilizer in lettuce cultivation by spiking three concentrations of E. coli (6.58, 7.31, and 8.01 log10 CFU.g-1) and HAdV-2 (3.81, 3.97, and 5.92 log10 PFU.g-1). As a result, we achieved faster decay in soil at higher concentrations of E. coli. We estimated linear decay rates of -0.07279, -0.09092, and -0.115 days, corresponding to T90s of 13.7, 11.0, and 8.6 days from higher to smaller concentrations of E. coli, respectively. The estimated periods for the inactivation of 4 logarithmic units of E. coli bacteria in soil are longer than the cultivation period of lettuce for all concentrations studied. Concerning the bacterial contamination in plants, we found E. coli in the internal part of the leaves at the highest concentration tested during the first three weeks of the experiment. Furthermore, HAdV-2 was found in roots at a stable concentration of 2-2.3 log10 PFU.g-1 in five of the six samples analyzed. Therefore, bacterial infection could pose a risk, even if fresh greens are washed before consumption, especially for short-term cultures. Regarding viral infection, a positive result in the roots after disinfection may pose a risk to root and tubercule vegetables. These discoveries highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive evaluations of hygiene practices in incorporating organic amendments in crops, explicitly aiming to minimize the risk of post-contamination.

[Comparative study on excretion of Shuganning Injection and Scutellariae Radix extract in bile, urine, and feces of rats].

Scutellariae Radix extract is one of the important components in Shuganning Injection. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneously determining five components in Shuganning Injection and Scutellariae Radix extract in bile, urine, and feces of rats, so as to reveal the difference in the excretion process of Shuganning Injection and Scutellariae Radix extract in rats and explore the law of the excretion process of the five components in vivo before and after the compatibility of Scutellariae Radix. Rats were injected with Shuganning Injection and Scutellariae Radix extract(4.2 mL·kg~(-1)), respectively, and the excretion of baicalin, baicalein, oroxylin A, oroxylin A-7-O-ß-D-glucuronide, and scutellarin in bile, urine, and feces of rats in 24 h was observed. The results showed that except for baicalin, the other four index components were excreted as prototype components in a high proportion after intravenous injection of Shuganning Injection and Scutellariae Radix extract in rats, respectively. The excretion of each component was relatively high in urine and less in feces and bile. After the compatibility of Scutellariae Radix extract, the accumulative excretion of five index components in rats all decreased. Among them, the cumulative excretion of baicalein in bile, urine, and feces significantly decreased by 26.67%, 48.11%, and 31.01%. The cumulative excretion of baicalin in bile, urine, and feces decreased significantly by 70.69%, 19.43%, and 31.22%. The result showed that the five index components in Scutellariae Radix extract were mainly excreted by the kidneys, and other components in Shuganning Injection delayed the excretion process and prolonged the residence time. This study is of great significance for elucidating the compatibility rationality of Shuganning Injection.

Evaluation of internal markers in digestibility estimation for sheep and goats.

The objective of this study was to compare the indirect methods of obtaining digestibility with the direct method of total fecal collection to estimate the apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep and goats supplemented with non-protein nitrogen. Five goats and five sheep with no defined racial pattern were used, distributed in two 5 × 5 Latin squares, with split plots, considering the diets as plots and the apparent digestibility determination methodologies as subplots. The diets were composed of buffelgrass hay and the addition, via ruminal infusion, of increasing amounts of nitrogen supplementation in order to gradually raise the CP level of the basal diet in intervals of 2% points, that is, + 2, +4, + 6 and + 8%. Samples of the feeds offered, and the leftovers were collected daily during the five days of collection to determine the nutrient intake, as well as the total collection of feces to determine the apparent digestibility of the nutrients. The amount of fecal dry matter excreted was estimated by the concentration of Indigestible Acid Detergent Fiber (ADFi), Indigestible Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDFi), Indigestible Dry Matter at 244 h (DMi 244 h) and Indigestible Dry Matter at 264 h (DMi 264 h). Among the evaluated markers, DMi 264 h had the lowest accuracy in estimating fecal excretion and nutrient digestibility. For the goat species, the markers ADFi and DMi 244 h proved to be able to adequately predict fecal excretion and digestibility indices, while NDFi stood out for both species. Among the evaluated markers, NDFi is the one that most accurately estimates the nutrient digestibility of the diet for goats and sheep.

Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) Shares Similar Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Alterations with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's Disease (PD).

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is considered as a prodromal stage of synucleinopathies. Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) changes in iRBD and the relationships with synucleinopathies have never been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate fecal SCFA changes among iRBD, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Parkinson's disease (PD), and evaluate their relationships. METHODS: Fecal SCFAs and gut microbiota were measured in 29 iRBD, 42 MSA, 40 PD, and 35 normal controls (NC) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Compared with NC, fecal SCFA levels (propionic, acetic, and butyric acid) were lower in iRBD, MSA, and PD. Combinations of these SCFAs could differentiate NC from iRBD (AUC 0.809), MSA (AUC 0.794), and PD (AUC 0.701). Decreased fecal SCFAs were associated with the common reducing SCFA-producing gut microbiota in iRBD, MSA, and PD. CONCLUSIONS: iRBD shares similar fecal SCFA alterations with MSA and PD, and the combination of these SCFAs might be a potential synucleinopathies-related biomarker. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Seroprevalence and Phylogenetic Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus (Paslahepevirus balayani) in Guinean Pig Population.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted by the fecal route, usually through contaminated water in humans and/or infected animals, especially pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of anti-HEV antibodies in a panel of pig sera and to identify HEV in pig feces in farms. Methodology: The presence of HEV antibodies was tested by an in-house ELISA and a commercial ELISA IDvet. HEV genome was assessed by nested RT-PCR, and then, genotype was identified by sequencing (MinION Nanopore technology). Results: In 2017-2019, the 43% seroprevalence found in Forest Guinea was significantly higher than the 7% found in the Lower region (p < 0.01). Presence of HEV genotype 3c was demonstrated during a secondary study in the Lower region (Conakry) in 2022. Conclusion: The presence of HEV-3c in pigs calls for an evaluation of seroprevalence in human populations and for a HEV genotype human circulation check. Contribution Heading: This study is the first report, to our knowledge, of seroprevalence and characterization of HEV infection in pigs in Guinea.

Differential responses of rumen and fecal fermentation and microbiota of Liaoning cashmere goats after 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester supplementation.

The 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi), a rumen protective methionine, has been extensively studied in dairy cows and beef cattle and has been shown to regulate gastrointestinal microbiota and improve production performance. However, knowledge of the application of HMBi on cashmere goats and the simultaneous study of rumen and hindgut microbiota is still limited. In this study, HMBi supplementation increased the concentration of total serum protein, the production of microbial protein in the rumen and feces, as well as butyrate production in the feces. The results of PCoA and PERMANOVA showed no significant difference between the rumen microbiota, but there was a dramatic difference between the fecal microbiota of the two groups of Cashmere goats after the HMBi supplementation. Specifically, in the rumen, HMBi significantly increased the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria (such as Fibrobacter) compared with the CON group. In the feces, as well as a similar effect as in the rumen (increasing the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group and ASV32), HMBi diets also increased the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria (including Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group). Overall, these results demonstrated that HMBi could regulate the rumen and fecal microbial composition of Liaoning cashmere goats and benefit the host.

Prevalence and duration of SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding in breastfeeding dyads following maternal COVID-19 diagnosis.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in feces of lactating women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their breastfed infants as well as associations between fecal shedding and symptomatology. Objective: We examined whether and to what extent SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the feces of lactating women and their breastfed infants following maternal COVID-19 diagnosis. Methods: This was a longitudinal study carried out from April 2020 to December 2021 involving 57 breastfeeding maternal-infant dyads: 33 dyads were enrolled within 7 d of maternal COVID-19 diagnosis, and 24 healthy dyads served as controls. Maternal/infant fecal samples were collected by participants, and surveys were administered via telephone over an 8-wk period. Feces were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Results: Signs/symptoms related to ears, eyes, nose, and throat (EENT); general fatigue/malaise; and cardiopulmonary signs/symptoms were commonly reported among mothers with COVID-19. In infants of mothers with COVID-19, EENT, immunologic, and cardiopulmonary signs/symptoms were most common, but prevalence did not differ from that of infants of control mothers. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in feces of 7 (25%) women with COVID-19 and 10 (30%) of their infants. Duration of fecal shedding ranged from 1-4 wk for both mothers and infants. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was sparsely detected in feces of healthy dyads, with only one mother's and two infants' fecal samples testing positive. There was no relationship between frequencies of maternal and infant SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding (P=0.36), although presence of maternal or infant fever was related to increased likelihood (7-9 times greater, P≤0.04) of fecal shedding in infants of mothers with COVID-19.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in dogs and cats: Age-related predisposition, symptomatic, and asymptomatic cyst shedding.

Background and Aim: Giardiasis is a protozoal disease that is globally prevalent in dogs and cats. The clinical manifestations vary, but asymptomatic cases have also been reported. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in domestic dogs and cats, characterize the age susceptibility to this disease, and determine the frequency of cases in which cysts are combined with stool changes. Materials and Methods: After centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution (specific gravity = 1.32 g/cm3), feces of dogs (2761) and cats (1579) were examined microscopically. The age of the animals and the presence of coprological stool characteristics such as fecal odor, consistency, presence of mucus, and other pathological impurities were taken into account. Results: G. duodenalis infection rates were 18.2% (215/1182) in dogs aged 1-12 months and 3.8% (60/1579) in dogs older than 12 months. The infection rate was 7.8% (48/615) in cats aged 1-12 months and 3.35% (33/994) in cats aged >12 months. The most frequently observed coprological abnormalities in cyst-positive animals were soft and/or mushy stool and pungent odor. In dogs, the frequency of these symptoms was 24.4% (67/275), 27.6% (76/275), and 36.4% (100/275) for soft stools, mushy stools, and pungent fecal odor, and 37.8% (31/82), 25.6% (21/82), and 19.5% (16/82), respectively. No stool changes were found when G. duodenalis cysts were detected in dogs in 24.7% (68/275) of cases and in cats in 24.4% (20/82). Conclusion: G. duodenalis cysts are reported more frequently in domestic cats and dogs under 12 months of age than in dogs under 12 months of age. The presence of Giardia cysts is usually accompanied by a strong odor of feces and changes in their consistency. It can be concluded that it is necessary to conduct periodic surveillance for apparently healthy dogs and cats to rule out G. duodenalis infection.

Validation of a commercial ELISA kit to measure 11-oxoetiocholanolone in equine and bovine feces.

Feces are a noninvasive and easily collectible matrix that may help determine cumulative hormone metabolite concentrations over medium-to-long times. To date, 11-oxoetiocholanolone, an important metabolite of cortisol, has been measured in equine and bovine feces solely by an in-house enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Therefore, we validated the use of a commercial ELISA kit (11-oxoetiocholanolone ELISA kit; Cayman Chemical), which had been validated on sheep feces and human urine, to measure 11-oxoetiocholanolone in feces from 42 horses and 32 bulls. The ELISA kit had good precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs: 5.8% and 11.2% for equine feces; 9.9% and 11.2% for bovine feces, respectively), analytical sensitivity (0.186 ng/mL for both equine and bovine feces), and accuracy (parallelism and recovery tests) in determining 11-oxoetiocholanolone concentrations in feces from both species. We found ranges of 11-oxoetiocholanolone concentrations of 1-109 ng/g in equine feces and 40-302 ng/g in feces of bulls. The Cayman Chemical ELISA kit offers a simple and accessible means of analysis of 11-oxoetiocholanolone in equine and bovine fecal samples.

Surveillance and Genetic Analysis of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Feces of Wild Birds in Mongolia, 2021 to 2023.

The introduction of novel highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses into Korea has been attributed to recombination events occurring at breeding sites in the Northern Hemisphere. This has increased interest in monitoring and genetically analyzing avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in northern regions, such as Mongolia, which share migratory bird flyways with Korea. AIVs in Mongolia were monitored by analyzing 10,149 fecal samples freshly collected from wild birds from April to October in 2021 to 2023. The prevalence of AIVs in wild birds was 1.01%, with a total of 77 AIVs isolated during these 3 years. These 77 AIVs included hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes H1, H2, H3, H4, H6, H10 and H13 and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes N1, N2, N3, N6, N7 and N8. The most frequently detected subtype combinations were H3N8 (39.0%) and H4N6 (19.5%), although HPAI viruses were not detected. Genetic analysis indicated that theses AIVs isolated from Mongolian samples were closely related to AIVs in wild birds in Korea, including those of Eurasian lineage. These findings indicate the necessity of continuous AIV surveillance and monitoring, as HPAI viruses introduced into Korea may derive from strains in Mongolia.

Short-term treatment with cholestyramine increases long-acting anticoagulant rodenticide clearance from rabbits without affecting plasma vitamin K1 levels nor blood coagulation.

Administration of high dose vitamin K1 (VK1) overcomes coagulopathy and bleeding elicited by acute poisoning with long-acting anti-coagulant rodenticides (LAARs). However, long-term (months) treatment is required due to long LAAR biological half-lives that may lead to poor compliance and recurrent coagulopathy. The half-lives of LAARs are extended by slow metabolism, and similar to warfarin, are thought to undergo enterohepatic recirculation. We now show that treatment with the bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine (CSA) administered concomitantly with VK1 decreases plasma LAAR levels and increases LAAR fecal excretion. Daily CSA treatment for 14 days did not reduce plasma VK1 levels, nor increase prothrombin time. Collectively, these data show that CSA accelerates LAAR clearance from rabbits without adverse effects on VK1 anti-coagulation, and could provide an additional therapeutic option for treatment of LAAR poisoning.

No Child's Play: Under-five Child Feces Management in a Rural Area of Bengaluru Urban District, India.

Background: Inappropriate feces disposal leads to environmental contamination, and increases the risk of exposure to children. We aimed to estimate the proportion of rural households with knowledge and practice of safe management of feces (SMoF) among under-five children and to identify associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight villages in Bengaluru Urban district over 2 months, using a face-validated semi-structured interview schedule. SMoF was defined based on five criteria - defecation site, transport tool, feces disposal, cleaning of transport tool, and hand washing. Results: Out of 320 under-five children surveyed, 15.7% were pre-ambulatory and 84.3% were ambulatory. The majority of the caregivers (92.5%) felt that children should defecate in the latrine and only 23.7% were aware that child feces were more infectious than adult feces. SMoF was only practiced by caregivers of ambulatory children (52.6%). Households with older caregivers (P = 0.01) and those living in a pucca house (P = 0.02) with a latrine inside (P = 0.04) were found to practice SMoF. Children of households that practiced unsafe disposal of child feces experienced more diarrheal episodes (P = 0.04). Caregivers >20 years were found to have better odds of SMoF [20-25 years (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 9.02), 26-30 years (aOR: 12.17), >30 years (aOR: 8.93)] compared to those <20 years. Conclusion: The proportion of households with knowledge and practice of SMoF was low. Awareness of SMoF is essential to reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases and improve sanitation. Our findings also call for awareness building at schools and colleges.

Effect of Positive Deviance Approach on Promotion of Safe Disposal of Child's Feces in Rural Tamil Nadu: A Community-Based Quasi-Experimental Study.

Introduction: Safe disposal of feces is ensured when it is deposited into a toilet, whereas unsafe disposal of child's feces plays a crucial role in disease transmission and environmental pollution. These areas are overlooked by many sanitation promotion interventions. Objective: To determine the effect of positive deviance (PD) approach on safe disposal of child's feces among households who owned a toilet. Materials and Methods: A community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted in the four field practice villages of the Urban Health Training Center, Villupuram, for 18 months. Households who owned a toilet and had a child less than 5 years old were included. After IEC clearance, information was collected from a representative sample of 100 households before intervention and another 100 households after intervention. PD approach was applied for 6 months to promote safe disposal practices in the study villages. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 24). The Chi-square test was used to determine the significance of difference between baseline and endline data. The effect size was calculated to estimate the magnitude of difference between baseline and endline data. Results: Before intervention, only 3% of households disposed the feces into a toilet, while after intervention, almost 38% of households disposed in the toilet (χ2 = 37.39; df = 1; P = 0.001). The effect size (Cramer's V) was found to be 0.43. Conclusion: PD approach demonstrated considerable improvements in safe disposal of child's feces in rural settings. Further, to sustain the behavior change, frequent reinforcement of key messages at frequent intervals needs to be emphasized.

Plasticizing Pregnancy: Microplastics Identified in Expectant Mothers' Feces.

Introduction: Microplastics may be present in food and drinks from various sources, exposing pregnant women to these particles. Consumption of contaminated food can lead to the ingestion of microplastics by pregnant women, potentially causing adverse health effects on the fetus. This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in the stools of pregnant women. Methods: The research was conducted in the Makassar City region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Thirty healthy pregnant women from 2 community health centers, Pattingalloang and Jumpandang Baru, participated in the study. Their stools were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy to detect the presence of microplastics. Result: The analysis revealed the presence of a total of 359 microplastics in the participants' stools, with particle counts ranging from 4 to 21 and sizes ranging from 0.2 to 4.9 mm per 25 g of stool. The polymers identified included Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide/Nylon, Polyethylene Chlorinated, HDPE, and Ethylene Propylene. The amount of microplastics varied significantly among groups with different levels of seafood consumption. Conclusion: Indonesian pregnant women have been exposed to some microplastic polymers.

Variations in milk, udder skin, and fecal microbiota and their relationships with blood metabolites and milk composition in dairy cows.

This study examined the milk, udder skin, feces, and bedding microbiota in a dairy farm. Blood metabolites concentration and milk composition were also determined to examine their relationship with variations in the microbiota. Samples were collected from 10 healthy cows during the summers of 2018 and 2020. Milk protein, fat, and solid-not-fat contents were higher, and blood urea nitrogen and nonesterified fatty acid levels were lower in the 2020 samples. Principal coordinate analysis demonstrated that milk, udder skin, and fecal microbiota were separate groups. Year-to-year differences were distinct for milk and udder skin microbiota; however, the fecal microbiota of the 2018 and 2020 samples were similar. The bedding microbiota grouped with the udder skin microbiota of the 2018 samples. Although nonpathogens found as prevalent taxa in udder skin microbiota were likely to be found as abundant taxa in milk microbiota, selection and elimination occurred during transmission. Network analysis suggested that bacterial taxa of milk, udder skin, and fecal microbiota were unrelated to blood metabolites and milk composition, regardless of pathogens or nonpathogens.

ESBL-Type and AmpC-Type Beta-Lactamases in Third Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacterales Isolated from Animal Feces in Madagascar.

Third generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Enterobacterales are known to be prevalent in Madagascar, with high colonization or infection rates in particular in Madagascan patients. Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have been reported to be the predominant underlying resistance mechanism in human isolates. So far, little is known on antimicrobial resistance and its molecular determinants in Enterobacterales and other bacteria causing enteric colonization of Madagascan wild animals. To address this topic, swabs from 49 animal stool droppings were collected in the Madagascan Tsimanapesotsa National Park and assessed by cultural growth of bacterial microorganisms on elective media. In addition to 7 Acinetobacter spp., a total of 31 Enterobacterales growing on elective agar for Enterobacterales could be isolated and subjected to whole genome sequencing. Enterobacter spp. was the most frequently isolated genus, and AmpC-type beta-lactamases were the quantitatively dominating molecular resistance mechanism. In contrast, the blaCTX-M-15 gene, which has repeatedly been associated with 3GC-resistance in Madagascan Enterobacterales from humans, was detected in a single Escherichia coli isolate only. The identification of the fosfomycin-resistance gene fosA in a high proportion of isolates is concerning, as fosfomycin is increasingly used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In conclusion, the proof-of-principle assessment indicated a high colonization rate of resistant bacteria in stool droppings of Madagascan wild animals with a particular focus on 3GCR Enterobacterales. Future studies should confirm these preliminary results in a more systematic way and assess the molecular relationship of animal and human isolates to identify potential routes of transmission.

An Overview of the Possible Exposure of Infants to Microplastics.

Microplastics are small plastic pieces with sizes less than 5 mm. They are becoming a global concern due to the potential risk to human health. The potential risks of microplastics may be greater for infants because they do not have sufficiently developed metabolizing enzymes, have less ability to remove microplastics, and have highly sensitive target organs. Infants should be breastfed for the first six months of life. Breast milk is considered to be the most complete and suitable source of nutrition. However, if breastfeeding during this period is not possible, it is necessary to use formulas designed for infant initial feeding. Infants may be exposed to higher levels of MPs through infant foods or plastic products. The aim of this study is to describe the possible sources of exposure to microplastics such as the human placenta, plastic feeding bottles, and toys as well as the presence of released microplastics in infant feces, breast milk, and infant formulas. There is still not enough data available for this study area. Therefore, it is necessary to pay increased attention to minimizing the negative effects of microplastics on human health.

Improved Child Feces Management Mediates Reductions in Childhood Diarrhea from an On-Site Sanitation Intervention: Causal Mediation Analysis of a Cluster-Randomized Trial in Rural Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: The WASH benefits Bangladesh trial multi-component sanitation intervention reduced diarrheal disease among children < 5 years. Intervention components included latrine upgrades, child feces management tools, and behavioral promotion. It remains unclear which components most impacted diarrhea. METHODS: We conducted mediation analysis within a subset of households (n = 720) from the sanitation and control arms. Potential mediators were categorized into indicators of latrine quality, latrine use practices, and feces management practices. We estimated average causal mediation effects (ACME) as prevalence differences (PD), defined as the intervention's effect on diarrhea through its effect on the mediator. RESULTS: The intervention improved all indicators compared to controls. We found significant mediation through multiple latrine use and feces management practice indicators. The strongest mediators during monsoon seasons were reduced open defecation among children aged < 3 and 3-8 years, and increased disposal of child feces into latrines. The strongest mediators during dry seasons were access to a flush/pour-flush latrine, reduced open defecation among children aged 3-8 years, and increased disposal of child feces into latrines. Individual mediation effects were small (PD = 0.5-2 percentage points) compared to the overall intervention effect but collectively describe significant mediation pathways. DISCUSSION: The effect of the WASH Benefits Bangladesh sanitation intervention on diarrheal disease was mediated through improved child feces management and reduced child open defecation. Although the intervention significantly improved latrine quality, relatively high latrine quality at baseline may have limited benefits from additional improvements. Targeting safe child feces management may increase the health benefits of rural sanitation interventions.

Metabolomics and Lipidomics Analyses Aid Model Classification of Type 2 Diabetes in Non-Human Primates.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global public health issue characterized by excess weight, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and a progressive increase in insulin resistance. Human population studies of T2D development and its effects on systemic metabolism are confounded by many factors that cannot be controlled, complicating the interpretation of results and the identification of early biomarkers. Aged, sedentary, and overweight/obese non-human primates (NHPs) are one of the best animal models to mimic spontaneous T2D development in humans. We sought to identify and distinguish a set of plasma and/or fecal metabolite biomarkers, that have earlier disease onset predictability, and that could be evaluated for their predictability in subsequent T2D studies in human cohorts. In this study, a single plasma and fecal sample was collected from each animal in a colony of 57 healthy and dysmetabolic NHPs and analyzed for metabolomics and lipidomics. The samples were comprehensively analyzed using untargeted and targeted LC/MS/MS. The changes in each animal's disease phenotype were monitored using IVGTT, HbA1c, and other clinical metrics, and correlated with their metabolic profile. The plasma and fecal lipids, as well as bile acid profiles, from Healthy, Dysmetabolic (Dys), and Diabetic (Dia) animals were compared. Following univariate and multivariate analyses, including adjustments for weight, age, and sex, several plasma lipid species were identified to be significantly different between these animal groups. Medium and long-chain plasma phosphatidylcholines (PCs) ranked highest at distinguishing Healthy from Dys animals, whereas plasma triglycerides (TG) primarily distinguished Dia from Dys animals. Random Forest (RF) analysis of fecal bile acids showed a reduction in the secondary bile acid glycoconjugate, GCDCA, in diseased animals (AUC 0.76[0.64, 0.89]). Moreover, metagenomics results revealed several bacterial species, belonging to the genera Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Clostridium, and Streptococcus, to be both significantly enriched in non-healthy animals and associated with secondary bile acid levels. In summary, our results highlight the detection of several elevated circulating plasma PCs and microbial species associated with fecal secondary bile acids in NHP dysmetabolic states. The lipids and metabolites we have identified may help researchers to differentiate individual NHPs more precisely between dysmetabolic and overtly diabetic states. This could help assign animals to study groups that are more likely to respond to potential therapies where a difference in efficacy might be anticipated between early vs. advanced disease.