Impact of DNA Extraction and 16S rRNA Gene Amplification Strategy on Microbiota Profiling of Faecal Samples.

High-throughput 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing has advanced our understanding of the gut microbiome, but its reliability depends on upstream processes such as DNA extraction and bacterial library preparation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of three different DNA extraction methods (a manual method with an ad hoc-designed pre-extraction phase (PE-QIA), and two automated magnetic bead-based methods (T180H and TAT132H)) and two bacterial library preparation protocols ( and VeriFi) on the 16S rRNA-based metagenomic profiling of faecal samples. T180H and TAT132H produced significantly higher DNA concentrations than PE-QIA, whereas TAT132H yielded DNA of lower purity compared to the others.

Ascending aortic aneurysm and dissection risk: focus on aortic height index.

Objectives: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) commonly occurs with a dilation of the ascending aorta at diameters under the threshold of surgical indication. Aortic diameter/height index (AHI) has been proposed for risk stratification and more accurate prophylactic surgery.

Methods: From January 2001 to November 2023, all patients operated on for AAD at our Institute were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed, calculating the AHI.

Gut Microbial Signatures Associated with Cryptosporidiosis: A Case Series.

spp. are zoonotic protozoan parasites with a global prevalence, with both gastrointestinal and pulmonary involvement. Though symptoms can often be relatively mild, they can become severe and even fatal in children under five, the elderly, and in immunocompromised individuals, making cryptosporidiosis a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in fragile populations.

Functional foods acting on gut microbiota-related wellness: The multi-unit in vitro colon model to assess gut ecological and functional modulation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a functional probiotic cheese (FPC) on gut microbiota (GM), after simulated digestion performed by a multi-unit in vitro colon model (MICODE). Squacquerone-like cheese was produced using the starter Streptococcus thermophilus (control, CTRL), and supplemented with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, which was either subjected to high pressure homogenization (LrH) or not (Lr). Samples were stratified by cheese type, storage time, and colonic fermentation phase.

Pneumonia Severity Is Associated with Taxonomic Shifts in the Respiratory Microbiota.

Pneumonia caused by infection (PCP) is a potentially life-threatening illness, particularly affecting the immunocompromised. The past two decades have shown an increase in PCP incidence; however, the underlying factors that promote disease severity and fatality have yet to be fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that the microbiota of the respiratory tract may play a role in stimulating or repressing pulmonary inflammation, as well as the progression of both bacterial and viral pneumonia.

Beetroot juice intake positively influenced gut microbiota and inflammation but failed to improve functional outcomes in adults with long COVID: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background & Aims: Long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (long COVID) develop in a substantial number of people following an acute COVID-19 episode. Red beetroot juice may have positive effects on multiple pathways involved in long COVID. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the impact of beetroot juice supplementation on physical function, gut microbiota, and systemic inflammation in adults with long COVID.

Correction of Batch Effect in Gut Microbiota Profiling of ASD Cohorts from Different Geographical Origins.

Background: To date, there have been numerous metataxonomic studies on gut microbiota (GM) profiling based on the analyses of data from public repositories. However, differences in study population and wet and dry pipelines have produced discordant results. Herein, we propose a biostatistical approach to remove these batch effects for the GM characterization in the case of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Video Color OCT Angiography for Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization.

Purpose: To investigate the myopic macular neovascularization (mMNV) features on dynamic video color OCT angiography (OCTA) and the diagnostic rate versus the static, 4-segmentations visualization mode.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Participants: Fifty-four patients with mMNV.

A Novel Microbial Dysbiosis Index and Intestinal Microbiota-Associated Markers as Tools of Precision Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Paediatric Patients.

Recent evidence indicates that the gut microbiota (GM) has a significant impact on the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progression. Our aim was to investigate the GM profiles, the Microbial Dysbiosis Index (MDI) and the intestinal microbiota-associated markers in relation to IBD clinical characteristics and disease state. We performed 16S rRNA metataxonomy on both stools and ileal biopsies, metabolic dysbiosis tests on urine and intestinal permeability and mucosal immunity activation tests on the stools of 35 IBD paediatric patients.

An integrative multi-omic analysis defines gut microbiota, mycobiota, and metabolic fingerprints in ulcerative colitis patients.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine with superficial mucosal inflammation. A dysbiotic gut microbial profile has been associated with UC. Our study aimed to characterize the UC gut bacterial, fungal, and metabolic fingerprints by omic approaches.

An Investigation of Metabolic Risk Factors and Gut Microbiota in Unexplained Syncope.

Background: The pathogenesis of many syncopal episodes remains unexplained. Intestinal dysbiosis could be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of syncope due to its connection with the central nervous system via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This pilot study aimed to explore the specific cardiometabolic risk factors and gut microbiota in unexplained syncope (US), compared to other types of syncope, to assess their similarity or verify their different origins.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: gut microbiota composition and the effects of exogenous estrogen administration.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is characterized by estrogen deficiency that significantly impacts metabolic, bone, cardiovascular, mental, and reproductive health. Given the importance of environmental factors such as stress and body composition, and particularly considering the importance of estrogens in regulating the gut microbiota, some changes in the intestinal microenvironment are expected when all of these factors occur simultaneously. We aimed to assess whether the gut microbiota composition is altered in FHA and to determine the potential impact of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) on the gut microbiota.

Ten-Year Experience with Transapical and Direct Transaortic Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement to Address Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Peripheral Vascular Disease.

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) through alternative access routes is indicated in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and diseased peripheral arteries. We analysed and compared the outcome of patients undergoing transapical (TA) and direct transaortic (TAO) TAVR procedures. Methods: Preoperative characteristics, procedural details, and thirty-day outcome of patients undergoing transapical (TA-TAVR group) and direct transaortic (TAO-TAVR group) TAVR procedures were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed.

Cardiac surgery simulation - part 1: Step-by-step David procedure in a preclinical model.

We performed this operation on a preclinical model (porcine heart) that has been positioned and fixed inside a plastic mannequin that simulates the human anatomy. This simulation allows surgical operations to be performed at almost the same depth and orientation at which they would be performed on a patient in an operating room. The preclinical model allows the exact simulation of most of the key movements and steps of major coronary and valve surgery.

Percutaneous Venous Cannulation for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: The Safest and Effective Technique Described Step-by-Step.

The current cardiac surgical landscape, with the expansion of minimally invasive operations, ECMO, and some interventional therapies, requires a thorough knowledge of peripheral cannulation techniques. In particular, venous cannulation may appear trivial and complication-free, but this does not reflect the reality. A venous cannulation which is not perfectly performed can lead to serious life-threatening complications in several steps.

Efficacy of Intraoperative Vein Graft Storage Solutions in Preserving Endothelial Cell Integrity during Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

(1) Introduction: Intraoperative preservation solutions for saphenous vein grafts may influence the endothelial structure and increase the risk of graft failure after coronary surgery. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of three solutions in maintaining the endothelial cell integrity of venous segments. (2) Methods: We tested the efficacy of physiological saline solution (PSS), heparinized autologous blood (HAB) and DuraGraft in preserving the endothelium of vein segments by evaluating the degree of endothelial cell apoptosis.