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.

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.

Stratification of Gut Microbiota Profiling Based on Autism Neuropsychological Assessments.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Investigations of gut microbiota (GM) play an important role in deciphering disease severity and symptoms. Overall, we stratified 70 ASD patients by neuropsychological assessment, based on Calibrated Severity Scores (CSSs) of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second edition (ADOS-2), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and intelligent quotient/developmental quotient (IQ/DQ) parameters.

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).

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.

Gut Microbiota Ecological and Functional Modulation in Post-Stroke Recovery Patients: An Italian Study.

Ischemic stroke (IS) can be caused by perturbations of the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in the gut microbiota (GM), or dysbiosis, may be linked to several IS risk factors and can influence the brain through the production of different metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indole and derivatives. This study examines ecological changes in the GM and its metabolic activities after stroke.

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.

Identification of far-red light acclimation in an endolithic strain and associated genomic features: Implications for oxygenic photosynthesis on exoplanets.

Deserts represent extreme habitats where photosynthetic life is restricted to the lithic niche. The ability of rock-inhabiting cyanobacteria to modify their photosynthetic apparatus and harvest far-red light (near-infrared) was investigated in 10 strains of the genus , previously isolated from diverse endolithic and hypolithic desert communities. The analysis of their growth capacity, photosynthetic pigments, and -gene presence revealed that only sp.

Marginal adaptation of fixed prosthodontics: a new in vitro 360-degree external examination procedure.

Purpose: This study evaluated the marginal fit of experimental and custom-made fixed prosthetic restorations through a new 360-degree external examination. The minimum number of gap measurements required to produce relevant results for gap analysis was also investigated.

Materials And Methods: The marginal fit of six experimental and eight custom-made crowns was observed microscopically by means of a mechanical device, and software was employed to measure the gap.